For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17)
The past several weeks have been filled with lots of sharing of the gospel, and much disappointment and frustration. It has been difficult at times to not just give up and decide to walk away. Last year, a year ago last month to be exact, I sold my house in America, then my car and many of my earthly possessions and made various moves to come to a place where I knew many had never heard the gospel before. I did all of that because I truly believe that without faith in Christ, the punishment after death will be one of torment and anguish that I cannot begin to fathom, and I want to know that those who have never had the opportunity to believe at least have a chance to hear the good news.
I have become friends with a group of people in a neighborhood near my home. Truly these people have become my family and are very dear to me. One person in particular has always seemed to be very close to accepting Christ, but recently he told me that he cannot follow the Isa (Jesus) way because he would lose all of his family.
Many here eagerly listen to stories about Isa, and love the stories from God's Word. In fact, the people I speak with are always eager to hear more. However, when asked what they think about the Isa way or about Isa, they generally say, "He is a very good teacher, and a wonderful prophet, but really you just choose a path and follow it sincerely and you will be fine." Another woman in her 60's recently told me, "Christianity and Islam are the same. We serve the same God. It is all ok."
Hearing these words and seeing the faces of people that I love turning away has been increasingly painful and at times I have wanted to shake them and make them believe. At other times, I have wanted to throw up my hands, agreeing with the disciples when they said to Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" as the rich young ruler turned away from Christ. Jesus' response was very simple, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matt. 19:25-26) I have been reminded by the Word, over and over again, that this has nothing to do with me. I cannot change a man's heart; I can't even change my own heart. It is all by grace, from first to last.
Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe...This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." (John 6:63-65) Jesus said of the Spirit, "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)
At times, I want to control the Spirit, tell Him where to go, when to move, how to respond, but He cannot be controlled by me (which is a good thing by the way) and you never know when He might move in a mighty way. I do not know how this all works, it is a great mystery, but one thing is sure, I fully believe and stake my life on the fact that the gospel of Christ is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. Without that, there is no hope.
One more scripture that I have been reminded of vividly recently is, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him." (Ps. 126:5-6) As you pray for the people here, pray for the work of the Spirit, and for diligence in sowing, trusting that God will do all He says He will do.
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