Three years ago, I saw people from my church at a mall telling people about Jesus. I thought, “Wow that’s bold! Glad they’re doing it and not me.” Three years later, I’m in Australia where I’m doing the same thing. It’s now my “job.” (If you could call it a job.)
I’ve never been able to easily walk up to someone and say, “Do you know Jesus?” I’ll boldly pray for healing, be kind, love on people or show Christ in some other way. But going around like Paul, preaching the name of Jesus in the streets isn’t comfortable.
Elaine was a girl on the last squad I had in August. She will walk straight up to someone and say, “Do you know Jesus? He loves you.” Then she would just see where the conversation went from there. I watched her do that over and over again throughout the five months I was with them. We would encourage her and it was great. I would say things like, “Oh I love how Elaine can do that, but that’s not my gifting. I’ll pray for someone and then tell them, but it’s not my thing to do that.”
Then, the first day we did outreach in Byron Bay, I was watching this squad interact with people and Holy Spirit hit me with some pretty heavy conviction.
I was reminded of my testimony and all God has done in my life. How Jesus brought me from loneliness and emptiness to life, joy, and fullness. When I left home for college I felt empty inside. I thought being popular, going out and partying, or having a girlfriend would make me happy and take away the emptiness. But, I always had a restlessness in my spirit.
My last year in college, I allowed Jesus to fully have my life again instead of only a part of it. The transformation was one for the books. I now actually walk in the fullness God has. If I feel lonely, I go to my Papa and I’m comforted by His presence and goodness. I’ve experienced true joy, peace, and love and it’s given me life. I sat there in Byron Bay reflecting on it all.
Then Holy Spirit reminded me of Elaine and me saying, “That’s not my thing.” He then said, “See all I’ve given you? Do you see how much better life is with Me? Why wouldn’t you walk up to someone and ask if they know Me? Don’t you want everyone to walk in the love and peace that I bring?”
I started to tear up. I realized most of the unfamiliar faces passing by me walk in the same emptiness and loneliness I walked in during college. They were lost and looking for life, but no one was telling them the life Jesus brings. They might know about Jesus, but they don’t KNOW him. My heart started racing; these people need to know!!! I always knew it was true, but it wasn’t until this moment the depth and realness of it all sank deeply in my soul. My core was in pain for people.
My role nowadays is to lead and disciple squads out on the field, but they also disciple me. The current squad I’m with is always going up to people and telling them about Jesus. They do it confidently and effortlessly, which has taught me so much. I never thought I’d be an “evangelist” in that sort of way, but God’s opening my heart in new ways.
In the past few weeks I’ve gone up to individuals and shared the gospel more than ever, and time after time I see God speak to people and captivate them. Eyes are shining with how enamored they are with the love and life Jesus brings. It brings me so much joy to see the spiritual revelation Papa brings.
I was a believer who didn’t like to invade people with the gospel. Now, I’m a son who wants everyone to come live with my Dad, because He’s predestined everyone to be His sons and daughters living in His abundant love.
