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I had my faith challenged a little this weekend. Small stuff for sure but enough to make me think.

But that might be getting ahead of myself. Recently I did a daily devotional about dangerous prayers. The idea is to stop praying for safe things like asking God to bless us, or for promotions at work. Not that these are bad but they are relatively safe.

The idea of the dangerous prayer is to ask God difficult things. Like to challenge us, or build us up, or maybe even to use us for HIS will.

So, I did. I prayed “Father, use me for your will. Send me someone to talk to on your behalf.” Which brings us to the story of how I felt challenged.

I was in a thrift store looking for music to add to the radio station. There was a man there looking through the bin across from me. He broke the ice and pointed out a bunch of cd’s by Reba that would be a nearly complete collection if someone were to buy them all.

I said thanks but it wasn’t what I was looking for. This man then proceeded to witness to me for his religion… the spiritual side of yoga. He tried to give me some literature, was taking to me about reincarnation, telling me about the immortality of the soul.

I did my best to counter his claims, but felt I had failed miserably. He rejected everything I said. When I discussed sin and hell, I was told it’s just a scare tactic to get people in church. I could feel myself getting angry almost to the point I wanted to yell at this man. I didn’t think yelling would be appropriate or productive. So I told him the only thing I could think of in that moment. I said, ” I hope his beliefs is correct because if he is I get to try again to get it right. BUT if I am right he is in for a rude awakening. And I am here to tell you I am not wrong.” I walked off and while I was in line to check out I prayed silently that God would soften his heart.

I have had many thoughts about this since then. First and foremost GOD ANSWERES PRAYERS. I didn’t start that conversation he did. I had no hand in that at all except to tell him what I believed. That was a challenge for me. I was in public speaking so him and others could hear me. That is not something I am comfortable doing. I prayed for someone to share my faith with and God delivered.

I faced a fear with God’s help. I couldn’t have stood there and gone through that on my own, and I know it. God was with me in that moment and gave me the strength I needed to get through.

I also realizes I want to be a better witness for Christ. If that man can share his belief in a false religion it should be even easier for me to share the truth.

Looking back on this I don’t think there was any chance of converting this man on the spot. But that isn’t my job. My job/responsibility  is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. It may not have been the most elegant of speech but I KNOW a few seeds were planted that day. Even if it never takes hold with him there were other people listening to our conversation maybe it will fall on fertile soil with them.

I am not sure I handled this situation very well, but I am still growing and learning. I doubt anyone of us ever get anything right the first time. We have to try and then look back and rate how we did. Then we go make changes and try again until we find what works.

I share all of that to say this. If you feel you don’t know enough, it’s fine God can still use you. If you are scared, it is ok. God will be there with you. This isn’t you trying to convince the world they need God. This is you letting go of you and letting God use you so he can reach the lost of this world. Above all else know God speaks we just need to listen.