When checking out at Walmart, I had the urge (from the Holy Spirit possibly) to get a gift card to give to someone who would be on his way in when I left. I like to show people God's love in a practical way to get their attention. I had some tracts with me so I got one out and held it with the gift card, prepared to talk to someone as I walked out.
A older couple was walking in, but I was too late. And then a Hispanic woman, which would have been cool if I had pulled out one of my Spanish tracts, but I hadn't, and I know she probably speaks English too but I wanted her to be able to understand it fully and for me to be able to talk to her, and by the time I was thinking about all of this she was inside.
So then there were no more people, which was weird because I was at a Super Walmart that is always crowded. I made my way to my car with all the groceries and such that I had gotten, and loaded it in while looking around. Right beside my car was a man standing at his car smoking a cigarette and I must admit, looking pretty intimidating. But he was literally the only person around. I was like God, do you want me to talk to him? And, well, the answer that I pictured Him giving me was Seriously? He's the only human being in sight and he's right beside your car. But whatever He answered, which probably wasn't nearly as sarcastic, was definitely a nudge towards this man.
I walked around to his car and asked him if he would like the gift card. He looked confused but said yes. I then gave him the tract also and told him that the message of the gospel was in there, and that it was much more important than the gift card, actually the most important thing he'd ever read. He was smiling and nodding and saying thank you and that he'd read it, and I have no idea why I didn't continue to stand there and talk to him about it. I guess my fear and nervousness took over and I said goodbye. As soon as I was in the car I was like Come onnnn this was your chance for conversation!! Why were you scared?? And then I was bummed the whole way home.
I'm still bummed when I think about it. I need to practice with my husband or something. It just does not come naturally to me when I'm in the moment. So definitely know that I will be praying about this and practicing! Not that it is me at all when I do share the gospel - it's God alone who can change people and open their hearts. Although I need to trust God to speak through me, I also need to prepare for sure.
How have you prepared to share the gospel? Advice?
Love that you are seeking to share about Him. My advice would also be to include an address for a church or someone they could call if they have more questions. Because truly, you could not stand there long enough to answer every question they might have after reading the tract. Keep looking to Him.....He is pleased with you.
ReplyDeleteDon't beat yourself up that you didn't stop and have a major conversation with the man. Truly... what you did was plant the seed. That may have been all God needed you to do at the time. God would have given you the words He wanted you to say if it was time to say more. You did an amazing thing by going up to a stranger and presenting him with the card and tract! You are planting... keep remembering that. God will give the increase. Thankful that you listened to the Holy Spirit. I must say I have enjoyed your Wednesday Witness posts and it has caused me to look out on people and see how I can plant a seed. Keep listening to His still small voice! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea! I love it! (And you!) :)
ReplyDeleteAshley, one thing I think you should be prepared for is that most people do already know ABOUT christianity and the gospel. In the bible belt its hard not to. So you can't rely on your tract alone. You have to be prepared for questions beyond " Who is Jesus." You have to be able to answer difficult questions and just a tip.... don't throw out the obvious verses... they've probably heard that too. Witnessing is difficult even after you get past the awkward act of approaching them. Know that people aren't stupid-a lot of non-christians have studied the bible just as much as you have. You're brave, I will give you that.... but if you choose to take this road... you have to be prepared... and that starts with understanding non-christians and where they come from just as much as you expect them to understand you.
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