Have you ever had something hit you so hard that it took your breath away? I think this will be a day I will look back on for the rest of my life. A couple days ago I had to take my car to get looked at. While at the car shop, I met an old high school friend. Naturally I began to tell him about the journey I will be taking on the world race. I was in my usual cheerful mood and excited to share what I would be doing. In the midst of the conversation an older man overheard the conversation. He joined in and began to give his thoughts on missionaries leaving the country. In short, he began to chastise the church for sending out people to foreign countries to preach the word instead of having more missionaries here in America. I was appalled by this statement and went immediately into a defensive position.
“This man is blind to the ministry that is going on around him,” I thought to myself.
I went on to tell the man of ministries going on all around him that are caring for people and helping those in need. One ministry I mentioned to him was closed down recently because of legal reasons. The ministry helped shelter people in need who are considered outcasts in our culture. It was shutdown though, but the man was doing his best to minister to these people. I went on to tell him ministry was happening in other places around town as we’ll. I told him to look around and see the ministry at work before making such an accusation against the church. After that the man left and the conversation ended.
I went away from the conversation thinking, “I just put this naive man in his place.” He had no right to say what he did. Later on I began to think about the whole conversation and then it hit me…………..like a brick wall.
Why did I get defensive? Why did I begin to defend what was going on in the moment? Yes I may have been correct in what I said, but in light of that I thought to myself, “I could have ministered to that man right then and there.” I could have shown compassion toward him and seen what was going on in his life. Instead, I just told him off with some facts and he went on his way, probably more mad than ever at the church. I lost an opportunity to show Christ’s love to that man and it burns me up inside. I needed to be more aware of those around me. God put this situation right on my heart and it is a firm reminder now.
I took the time to pray for the man that I didn’t even get a name from. I do not know where he is or what he is doing. I pray that God gives him a soft heart and an open heart to be receptive to what God is doing around him. I also prayed that the man find a ministry to be a part of and begin to see the beautiful work God is doing around him. I prayed for forgiveness on how I treated the man with hostility. Then I prayed that God would open my eyes and take from me what I called “selective compassion.” I don’t want to be compassionate for just the people I feel like being compassionate toward, I need to be compassionate for everyone around me.
I tell this story to say, even in the midst of daily life, ministry presents itself everywhere. We, as Christians, need to have open eyes, open ears, and open hearts to where God is leading us. And when we are in those situations, we must take the time to minister to these people. Don’t become defensive, but be open and concerned for where that person is. You never know where they will come from or what they are going through. I personally am praying for God to open my eyes to these opportunities He shows me daily and act in a Christ-like way in them. I want this attitude now, on the world race, and after I return home from the race.
Please join in praying for me on this subject. I pray it for all of you as we’ll. make the most of your opportunities that God has given to you. Do not miss out!
thanks everyone for following me on this journey. I am still short of my deadline in just a few short weeks. I need $1,400 to make that deadline. I want to invite you to join me in making this deadline and following the journey. When you give, you become a part of the journey. I pray you consider joining me in this. I pray God’s blessing over all of you.
