l feel that the topic of impacting people for the kingdom of God keeps coming up again and again. Truthfully, it will not go away until either we are not here anymore, or Jesus has returned. Until that time, we have an assignment to fulfill. People need to both hear about and experience the love of Jesus.
It comes down to not being so absorbed in what we were doing that we miss someone that needs what we have to offer. These individuals may not necessarily say that they are lonely or lost, but their expression speaks of what is unsaid. When someone goes out of their way to engage with you, then this is an opportunity. The opportunity may not be long, but it can be impactful.
Yesterday, we started our road trip out west that when completed will see us having driven just about 5,000 miles, and although we only have a few hundred miles covered, we had 4 encounters that are worth noting.
Three of those encounters had the individuals seeking us out. By this I mean that they presented themselves to us, asking questions, and engaging in conversation. The fourth, and last individual, was someone that God brought to our attention.
With this man we had very little conversation, actually nothing more than a nod, but there was great need all over him that God spotlighted. For him, we were able to pray as the Holy Spirit led us when he had walked away. With this particular man, I could not help but to think how many people would cross the road to get away from him. He did not appear to have anything that anyone would want, and yet God loves him.
Sometimes people just want to have conversation, and they will use even a small commonality to open the door. Once the door is opened, we then have the opportunity to speak life and love.
A woman in a Starbucks was in desperate need of conversation, and so she came to me. We had a few minutes together where she shared some interesting things going on in her life. It was enough for God to use the time. She was smiling when I left, and already engaging someone else reading a book. I gave her what I had to offer, attention and words of kindness.
One man approached my husband about our vehicle, and was content to talk shop. Another approached, and once he knew we loved Jesus he made a quick exit. No matter! Jesus can do the rest. We planted the seed when we spoke the Name above all names.
I have shared so often about having eyes to see. In fact, you will remember that just the other day it was about what, when, where, and who.
This trip is for rest, for fun, but most importantly it is about kingdom encounters. We are open to being the hands and feet of Jesus, so stay tuned. More to come!
1 John 3:18 CSB Little children, we must not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth.
Luke 10:36-37 NLT “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man attacked by bandits?” The man replied,” The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”