Over the past several weeks, we have been getting prepared and empowered to be witnesses of Jesus. This isn’t something we do on our own: God is with us. The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians that some planted, others watered, “but God gave the growth” (I Corinthians 3:6).
Consider how Jesus changed an entire Samaritan village by speaking to a woman at a well. His disciples were shocked to see them talking, but Jesus put it all in perspective in John 4:35-38:
“Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
When we aren’t focused or feel fearful to share, we just might be overestimating our role and underestimating God’s: “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building” (I Corinthians 3:9). Do we realize how much God wants every person we encounter to be saved? They are experiencing hurt from sin and seeking hope for life. Through their experiences, God is preparing them. We just need to work with Him by planting and watering!
You can listen to our sermon and then print and complete this post to start applying it. This week, will you start asking the person serving you at a restaurant or store if there’s anything you could pray about for them? If they seem uncertain, prompt them by asking about things they are especially thankful for or a little worried about for them or their family. Listen respectfully to what they say; and when you hear something that intersects with your own life – especially your reason for the hope that is in you – briefly share it. (Last week, Ashley, the kids, and I connected with our server over parenting and homeschooling, as an example.)
If we will just plant and water, God will give the growth.It is His field, after all.