They Went Because They Heard

Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with difficult questions. 2 Chronicles 9:1 (New American Standard Bible)

As many times as I have read the account of the queen of Sheba’s visit to see King Solomon, I missed what led her to that visit. It was because of what she had heard from her own people. Their words and enthusiasm got her attention. Much like how the Samaritan woman’s words to the people of Samaria drew them to see Jesus for themselves. In both cases, it was the talk of others that awoke in both the queen and the Samaritans an urge to become their own eye witnesses.

This has prompted me to ask myself whether or not I talk enough about who God is and what He means to me to get people’s attention in a way that will cause them to want to know Him for themselves. That is the heart of witnessing! But that was not always my thought. I still recall my own ideas about witnessing and why it was so difficult. There were actually a couple of problems.

When I thought of talking to someone about the Lord I envisioned myself grabbing them by the scruff of the neck and cramming Bible verses down their throat! Conversations had to be maneuvered just right and it fell to ME to be the one to convince them to turn to God. Needless to say, it wasn’t something I looked forward to doing or even did very often. It took a long time for me to realize I had it all wrong!

It is not a matter of “cramming” and “convincing”. It is simply a matter of sharing what I know when I know the opportunity is in front of me. No “working” the conversation. God is the One who prepares hearts and God is the One who causes those hearts to search for Him. As I share what I know, God is the One who takes my words and plants them as seeds in the heart of those I talk to. He knows what they are looking for and will give me the words to say in the form of thoughts. It may be in answering a question or adding to a conversation. I have learned to leave the time and the response to Him.

Each time I have been a part of a God-ordained witnessing moment I have walked away in amazement. I marveled at the ease and at what He led me to say. In most cases, I don’t know the end result of the conversation. Eternity will reveal that! But just as in my own salvation experience, many words were spoken before I understood and came to Jesus. I, like you, are always a part of a bigger picture of others coming to know Him.

Father, use me to draw others to Yourself. Let me be a mouthpiece for You! Amen.