C18 George Has Not Believed
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C18 George Has Not Believed
George had heard the Good News about the Rescue, including an example of how to invite Jesus into his life, and a clear challenge that it would be great if he did it now… However, he hadn’t decided yet. What’s next?
We will certainly continue to fight for the people close to us. In various ways we will try again to sensitively bring them closer to living Jesus. However, for the particular Georges „out there“ we need to listen to the Lord as to what extent we should give further care to whom. What to do right now, what tomorrow, what next week, or next month. For some, I will – either in person or at least by text – proactively ask after a few days: „What’s new with Jesus?“ With another George, I don’t take any initiative; only if an obvious opportunity presents itself.
Key principle:
Non-acceptance or rejection must not stop me from sharing the Good News with other people.
Apart from those who are not accepting now, there is no doubt we have people around us who are literally waiting for our Good News! We are looking for such people and usually find them through a series of rejections! It seems that those non-acceptances and rejections cannot be avoided. Jesus, the Apostle Paul, and all others who go out to people have experienced them many times…!
Keep in mind a very important axiom:
Every sharing of the Good News about Jesus is a SUCCESS!
Even if it has not been accepted right now! Every seed of God’s Word sown is a success! Your heart obeying the Lord Jesus is a huge success…
1. I am counting on the fact that George’s rejection may not be final! Even harsh ridicule can soon turn into repentance! That’s happened with Saul of Tarsus. And we have contemporary stories of this type. Jesus is active in people’s lives, even if they do not yet accept Him! So I’ll wait to see what the Lord does with them and what they will do with Him.
2. As for the man in my own circles, I wonder if it is appropriate to expose him to more seeds of God’s Word. Will I invite him to the next Discovery series? Maybe so; but rather not maybe, until two months from now. How about a barbecue with other friends? I’ll tell you straight up, I’ve been letting some of the Georges „sit out there“ for a while…
3. If he didn’t receive the news about Jesus from me, does George have another Christian in his circles who could bring the same basic message to him in a slightly different way?
4. Sometimes I ask directly: „George, WHAT KEEPS YOU from inviting Jesus into your life?“ And sometimes I hear answers that point the next step:
(a) „I don’t know this Jesus enough yet to open my life to Him,“ one said to me. „I appreciate your thoughtfulness. What will you do to get to know Him enough to make a decision? When I made my decision, I didn’t know Him perfectly either. But it worked out well for me to make that decision…“
b) Frequently when asked „what hinders you“ I hear, „I’m wondering what my spouse would say, I don’t want it to interfere with our relationship.“ For younger people, it’s a consideration of „what my parents would say.“ „Tell her what appeals to you about it and what it gives to you. Or what you see in me that it gives to me. Try to formulate that now – I’d love to think with you.“
c) „I’m not ready for that yet…“ another recently replied. „Can you do something to get ready? I’d be happy to help you – because this life with Jesus is a whole different level!“
d) „I’ll tell Jesus myself,“ I heard several times. „And what are you going to tell Him when you are alone? Well, I’ll tell Him to come into my life… to forgive me… and so on…“ „You’ve got that all ready. Tell Him right now – I’d love to be there!“ One such George smiled and composed a beautiful prayer of surrender on the spot.
e) When someone resists – that they’ll leave it for home – I’ll say my favorite, „When you tell Jesus, be sure to text me. I’ll be very interested!“
So if your George doesn’t decide for the Lord Jesus the first time, don’t be discouraged! The road to new conversions around you may lead through a series of rejections. But it is worth it!
Lord Jesus, thank You that every obedient step Your disciples take is a great success, backed by You alone…