A Prayer to Lead Others to Christ
By Lynette Kittle
“Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins”--James 5:20
It can feel awkward at times, even somewhat forced, to talk to others about our faith. However, if we are who we say we are, sharing God’s love and His Salvation through Jesus Christ can flow naturally from us, like breathing. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, I experienced the rejection that often comes with being known as a Christian. Sadly, it wasn’t even because I was outspoken about it but because others knew my Dad was a pastor. Consequently, it became where I didn’t say much of anything to anyone about God. As a kid and teenager, I just wanted to fit in, to be accepted and liked, and to be included and invited to outings and parties.
Although I really did love God, it wasn’t something I made known, kind of like a secret agent type of faith persona. Even though I cared about people, it was something I didn’t feel comfortable talking about with others because I didn’t want to be rejected. But then, in high school, I started dating a guy who was known for leading others to Salvation in Christ. Everyone knew he was a Christian, carrying his Bible to school and wearing a homemade wooden cross around his neck. Down inside me, I deeply respected his outgoing witness and realized he modeled what I really wanted in my own life, to be known for my relationship with God.
Walking Through Rejection
Although it’s hard for men and women to face rejection as Christians, we have a Savior who knows our pain and can help us walk through it because “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem” (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus truly understands how it feels to be not only rejected but hated and has told us we’re not the first to experience it. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first” (John 15:18)
As far as our faith goes, we can be encouraged when we are rejected and hated because it serves as evidence that we are following in Christ’s footsteps. “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:19).
Like 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 reminds us, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” As well, Romans 8:38 reassures us, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Let’s pray:
Dear Father,
Forgive me for being hesitant, unwilling, or afraid to share the truth of Your love and hope with those around me. Help me to be bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1) in sharing the Good News with those I come in contact with, including my family, friends, co-workers, and my community. Strengthen me to do all things through You who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
Thank you, dear Lord, that Your grace is sufficient for me, and that Your power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Like King David proclaimed, You are my light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear or be afraid of? (Psalm 27:1). Empower me to follow in Jesus’ footsteps to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43). Strengthen me to follow as He instructed, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’ (Mark 16:15).
Lord, move through me to draw men and women to You. Let your light shine through me in such a way it leads them to You, Father (Matthew 5:16).
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/millann
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below!
