A Key to Witnessing

At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 (New American Standard Bible)

Have you ever tried to tell somebody something they were not ready to hear or were not interested in? Maybe they didn’t see their need for what you were suggesting. They might have even resisted to your words. Now while some people may love the challenge of convincing people of certain things, I personally am uncomfortable with the technique. It doesn’t matter what the topic is, I would much rather speak to someone who is already showing interest in what I have to say. It is the difference between a captive audience and a hostile crowd.

It took me decades to realize a truth about witnessing to others about Christ. I had the mistaken idea that it was my job to get them interested, convince them of their need, and somehow “win” the argument. The thought of witnessing was daunting and not the least bit pleasurable. I hated the thought of pressuring someone into something. What I have come to realize is found in today’s verse. Anna spoke to those who were already looking!

This is not to say I shouldn’t be sowing seeds into conversations but I have found joy in asking God to show me when something is said in a conversation that reveals a searching heart. God is the One who prepares the hearts to begin searching for Him. He may use the thought of death, the emptiness of their life, tragedies, or any number of hardships. But something makes its way into their minds and they begin looking for God. We are told in Scripture to be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks a reason for our hope. And people will ask! They will want to know. And when you see that in them the witnessing becomes an experience you will not believe.

The two most significant decisions I made for Christ came not because I was confronted or pressured but because my heart had been made ready to start searching. Both times God had begun working privately in me years before the people who had the answers were brought across my path. When that finally happened I had no trouble receiving their words.

Father, lead me to the ones You have prepared and who are searching for You. I recognize that work because it was true in my own life. Amen.

People Need the Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSN9m1BH4mM&feature=related

Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith!