I had an interesting experience recently that I wanted to share.
My family runs a small retail operation on our farm, and last weekend a man came to buy some things from us for the first time. He was very nice, but had a sadness about him, like he was missing something in his life. Somehow, I knew that I was the one to help him find it. So, I waited for the right time, and it came as he was getting ready to leave. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you go to church anywhere in the area?" I questioned him, politely. "No, actually," he responded, "but I have been thinking about it lately. I grew up in the church, and it seems like I should be getting back to it." he seemed rather open, so I asked if he belived that Jesus was his Savior. He considered the words very carefully, and told me that he really didn't know. I responded that I understood, but that if he was curious, he could ask Jesus to reveal Himself to him, so that he would know for sure. I also told him that Jesus was real, and that He loved him very much.
Even though he seemed so open, I was rather surprised when he began smiling and thanking me profusely (most people don't respond to hearing about Jesus with a lot of enthusiasm). I was so surprised, I told him I wished I knew of a good church I could reccommend, but they are hard to find in the area. "It's ok, God can lead me to the right one" he said happily. Somewhat stunned by his exuberance, I said "Certainly. Besides, it's not the church that saves you. Only Jesus can do that." He thought for a moment, and said "Yes!". A huge smile spread across his face. He thanked me again profusely, and we said our goodbyes (his daughters were waiting impatiently in the car). I went about my chores, content with knowing that I had said everything that was on my mind to say, and had perhaps pointed him in the right direction.
The next morning, while I was brushing my teeth (I'm a very pensive tooth-brusher), a part of the previous day's conversation popped into my mind.
He thought for a moment, and said "Yes!"
Now, I don't know these things, only Jesus can judge. Some would call me a heretic for even implying it. But, could it be, in that moment when he said "Yes!", the gentleman reached out and grasped the Hand that Jesus was extending to him? As I said, I don't know, but in my heart I really think so. What I do know is that when he headed for his car, there was a look of peace and joy on his face that was definitely not there when he arrived at our farm an hour earlier.
I guess I'll know for sure one day, but I'm curious what the rest of you think.
My family runs a small retail operation on our farm, and last weekend a man came to buy some things from us for the first time. He was very nice, but had a sadness about him, like he was missing something in his life. Somehow, I knew that I was the one to help him find it. So, I waited for the right time, and it came as he was getting ready to leave. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you go to church anywhere in the area?" I questioned him, politely. "No, actually," he responded, "but I have been thinking about it lately. I grew up in the church, and it seems like I should be getting back to it." he seemed rather open, so I asked if he belived that Jesus was his Savior. He considered the words very carefully, and told me that he really didn't know. I responded that I understood, but that if he was curious, he could ask Jesus to reveal Himself to him, so that he would know for sure. I also told him that Jesus was real, and that He loved him very much.
Even though he seemed so open, I was rather surprised when he began smiling and thanking me profusely (most people don't respond to hearing about Jesus with a lot of enthusiasm). I was so surprised, I told him I wished I knew of a good church I could reccommend, but they are hard to find in the area. "It's ok, God can lead me to the right one" he said happily. Somewhat stunned by his exuberance, I said "Certainly. Besides, it's not the church that saves you. Only Jesus can do that." He thought for a moment, and said "Yes!". A huge smile spread across his face. He thanked me again profusely, and we said our goodbyes (his daughters were waiting impatiently in the car). I went about my chores, content with knowing that I had said everything that was on my mind to say, and had perhaps pointed him in the right direction.
The next morning, while I was brushing my teeth (I'm a very pensive tooth-brusher), a part of the previous day's conversation popped into my mind.
He thought for a moment, and said "Yes!"
Now, I don't know these things, only Jesus can judge. Some would call me a heretic for even implying it. But, could it be, in that moment when he said "Yes!", the gentleman reached out and grasped the Hand that Jesus was extending to him? As I said, I don't know, but in my heart I really think so. What I do know is that when he headed for his car, there was a look of peace and joy on his face that was definitely not there when he arrived at our farm an hour earlier.
I guess I'll know for sure one day, but I'm curious what the rest of you think.
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