eWell May 6, 2009

"All The World's A Stage: And I Want To Be A Player" by Dean Brodley

The stage is set with "Easter on the Moon" stage left and an inflatable pool in front of Godby High Auditorium stage right. With this scene as a back drop for a rendezvous between himself and the people He loves to love. Two Sunday's ago several Well-ers committed or recommitted their lives to God and made a public profession of their faith by being baptized in an inflatable pool. As I took in the scene, I found myself wondering just how each person came to know God. I was reminded of the moment of my salvation, that it was not in response to a persuasive or logical argument, but rather in response to the offer of a relationship with the God that has proven himself to be trustworthy. It is difficult to contain the excitement of being part of a church that is proud to place on display the work that God has done for us. As a church we have been obedient to His commission and He has showed up.

I remember the anxiety I felt the night before I planned to talk to my best friend (an atheist) about God. I remember formulating a bullet proof argument for God and rolling over in my mind the counterarguments a logical thinker like my friend would have. I discussed my approach the night before with a friend to help with the butterflies. I had in mind that if my friend didn't accept God in the same moment I presented God that the window of opportunity for his salvation would most likely be gone forever. I now understand that God's perfect timing wouldn't be perfect if it coincided with what I think is perfect timing. I forgot that it is not about an articulately formulated argument, and it is not on my shoulders to do a work in my friend. It is God who will show up and my friend who will respond. My role is no more and no less than introducing others to the God that has saved me. If faith is trust in, belief in, and commitment to God, then I should trust that God will draw my friend to him in His own timing.

On the road to Damascus Paul may or may not have been contemplating the accuracy of Carbon 14 dating as a method for dating the age of the planet and how that relates to Jesus. However, I am sure that thought would have become the last thing on his mind as a light from heaven flashed around him, he fell to the ground, was blinded, and met Jesus in an intimate way for the first time. I am convinced that it is the encounter with God, not the argument for God, that brings people into relationship with Him. And I am excited to be part of a church that enthusiastically sets the stage for those encounters.