...To tell the whole Truth and nothing but...

It's been almost 11 days! I am sorry it's been so long, and I must confess that it's been about the same amount of time since I ran. :( Oops. No promises, but I'll try to get back into it tomorrow!

I opened my Bible tonight and just started praying that God would lead me somewhere in His Book that would give me inspiration for what to write. After flipping for a bit, I came across the last verse of the last chapter of James.

It's unfortunate, but I think a common problem with sharing the Word of God, His love and faithfulness and grace, is the sense of worry we get for the relationship, whatever it may be, we have with this person. We're nervous that they will label us as "Bible-thumpers," that they'll laugh at us, or avoid us from that point on. I think it is easy to let those reasons stop us from sharing the source of our joy and contentment with them.

It is easy to let the devil ruin what God wants us to do. James reminds us of why we have to push through his schemes.

"remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." (James 5:20 NIV)

Can you remember who you were before you gave your life to Christ? Would you agree that it was a good change for you? Have you heard that it was good for your believing friends, too? Do you believe in your heart that it would be a good change for everyone? If you answered yes to all of those questions, you have the motivation, and personal experience to make your witness compelling. If you truly speak from your heart and allow God to speak through you, God's plan will be played out.

Sometimes, you'll be able to see a light turn on in their head as the sign that they're beginning to understand and want to learn more. Sometimes they'll cry and then you'll cry happy tears with them. (I had this happen one night in my dorm with my roommate. :) I'll never forget it). Sometimes they'll agree to go to a Bible study or worship service with you.

Sometimes though, it won't go that well. Sometimes, people will just change the subject because they become uncomfortable. Sometimes, in that case, it's the right thing to press on and try to find the source of their discomfort. Sometimes, it won't be the right thing. Still, the seed was planted. Not everyone you witness to will pray for Christ to enter their heart right then. But some will want to.

Even though witnessing is uncomfortable to begin with, it is important to have these 'God-conversations' with our friends, strangers, whoever God presents to us. Even if the end result is just that now that friend knows our savior's name, it will be a gain for God. We might not be the ones that convince them to take that final/beginning step toward a joyous, eternal life in communion with Him. It might just be our job to plant the initial seed.