“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of him
who sent me and to accomplish his work.’”
John 4:34

Interesting things happen when you pay attention and are willing to share the gospel. For instance, yesterday I was talking to a customer’s employee about a business matter. During this conversation, he revealed that he was having significant heart problems. In fact, very serious heart problems. I shared that I had my own brush with death and a little about my story. I asked permission to ask about his faith life. I intended to share the gospel with him.

It turns out he is a born-again Christian but isn’t connected and really isn’t living out his faith. He is a full-time, single father to two young boys. They are worried about losing their dad. Their mother isn’t in the picture. His job is very demanding and takes up a lot of time. He has a lot on his plate.

We talked for a long time about Jesus. It turns out he had a medical miracle happen to him as a child when a woman prayed over him. It was one of those deals that when he was in the operating room, the doctor said, “There’s nothing wrong with him!” Years later, he was baptized. So, he knows what Jesus can do.

We prayed together after the regular conversation – for God’s will and glory. We asked for complete healing, financial provision, comfort and care for his boys, and relief from some of his demands at work. We prayed that God might send godly people into his life, and for his sons, that he might find companionship and encouragement in these difficult times.

If you would, please join me in praying for Larry and his boys.

For me, it was a powerful encounter. It was real. It’s the kind of encounter that is worthwhile. It gives me a reason to be intentional and check in on someone. There is no more shallow conversation after the one we had yesterday. We now know that we are brothers in Christ.

Isn’t this what Jesus has in mind for us?

Here’s the thing. It takes intentionality to have these encounters. Yes, it also takes courage, I suppose. But there is something that comes first. I spent my morning remembering the miracle of my re-birth. I spent time writing about it so that I could share it with you. I spent time diving into scriptures to see how these things are true, that my life is unfolding just as Jesus says it will in the bible he wrote. Quite simply, I immersed myself in Jesus, and he rewarded me with the fruit of the Spirit. And…..when that happens, I’m reminded of one of my favorite images of scripture:

John 6:38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

Here’s the reward. I had a meaningful experience and met an eternal friend. Why? Not so much because I forced myself to share the gospel, but, rather, that I immersed myself in Jesus and let him plot my course for the day. Speaking to Larry about Jesus was as natural to me as anything else. Why? Because God gave me the fruit of the Spirit.

Do you see what I mean? That’s why daily, morning devotionals are so important. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, I say the bread of life is the most important meal of the day. Why not start your day with a heaping helping right off the bat!

Father, encourage your church! Amen.

Copyright © 2019 Scott Powers