14. The Power of Prayer and Genuine Transformation

Body language can sometimes be misleading, and our assumptions about people based on their appearance can prevent us from engaging in meaningful interactions. In this blog post, I want to share a personal experience that taught me the importance of looking beyond body language and the transformative power of prayer. It's a story of encountering George, a man who seemed distant and troubled, but through a simple prayer, experienced a profound change in his life.

Challenging Assumptions

I was at Courtside, an organization dedicated to ministering to people near court houses, offering prayer and support. On one specific day, I approached random individuals, asking if they needed prayer. That's when I noticed a middle-aged man approaching me. His rough exterior and body language conveyed a clear message: "You are the last person I want to talk to." However, I felt compelled to reach out to him.

A Prayer of Honesty and Repentance

Without allowing his appearance to deter me, I asked him if I could pray with him. Startled, he replied, "What?" I then asked him if he needed prayer, and he responded, "Everything, and I mean everything in my life is wrong." Sensing his urgency as he mentioned being late for court, I decided to pray in a way I hadn't before. I incorporated elements of the moral law, referring to some of the Ten Commandments, into my prayer for George.

A Profound Encounter

As I prayed, acknowledging that George, like all of us, had likely broken many of God's commandments, something incredible happened. I looked up, and tears were streaming down George's face. He declared, "Something just happened to me! Something has changed me." In that moment, I realized the power of genuine repentance and surrendering one's life to Jesus.

A New Creature in Christ

I explained to George that while he may have confessed his sins in the past, genuine repentance involves true sorrow for one's sins and trusting Jesus with one's life. I assured him that from that moment on, he was a new creation in Christ Jesus. His life would be forever transformed.

Stepping Into a New Life

George's immediate response was to approach our table and gather a Bible, various tracts, and other resources. It was clear that his encounter with Jesus had ignited a fire within him. I encouraged him to find a Bible-believing church and immerse himself in God's Word.

The Power of Belief and Declaration

The Scripture in Romans 10:9-10 reminds us of the simplicity and power of salvation. By openly declaring that Jesus is Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we are saved and made right with God. George's experience was a testament to the transformative power of faith and the impact of openly declaring it.

Conclusion

The encounter with George taught me a valuable lesson about the limitations of judging people based on their appearance or body language. Through a simple prayer that acknowledged the brokenness in George's life and his need for Jesus, a profound transformation took place. George's tears of joy and newfound zeal to pursue Christ exemplified the power of genuine repentance and surrender. As we engage with others, let us remember that God can work through anyone, regardless of their outward appearance. Let us approach every interaction with love, prayer, and a willingness to see beyond surface impressions.

Romans 9:9-10 “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”