Last Thursday was one of the worst/best days of my life. Work was stressful and busy. Everything that would normally not bother me was like taking a cheese grader to my frayed nerves. I stayed later at work than I wanted to because every Thursday we have evangelism. My team and I go into Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge and share the bridge illustration of the gospel. If I had my will be done instead of God's will, I would not have gone into Gatlinburg to share. I was frustrated and annoyed and didn't have the right attitude. It is testament to God's power that my heart was completely melted and softened that night. We were praying before we left so that always helps get into the right mind set but I still wasn't super excited to be going out. I got to be paired up with Kayla Anderson and that was exciting. I shared with a woman named Emily first. She didn't seem super interested but at least she let me share the gospel. Kayla shared with a woman named Penny and it was great! Kayla did such an awesome job presenting the gospel in a way that was easy to understand but challenging to the spirit. Penny was really thankful that Kayla shared and said that she had things to think about now.
So at this point we had about 20 minutes left but I still felt like there was still work to do. I hadn't accomplished what God had for me that night. I knew it had to do with young girls. In the weeks before, I was using older people as a crutch. I knew that girls my age can judge, can make fun of so easily and I figured that old people would take pity on the young college girl sharing the gospel. I was afraid to approach young girls but I KNEW without a doubt that I was going to have an opportunity to break my crutch and follow in obedience. I was TERRIFIED!! I didn't want to have to make that choice. To follow in God's will or to follow in mine. What was I going to do?
We were walking along the sidewalk and Kayla pointed out 2 girls who looked high school age sitting on a wall. I knew it as soon as I saw them. This was it. Was I going to share the gospel and the love of God or was I going to let fear rule my actions? These girls could make fun of me. They could reject Christ. All these doubts just kept going through my mind. But the still whisper that said, "I love them too" just kept repeating. We approached the girls and they seemed really excited for us to share. We sat down and I started to lay out the bridge. I talked and shared and it just seemed that these words and stories from my own life just started flowing out. How was this happening? I hadn't thought about that as an example before. Only by the Spirit were these words coming out of my mouth. I got to share the whole bridge with them and also bits and pieces of my testimony and how God had worked in my life. It became apparent to me throughout the conversation that Hannah was a believer and Bailey was not. We got to talk to Hannah a bit about what it looked like to make Christ the Lord of your life based on what Romans 6:23 says to us:
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.It was really neat. At some point during sharing the bridge, Hannah's older sister Sarah and husband Nathan walked up to us. They were both believers and seemed very excited about us sharing the gospel with the girls. I asked Bailey what she thought of what we had said and if she would be interested in receiving the gift of eternal life. I had never before wanted someone else's salvation so badly. She was so close to receiving the gospel!! I had asked if she had a bible and if she had said no instead of yes, I would have handed her my brand new bible gladly! Bailey needed more time to process her questions but I continue to pray for her and that she will bring her questions to God.
I think that Bailey was one of the most exciting people and events for my whole summer. She completely renewed my desire for evangelism. It showed that even though I was in a bad mood going in, that God could melt this heart of stone and break it for Bailey as God's heart breaks for her. If I had had my will be done, I would not have gone out that night. I would have missed the opportunity that God wanted for both myself and for Bailey, Hannah, Sarah and Nathan; to be encouraged and to have the gospel presented. God doesn't need us in our best form to evangelize; He is the BEST in us; through our weaknesses, his power and glory is shown.
Even though that was only about event since I last blogged, that is enough for one post. I love you guys and will post again soon!!
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