Don't hold back

Scripture: "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:15-16

It's called The Great Commission. As Christians, we are expected to share Christ with others in the hopes they will accept Him into their lives, and share in eternal life.

I'm not an evangelist. Far from it. You won't find me in any public place sharing Christ with others who didn't ask first. On the other hand, when directly asked, quizzed or challenged in a friendly debate - I'll absolutely open up and share my faith.

But there is one lost moment that haunts me forever. I missed a chance I will never get back.

Her name was Debbie Beatman. We went to high school together and she was about 2 years younger than me. She started to sort of hang out with me and a friend of mine, and she was so lost and emotionally hurting as so many teens can be; in search of herself. Acting out, partying, looking for happiness that seemed to elude her. My friend shared Christ with her a little. I remember that.I wanted to, but didn't know how to bring it up without sounding all "preachy" and stuff. So I didn't say anything at all.

As time went on, she drifted away from my friend and I. Then, months later, I read in the local newspaper that she had been killed in a single car accident. I don't know why her car ended up leaving the road, but it crashed into a wall and she was gone.

As I read the account, I immediately thought about how I didn't try harder to share Christ with her. How I wanted to - but clammed up. And so I'm left with the inevitable questions: "Would it have made any difference?" "Could God have used me to make a difference in her life?" "Would she have accepted if I hadn't clammed up like that?" "Was she saved and I just don't know it?" I will never know. But I will never get the chance back to share with her or inquire about where her life was going.

I drive by that very spot all the time. I think of her often. And I think about how dangerous it is to NOT share Christ with those around you, because you may never get another chance again, and for all you know, God could be putting that person in your path for His Special Purpose.

You still won't find me preaching to people in public. But when that Still Small Voice impresses upon me to speak - I try harder now, because for all I know, it could be that person's last chance for eternal life with Him.

Prayer request: Pray for each other that we can all be bold to speak out in faith when the Spirit moves us to!

Prayer: Father, we ask You for Your grace and mercy for the times we have failed You. Help each of us to follow Your promptings without hesitation. Use us for Your glory, and help us to draw others lovingly into Your kingdom. Amen