Sharing the gospel is never an easy task. Why do I say that? Sharing the gospel is never just about the task itself. Some of us struggle with the fear of rejection, some others struggle on how to make the gospel culturally relevant and sensitive to the hearers. However, I must testify that God works in marvelous ways. While we may have many weaknesses and inadequacies, God’s strength is always made perfect in them.
Therefore, I hope that as I share this experience with you, it will encourage us not just to be bolder and active in our evangelism efforts, but a greater trust and faith in the Holy Spirit’s leading and empowerment in our lives.
I remember there was this period of time when I was reflecting on my own evangelism efforts during the week. I came to that realisation that I did not have many opportunities to share the gospel to non-believers in my situation. Most of my time has been spent interacting either with the youths from Youth Ministry or my young adult peers. Therefore, I was lamenting to God about my situation. I was telling God, “God, it’s really hard for me to share the gospel to people given my situation. But Lord, I do want to share your good news to the lost. I promise you that if you send someone to me, I will definitely share your gospel of Jesus Christ to him/her.” Actually this was quite a random thought that I had earlier during that week.
However, little did I know that further down the week, God did answer my prayer! It actually happened on a Thursday night when I was going home from a graduation service. It was 11pm at night. While I was crossing the road near my house, I was actually stopped by this stranger whom I have no idea who he is. He asked me whether I was a counselor and asked me regarding certain issues that seem to be troubling him. I was quite shocked then, I mean you do not get strangers coming up to you asking if you are a counselor everyday right? Feeling tired then, I was thinking whether I should just ask for his number and contact him some other day. But then, I was reminded of my promise to God, to share with whomever He sent to me and if God honours my desire, I should honour God’s providence through obedience.
That night, we went down to a HDB void deck where I listen to his sharing. The sharing started with his thoughts and feelings on certain issues in life. While I was hearing, I kept praying, asking God to show me when the right time to bring Jesus Christ into the conversation is. There were a few instances that I wanted to introduce Jesus into the conversation by asking certain questions but he just kept avoiding the topic. I felt really desperate; I wanted to bring him at least one step closer to Christ. While I was talking to him, I kept praying for a breakthrough in the conversation. Sure enough, God did work an opening! And not long later, I was able to share the gospel to this man. Well, by the time we finished talking, it was already 1pm. By the time I reached home I was exhausted. But I do thank God for the opportunity to share to this person.
What I have learnt from this experience is really never to underestimate what God can do. I often take for granted the reality of God and how He still works very evidently today. Just like the people who prayed for Peter to be released in Acts 12, I sometimes do hold that kind of attitude and faith in my prayers. To sum in all up, God has taught me through this experience to be bold and have faith in what He can do. It is really not about my ability to share but the willingness to trust and obey what He commands us to do.
Therefore, I would like to encourage you guys to keep praying for opportunities too. You will be amazed by how God will give you opportunities to share about Jesus Christ and how He will be the one to equip you with the words to speak. Let us trust in the power of the Holy Spirit and never be ashamed of the gospel we profess faith in!
In His grace,
Zhehao
