During Evangelism, God took us to a group of people relaxing under a mango tree. As we got closer, we realized that our soon-to-be friends were inebriated.
They eagerly came towards us, giving hugs as they introduced themselves. Some seemed embarrassed to be caught drinking at such an early hour. Some of them began to make excuses for their drinking. I couldn’t help but see a tint of shame and guilt in their eyes.
My spirit did what it knew to do: speak to them with love and offer them as much truth from the Word of God as I thought they could process in their state.
A part of me thought, “this is crazy, Holy Spirit. They won’t understand this if they’ve been drinking.” Knowing my thoughts, the Spirit reminded me of all the times I was drunk yet thirsty for something real and everlasting. I know that even during my years of alcoholism, my spirit longed for Christ.
What the mind can’t comprehend, the spirit could. So even if they didn’t understand everything I said, the Spirit knows the power behind the name of Jesus.
Before we left I prayed for one of the young women there, trying my best to encourage her. She was asking me for a Bible and a job. But all I could provide her with was the love of Jesus Christ.
Finishing up our evangelism for the day I reflected on my parents who prayed so diligently for me. What would have happened if no one prayed for me? What would have happened if people were too uncomfortable to talk to me about Jesus while I was recovering from alcoholism? What would have happened if I didn’t believe that God could ever love a sinner like me?
Jesus came for sinners to bring truth and light in the darkness and to free the oppressed. Evangelism can be uncomfortable at times. But I must welcome the discomfort. It humbles me to know that there’s nothing I can do apart from the power of Christ.
I want my heart to align with His. I trust that He has a purpose for every encounter. I trust that the Spirit of the Lord knows what to do with the seeds of truth that are planted.
Even if the Spirit calls me to just smile, I must smile with all the fullness of joy that I have. Even if He prompts me to offer a hug, I must do so as if it’s the last one I’ll give. Even if it’s a drunk person asking for prayers, I must pray with all my heart to the Heavenly Father who hears me and has the power and mercy to answer prayers.
