How I long for the day when I can have a conversation with my loved ones about what the Lord is doing in our lives! This is something I have prayed for for years, even decades for some of them , yet I am still waiting for this day.
When I was saved in 1995, I tried to persuade my loved ones to receive Jesus. Often, I shared my faith when they were with me. I have tried reasoning, arguing and even begging them to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This didn’t work. Nothing seemed to be working. I was so frustrated.
I learned quickly that I cannot “save”them. Nor can I decide to make them my “project”. Only Jesus can do this and I must be His partner.
Each time I see my loved ones, I always look for a sign that somehow God has broken through to them. Recently, when I don’t notice any change in them it really affected me. At home, I sat in the garage crying bitter tears.
Yup that was me…a woman filled with the Holy Spirit and a gift of faith…sitting in the car, in the dark just balling my eyes out. I began asking the Lord for His help. I knew I needed the support of a small group. So I sought out some dear friends and asked for prayer.
One of the women praying for me had a verse come to mind that she shared with me. Although it’s application was meant for wives, there is a part of this scripture that holds true for evangelizing lost loved ones.
“Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over”
1 Peter 3:1b NLT
Wow! What an encouragement. I’ve been silently loving them for many years. I believe Jesus wanted me to know that He sees what I am doing and that it COUNTS.
Do you have loved ones that just seem difficult to reach with the good news of Jesus? Let me encourage you to keep on praying for them, living your life before them in a godly, loving way. Get into a small group where you can be encouraged, because the journey may be a long one.
The truth is that Jesus cares more about the salvation of our loved ones than we ever could. Trust Him! He’s got this!
Blessings for the long haul…
Linda
Agreed! I have those same family members.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for speaking to me with this message. You have again lifted me up with hope & peace. You always hear my prayers for dearly loved spouse and family to receive Your message.