God has been teaching me to be obedient. So obedient that I would recognize the sound of His voice. He's been teaching me to listen and to take action whenever He calls. He notifies me whenever He's present through songs, words, eyesight, and my personal thoughts mixed with His. Today, I was on my way to church, rushing because I hate being late for church, and I noticed three men outside on the corner with bottles in their hands. It was only 11 am, yet I assumed it didn't matter to them. The moment I drove by, I felt convicted. My spirit said, "You need to go and invite them to church. You need to have radical faith in Me. Go and invite them to the church that you are going."
¨I realized right then and there that it's not about me, it's always about Jesus. It's about going after people and telling them about Jesus.¨ | I kept the thought at bay and arrived at church. I went into the service, glad that praise and worship was still going on and once again my heart was convicted. Here I am, in the presence of the Lord worshipping and I'm thinking about those three men again. I realized right then and there that it's not about me, it's always about Jesus. It's about going after people and telling them about Jesus. My spirit would not let it go and it seemed to me that it would not be satisfied, and would not rest until I was obedient. |
So I left service with my keys in hand and drove back. My heart was racing and I was sweating. What would be the first words out of my mouth when I approached them? This idea is radical, crazy, perhaps unsafe for a young woman like me. But nonetheless, I stayed obedient. I approached the three men, introduced myself and told them that I was going to church. I invited them to come (it was just down the street) and how much I would love to see them there. | ¨This idea is radical, crazy, perhaps unsafe for a young woman like me.¨ |
¨So called "Hood" people are watching and waiting | The outspoken of the three said, "Thank you for talking to us hood people like that." That made me believe that many people would judge them as "hood" people and only that. But it has also made me realize that they've internalized this name like a brand. Being "hood" is what they see me as so let me sell it. This mindset is limiting and detrimental. This encounter also made me realize that while most people would run away, pass by them or just look, the Jesus in us would run to them and love them for who they are unconditionally. So called "Hood" people are watching and waiting desperately for unconditional love too. |
Although, they didn't come to church that day, at least I was able to plant a seed of them going. I told them that I'll be looking for them in church and gave them a warm smile as I walked away. I went back into the service thanking God for obedience. My spirit was immediately put at ease.
First Published on Shiloh Christian Church Website - https://www.shiloh-christian.com/single-post/2018/03/21/Its-Always-About-Jesus
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