Why Don't You?
- Why Don't You Talk About The Sermon? (1)
- Go on a short-term mission trip? (2)
- Serve On A Camp (3)
- Why don't you practise hospitality? (5)
- Why Don't You Sing Carols? (6)
- Why Don't You Give Generously? (7)
- Why Don't You Consider Professional Counselling? (9)
- Why Don't You Memorise Scripture? (10)
- Why Don't You Tell Someone About Jesus? (11)
- Why Don't you Enjoy Christmas? (12)
Reading through accounts of amazing feats accomplished, battles fought and won, spectacular events witnessed and experienced by the Lord’s people, we’d be right in thinking ‘I could never do that…’
I can assure you that I’d be no good at fighting a giant; I’d be useless trying to keep my footing in a raging storm; and I’d be terrified at the thought of telling lies and hiding ‘spies’. What’s more, I’d probably run a mile if my musical contribution helped to bring down a city wall! But the wonderful thing is, God doesn’t ask us to do the impossible or the amazing alone.
God has set before us a race that is uniquely ours; not our husband’s, our wife’s, our neighbour’s or our pastor’s. The challenges and opportunities this race brings are ours, and God will equip us accordingly. Have you ever looked around at our brothers and sisters and thought, ‘I could never do what they do?’ That’s ok because God hasn’t asked you to. Have you ever seen others facing unbelievable persecution and thought, ‘I could never cope with that?’ That’s ok because you don’t need to. God has given them the grace to cope with their situation.
Telling ‘his’ story
However, there is something that we should all do without exception. In fact, God has commanded us to do it. It’s not easy and can be slightly terrifying, but it’s wonderful, and it’s a part of who we are and whose we are.
Always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear (1 Pet. 3:15).
We all have a unique story to tell, which is ‘his’ story. God has given us a heart, a tongue, and hopefully, a burden for those who don’t know him. We can, with his help, use these to reach out and tell the most wonderful story of all, that Christ Jesus came into the world to rescue those who are lost.
How do we do this? By praying, by being available, by listening, by being a good friend, and by acknowledging our total and utter dependence on God.
Where do we do it? Anywhere.
When? Whenever we have the opportunity.
How? Lovingly, graciously and winsomely, as though their lives depended on it – because they do!
Qualifications required? A love for our Saviour. An ache for a desperately sad and hurting world. A desire to see folk grasp with both hands the best news we could ever give them.
Why? It’s what our Lord has commanded, and it should be the greatest desire of our hearts.
I’m hearing a lot about ‘bucket lists’ these days and people wanting to do things that count while they have time. Yet, however exhilarating a skydive is, however breathtaking the Seven Wonders of the World are, I can think of nothing that compares with personally experiencing someone’s journey from death to life as the Lord opens their hearts and they grasp the message of the gospel.
Why don’t you step out with that life-changing good news? With the Lord’s help, you can do it. It will bless and encourage you. It will be the means of rescue as another soul enters the kingdom, and it will bring honour to our Lord Jesus Christ.
What’s the worst that could happen? They reject you and your message of hope? Well, you’re in good company. They also rejected the One whose message you are sharing!
Why don’t you do what you think you can’t? You will realise that with God’s help, you can!
