Praying was easy, but this?
It was too risky, or at least it felt that way.
God was asking me to reach out to someone who might not be interested in what I had to say. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the possibility of being rebuffed.
I also don’t like treading in when I don’t know what to say.
Yet it wouldn’t go away.
So I did it. I wish I could say that, because of my obedience, there was a magical ending to this story.
There wasn’t.
I came away with some insight that will help me to pray. My friend was honest with me. This person didn’t see my words as an invasion of privacy or unwanted, but isn’t ready. . . yet.
So, was it a complete failure?
That’s not how it works. Obeying God, especially when it comes to loving people, isn’t a pass and fail test. We have no idea what God is doing behind the scenes. We have no idea what a person is walking through, or how he or she feels.
All I know is that God loved this one enough to shake me out of my discomfort zone to take a risk. God is calling this beautiful human being back to himself and this person is worth a little discomfort on my part.
Maybe you’ve felt that same nudge.
You feel the Holy Spirit leading you to send a card, or a text, or to show up in person. Maybe you’ve resisted because it all seems so risky.
Let’s redefine that word from “what might happen to us,” to “what God sees that we don’t.”
If you sense God leading you to reach out, start where you are.
Pray for that person.
Pray for the right words to say, and the words to withhold.
Pray not to take it personally if they aren’t ready yet, because sometimes God’s love is steeped into a heart one word and one action at a time.
Today we begin with Chapter 10. Can you believe we are already that deep into this study? It’s all about living your faith as if you believe it is true, and partnering with God to reach a world.
I’d love to hear your story today.
Tell me about the moment that someone reached out and told you about Jesus.
Suzie
- Read Chapter 10
- Watch the video
- Start your discussion with the discussion starter at the end of the video
- Journal your thoughts
- Answer the questions at the end of Chapter 10 in Come With Me
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I was four years old. I went to Good News Club at the the neighbors house across the street. She told me about Jesus. Was it her joy? Was it the flannel board stories? Was it a promise of a relationship with some guy in heaven she called Jesus? I don’t know, but in my red and white checkered knickers I sat crossed legged in her living room, accepted Christ and went home with my new best friend! The one who would hide with me in the closet during frightening times; or when I was ignored; or when my brother left for Vietnam; or just to talk to. That was 56 years ago. This lady, at the age of 80 went to skateboard parks; engaged the baggy pants boys to help her ride the board. While hanging onto them, she talked about Jesus. When at 90 her husband in a NH, she’d walk into rooms and talk about Jesus. She never missed a Tuesday of Good News Club in 60 years. Her name is Betty Dalton. Teaching others from right where she found herself daily. I love Betty. She led me to Jesus!
I love this story. I want to be that lady, except the Suzie version. Praising God for all the “Betty’s” in the world.
So thankful when I can make it to your weekly table. This is such a lovely community!
Michele, I love it when we get to gather together, women who love Jesus and who just want to follow him. : )
Hi Suzie-I so resonated with this as I too have done (and not done) this act of stepping out in the uncomfortable when God prompts. At times, it’s also about the wait or don’t do what I want. Starting where we are means sharing Jesus in the uncomfortable and in the holding back of our own wills and putting His will first. Thank you for sharing your heart with all of us and stepping out when God calls you!
The words in your video are so beautiful, Suzie. Too many times, I feel like I’m not doing enough for the students who regularly gather in our home. Nearly every time they leave, I wonder if I was “intentional” enough w/ them. This gives me hope.
Having primarily grown up in a Christian environment, Jesus was just “always there.” He was a part of our daily conversations, and though I was often given a skewed version of what Christianity was and who God was, I knew that I wanted to follow Him. It wasn’t until my early teen years that He became real to ME, on my own. The first time that I truly felt His presence was in my first youth group in Muskogee, OK. What a powerful experience that was, at a time when I needed it most. That group of people became family to me, and I am eternally grateful. You were a part of me experiencing God in a real way then, Suzie, and have continued to cultivate a picture of what following Jesus should look like. Thank you…. so very much.
Oh, Crystal. Thank you. I love that you continue to love teenagers in such a tangible way. I know it’s not always easy. I know that at times you may question the effectiveness. Rest in the fact that you are changing the world, one teen at a time.
My Husband shared Jesus with me many years ago, during a time in our lives where we could have been broken forever, and I am so grateful to him for sharing His love with me. We have raised our kids in the faith. Recently we became empty nesters, our 20 year our girl left to start a new life in another town. While we were sadden by the move, we know its what’s best for her. Our concern is that she and the other three have fallen away from following Jesus. This chapter has spoken so much, the story you told Suzie of the Lady and her son, brought me to tears, but also gave me hope…I pray for our children daily as my husband does, surrender of them to Jesus has been hard for me, because I want to fix it…but I know that Only He can. Today in the video you said “Jesus rescues, heals, transforms and leads us safely home” We will continue to live our life following our Savior, and continue to pray for our children to be still and open their hearts and minds to hear Jesus calling them, “Come With Me”. I trust You Jesus!!!! on page 179 you write, “Trusting Him in you weakness is living the gospel in its most intimate form. It takes you further than your faith can ever wonder and where your trust is without borders”……thank you Suzie
Oh Anna, I hear your mama’s heart. Lord, let the joy in Anna’s life be so vibrant that it shines a light on the cross. May her children see in her something that they cannot deny. Thank you that a mother’s prayers reach the heart of a loving Savior.
Since She Speaks, God’s been asking me to do something very risky. I’ve been talking through it with my husband and we continue to pray over it every day and are just asking that God helps us through this transition as we prepare for what’s next. The beautiful thing is He has given us peace (as He always does) while we wait for when I can say “yes” to what He’s asked of me. <3 Thanks for the encouragement. Would love to catch up with you sometime!
Suzie,
Oh, yes, that nudge that I try to discount as possibly stomach ache! lol! It really isn’t about the result, though, is it? It’s about the obedience! And Christ will do what He does best and finish what He wills to be.
I wrote about my special someone who shared Jesus with me in our Bible Study group yesterday. I grew up in a believing family, but not in a relationship with Jesus. It was a reverential faith in a God that is up there, not right here with me. My mentor teacher in my final student teaching position was the first person who taught me about a Jesus that is right here. A Jesus that is so much bigger, better, and loving than the one I ever knew.
Thanks so much, Suzie. Your words, your heart, this ministry, and your book(s) bless me so.
Lori