Sharing Leads to Deepening

"...and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ,"  Phlm 1:6.

I have often read the jailor account in Acts 16 and thought, "Sure, when is it going to happen that someone comes to me and asks, 'What must I do to be saved?'"  Well, it finally happened. In casual conversation after church last weekend, someone mentioned to me they were wanting to be saved, but that they had to take care of some things first.  This led to a long conversation, and me communicating that there is nothing one must 'take care of' first, and her trusting Christ.   Miraculously, we didn't have any interruptions in a room full of people for at least 30 minutes.  My wife didn't come prop me up and complement me, which would not have been a bad thing.  The Navigator Director was not around for me to pass her off to.  God gave me the words I needed, the confidence, the ability to be a tool in his hands, when it seemed clear someone was ready to trust him.

During seminary on a visit to Prague, I remember watching a respected pastor have a one-on-one conversation about faith, belief in God, and spiritual issues with a young lady.  I remember his confidence, his articulateness, his boldness, and thinking, "Wow, I wish I could do that."

Some just have a gift,  But I believe God uses life experiences, and sometimes the hard knocks of life, to develop in us deeper levels of confidence and ability to just navigate waters--including waters of relationships, questions, and conversations.  When I meet young Soldiers now in my third career (and calling), and they tell me about their short lives, their home state, their interests, I can almost always find a connection point, some way in which the contours of my life have intersected with theirs.

God also gives ability where there is an exercise of faith.  As one shares their faith, they develop greater faith themselves, as the above verse hints.  Lord, thank you for "Two Ways to Live," and my buddies that learned that gospel presentation with me, and for using it as training wheels to propel me forward in the exercise of my faith.

God, thank you that multiple extraordinary and ordinary forces combine to mature us as we walk through life, growing, looking to you, looking ahead to our reward.  Thank you for using me, in increasing measure, as part of your plan, the advancement of your church, your kingdom, and your glory, amen!