You never know the importance of a conversation, a word spoken or even an event attended. I often watch football on Sunday afternoons but never really think about it being anything but refreshing and a time for me to recharge. However, this Sunday afternoon was different. I watched a great Divisional playoff game just before getting ready for church. Loved how it ended and really enjoyed watching the game. In my mind, game over, event passed and on with my life.
Just a few short minutes later I was at church and getting ready to do my first lesson for 2020 with the younger kids. The first kid I saw was the boy that had driven me about half bonkers last year because no matter what I did, it just didn’t seem as if I could reach him or get him engaged. So, when I saw him I took a deep breath and prayed a simple, small yet very effective prayer. As we gathered for prayer requests, this little guy mentioned that they could take two names off the prayer list because those guys were no longer in the playoffs. My heart filled, and my eyes sparkled with glee. I knew immediately this was my in to this guys mind and hopefully his heart. I said, “Hey, wait.” The way he played today looked like he still needed prayer. His leg was not at full speed and he was much less effective.” My little friend whipped his head around like something out of a horror movie and said, “What did you say?” I calmly answered him and continued with more stats and information from the game. And just like that, instantaneously, we had bonded.
Perhaps, that doesn’t seem important to you. But, my job, as given by God, is to reach these kids with His gospel. I can’t do that if I can’t get them to listen to me or have confidence in me as a person, friend and teacher. He knew I knew about God and was well versed in the scriptures. What he didn’t know was that he and I were much more alike than different. What he didn’t know was that he and I could talk about a similar interest and have lots of fun while we also explored God’s love for him. What I didn’t know was that God really had a plan for my afternoon of football watching.
Now this brings me to my point of this whole post. God will use anything you give to Him to further His kingdom and do His Will. The Gospel is all about God’s love towards man and man must show his love towards others if they are going to reach this lost and dying world!
Mark 16:15, “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Sometimes the whole world is right in front of you.!
Prayer: Lord, please open my eyes to see everyone and everything you put before me. Teach my heart to respond in every situation with your love, grace and wisdom. Lord help me to invest every moment of my life and not to spend them. Take me, my life and my heart and use it for your service.