Yesterday at work, I was unprepared.
A co-worker saw my family's graduation ring, which has II Timothy II:XXII (2:22). She asked what it meant (she couldn't make out what it said) and I told her it was 2 Timothy 2:22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. And then she asked me, "So are you a religious person?" Dumbfounded I answered, "yeah, somewhat, why?" Then she asked me a question, if God loves everyone so much why does he let bad things happen to children? She said, I was sexually abused when I was 12, why did God let it happen? Why does God let children suffer? I was, as I said before, dumbfounded.
I never thought that in a million years this co-worker would ever talk to me about God or anything related. I had worked with her before a few times and well, let's just say it wasn't all that fun.
I was speechless. One, because I was caught off guard. And two, because I honestly didn't 'know' what to say. I answered her question as best I could. But I couldn't give a definite answer.
After this she started asking other questions like, how could Jesus not have sinned? I tried to answer all of her questions. But I feel like I was insufficient, (which I am).
After she had left work I remembered these verses:
1Peter 3:13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
1Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
1Peter 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
1Peter 3:16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
When I first started working at Hardee's I was ready to go and share the Gospel with all of my co-workers. Because my brother Aaron had been working there for about 6 months before I started, and God used him to lead a man he worked with to Salvation (which is an amazing testimony, because according to Aaron, he was one of the worst guys to work with). And there've been several times where I shared the Gospel, debated religions and stuff with fellow employees. But after being there for a while my zeal to witness at work has faded. But God is bringing that fresh zeal back and I'm getting fired up again!
So basically I'm writing this to remind and encourage everyone to be prepared and to always be mission minded. Read your Bible. Be ready to "make a defense" and be able to provide answers to those who are lost. And always be looking for opportunities to witness, whether it be at school (which is one place I'm starting to try and work on), at work, or a complete stranger you meet in the grocery store.
This is definitely where I feel like I'm not good enough. Like I really want to reach out. but always shy away from it.
ReplyDeleteI forget Bible verses easily. which isn't a good thing. but I'm working on it. Thats One reason why my Bible is normally always in my purse =P
But hey, at least maybe you can always witness more to that lady =)
Yeah, I keep one of my Bibles in my car! =P
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy witnessing. If it weren't for the strength God gives me, I wouldn't have done it some of the previous times. But you have to be looking, and asking God for chances. There was one girl I shared the Gospel with (she doesn't work at Hardee's anymore, but I see her every now and then, I remember that every time I knew I was going to work with her I would pray that God would give me the opportunity. And he gave me tons. But I could never get the courage to do it. So I kept praying and asking God for more chances, and more courage, strength, boldness, and the right words. And I finally did. I think it went ok, I felt inadequate then too. To this day, as far as I know, she still isn't saved. But it's God who does the work.
You don't have to worry about the exact places where verses are found, most non-christians don't care to know where it's found, just that the Bible says it.
one more thing
ReplyDelete=P
this is something my mom found awhile ago I though it might =)
It's John Piper book and audio download from his website desiringGod.org. the book is called Suffering in the Sovereignty of God.
hope that helps =)
online book
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/OnlineBooks/ByTitle/2439_Suffering_and_the_Sovereignty_of_God/
online mp3
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByConference/1/
Thanks for the links!
ReplyDeleteYou're Welcome!
ReplyDeleteThat's so neat that God gave you that opportunity. But definitely also a fresh reminder to always be prepared. I'm so glad God used you there, even though you didn't have every verse memorized off the top of your head.
ReplyDeleteWe've been talking about this in caregroup recently. About witnessing and being prepared. I can't say I always feel 'prepared' and it seems like a lot of others felt that way. So maybe, we'll work on it as a caregroup =)
Wow. This really convicts me, because I don't know if I would be ready if someone started asking me questions like that. I'm constantly praying that God will give me a desire to read His Word... and that's another reason why we should: so that we're ready when someone asks questions.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree with BJ. We don't necessarily have to have the references memorized, although it is helpful.
So, yeah. Good post. Good thoughts. Good God. =)