|
|
|
| Are you leading people to the "Way" or in the way? |
|
|
|
Greetings!
Please continue praying for us today. I am speaking at a seminar engaging the faith based community to serve abused and neglected children. I will speak at two meetings today in Durant, Oklahoma. Thank you!
Taking people to the "Way" or in the way ...
I was talking to a wise friend the other day about a mutual friend that was going through tough times. As we discussed the problems our friend faced it became apparent that we had become too involved. Our friend needed God to speak into his life and provide direction, comfort and peace in the middle of a storm. We were providing advice and comfort and attempting to bring peace. The more enmeshed we became in the situation the more we placed our thoughts above God's and frustration set in.
Often, frustration is a sign we are operating outside of God's plan. Our frustration was the result of taking on responsibility that wasn't ours. Yes, we are friends but friends should be people that take their friends to Jesus. Although God may use us to be the instrument of His peace, comfort, or direction in the life of a friend, we must recognize the fact that it is God alone who heals, convicts, comforts, and directs. We can be involved in the process but we must depend on the leading of the Holy Spirit before we speak and provide counsel. If not, there is a good chance we are in the way and not pointing people to the "Way" ... Jesus Christ!
The times I have felt most connected to God, and have been an effective friend, are the times I have pointed people to Jesus. When a dire situation hits, someone is in a funk or it is just a bad day, it is easy to play Dr. Phil or Oprah and attempt to "couch quarterback" the situation. But, easy isn't always good. It is better to listen and take people to Jesus. Let God do the work and the outcomes will always be better and you won't need to stress. As another friend once said, "God's up all night anyway ... let Him handle the messes!" |
|
|
Taking people to Jesus
35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are You staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah" You shall be called Cephas" (which is translated, A Stone).
~ John 1:35-42 ~ |
|
Take People to Jesus!
When we become disciples of Jesus we openly admit that He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6). Just as the first disciples, we have discovered and rest in the knowledge that Jesus is all we need. We have come into the "Light" and realize darkness has nothing for us. These declarations must move to invitations if we are to be used of God in helping others.
When our friends are in need we are either taking them to the "Way" or we are "in the way". We have a choice each time someone we care about is in a difficult situation. One, we can attempt to "fix" the problem. Two, we can take people to Jesus and ask Him to get involved ... we invite people to meet with Jesus. If we choose option one we are "in the way". We are entering a position that is weak and ineffective and that leads to frustration. However, if we take people to Jesus we have completed our task in revealing the love, compassion and hope only found in Jesus Christ.
In the situation I faced with my friend, I became frustrated and hurt. I didn't realize it at the time but this was entirely my fault. I had placed myself "in the way" instead of pointing my friend to the "Way". When I assumed responsibility for success, change and ministry I also assumed the frustration when my human efforts didn't work. Our best will never match the greatest of Jesus!
I love the sentence that opens John 1:42; "And he brought him to Jesus". Friend, we need to be people that bring people to Jesus. I am not talking about evangelism but about the conflicts, difficulties and problems our friends face. If we desire to help others, we need to take them to Jesus. Jesus is the answer to every human need. Jesus is the source of all wisdom, strength, comfort and peace. Point your friends to the "way" and stay of out the way by bringing people to Jesus through prayer and the sharing of God's word. |
|
For King and Kingdom,
Randy Martin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
