This past weekend my friends and I took a trip to downtown Chicago. We go to school at Trinity Christian, which is about 30 miles south of the city. This weekend was one of our lasts together (we’re graduating this Saturday) so we decided to make the most of it. A couple of my friends planned everything but kept it a surprise. We picked up some cupcakes at Sprinkles, ventured our way to some steps by a waterfall to eat the cupcakes, and then made our way to the Bean.
While we are at the Bean, one of my dear friends came up to me and motioned over towards some guys saying, “What to talk with those guys about Jesus? There’s something about the city that gets me thinking if these people are saved or not.” This wasn’t her first time doing this that night. On the CTA (orange line) she sat down by a guy and started talking about Jesus and what church he attends. When we were at Sprinkles she asked a woman about her tattoo and I wouldn’t be surprised if the conversation was about Jesus. And now here she is asking if I wanted to go with her to these two guys and ask them their thoughts on Jesus.
I was nervous.
I was seriously shaking in my boots.
My passion is talking with children/adolescents about Jesus. I have no idea how to start a conversation with strangers in Chicago about Jesus. I told her, “Sure. But I’m not sure how much I’m going to talk.”
We walked up to the guys – Andy and Nick – and right away she started talking about Jesus. The guys were a little uncomfortable but they didn’t turn us down. The only words that came out of my mouth was when I introduced myself. This friend of mine said the rest.
After we said our good-byes, joined up with our friends, and started walking back to the orange line to head home I started to feel ashamed of myself. Why was I so afraid/nervous to talk to strangers about Jesus? Was I afraid they would turn me down? So what?! Was I afraid they would think I was a Jesus Freak? SO WHAT?! The least I could is plant a seed. And that’s exactly what my friend said when we left those guys – “A seed was planted. A seed was planted.”
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:7
I prayed that God would give me another chance.
And He did.
Minutes after we got on the orange line.
There was a homeless man telling us about his life and singing/beating songs. When he was done he walked around the car asking for money. I thought, “This is that opportunity. This man was talking about Jesus so why not ask him if we could pray for him” Then I started becoming afraid and nervous again and thought it was waaaay out of my comfort zone to ask a stranger on the CTA if he wants prayer. I have never and would never do anything like that! But if I let this man just walk on by to the next car and not say anything to him how disgusted would I be of myself and how would that man’s life be any different?
Before I could think any longer the words just came out – “Could we pray for you instead?” We was excited and did some more talking and singing/beating against the door to a song. Then it came our time to be used by God. He stood in the middle of the aisle and we gathered around him, placing our hands on him and praying that he would be emancipated from what was holding him down and for healing for his mother.
The Holy Spirit was present.
He was there.
I thought this was going to be another night out with my favorites before we head our separate ways, but God has something else planned. He opened my eyes to how much growth and learning I still have before September. And that when I step out of my comfort zone, waaaay out of my zone, I can lean on Him and learn and grow beyond what I can when I stay comfortable.
I am not sure where this man is and how his life is going. One thing I know for sure: I can pray that he is not relying on food and money to get him by, but on the Bread of Life alone.
Thank you, friend, for loving Jesus. Thank you for never being ashamed of telling complete strangers about your faith and love of Jesus. Thank you for challenging me in my faith.
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever come to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35
Grace and peace to all,
Hannah
