5. A Meaningful Encounter: Trusting the Holy Spirit in Sharing the Gospel
Today, I had a wonderful anniversary celebration, but amidst the noise and interruptions, God orchestrated a divine meeting with a 22 year old man. This encounter reminded me of the importance of following God's agenda rather than our own. As we engaged in a conversation about the Gospel, I witnessed the struggles and deep longing within his heart. Through our discussion, I discovered the significance of grace, repentance, and the work of the Holy Spirit in leading others to Christ.
The Struggle to Please God
During our conversation, my young friend shared his challenges with faith, health, work, and family. While he acknowledged the commandments and his own sinful nature, he focused heavily on his struggle with lying. He expressed a deep desire to change his behavior and become acceptable to God. However, I reminded him that God is not primarily interested in our attempts to change ourselves. Instead, He desires our hearts and offers transformation through His grace.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
In our brokenness, we often try to overcome our sins in our own strength, leading to frustration and exhaustion. I emphasized to my friend that true transformation comes through a relationship with Christ. When we surrender to Him, the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins and guides us toward repentance and renewed hearts. It is through the Spirit's loving guidance that we find true submission to God's will.
The Divine Appointment
As our conversation deepened, emotions stirred within both of us. I expressed to my friend that our meeting was no accident, but a divine appointment orchestrated by God. The stakes of eternity were high, and we were brought together for a purpose. Despite the busy and loud environment, we decided to pray right there, invoking the power of God's forgiveness and grace. We acknowledged our guilt before God, repented from our sins, and expressed our trust in Jesus as our Savior.
Trusting in God's Work
While I am unsure of the immediate impact of our encounter, I trust in the work of the Holy Spirit. Sharing the Gospel is not about forcing conversions or relying on our own efforts. It is an act of obedience and faith, allowing the Spirit to bring about transformation in hearts and lives. I simply play my part by planting seeds, watering them, and trusting that God will bring the harvest.
Conclusion
Today's anniversary celebration took an unexpected turn as God led me to a divine encounter with a young man searching for meaning and purpose. In the midst of interruptions and distractions, the Holy Spirit prevailed, and seeds of faith were planted. I am humbled by the opportunity to participate in God's work and witness the transformative power of His love. May we all surrender to His leading, trusting that He is the one who brings life out of death. Let us set the table, take out the trash, and allow the Holy Spirit to make all the eternal moves.