It's Not About You

I’ve always had a heart to go. A heart to serve. A heart for kids, & a heart to hear about others journey of life. This year i went on a mission trip to Norman, Oklahoma & my heart was filled. I got to go. I got to serve. I got to play with kids. I got to hear others stories. It was the best week of my life. 

One night we were setting up for a block party, & I noticed a lady standing outside on her balcony & i told someone in my group, hey let’s go tell her what’s going on! 

So we walked over & told her from under her balcony that we were having a block party. I wanted to go up & talk to her, but the girl i was with suggested we just wait until she comes to the block party. Which was best. So i waited. 

About a half hour later i look over and saw her walking over. I was so excited! 

I walked over & grinned. “I’m so glad you came!”

“I’m glad to be here”, she said. “Plus i can’t turn down a free hotdog!”

I laughed! “What’s your name”, i asked. 

“Lisa.”

“Well Hi Ms Lisa, it’s nice to meet you!” 

We talked for probably 10 minutes. It was a great conversation. I got to hear about her family, & about her life. 

Finally i asked, can i share with you what’s on my name tag? It was a gospel presentation. She said of course!

I was so nervous. This was my first time sharing with someone. I didn’t really feel comfortable. But i knew nothing big would happen in my comfort zone. Plus, Ms. Lisa was my new friend, if i didn’t tell her about eternity in heaven what kind of friend would that make me? I knew i should do it. 

Y’all... i blew it. It was terrible. I can’t even begin to tell you. 

I started talking & i completely ran out of words like i didn’t know what to say. 

Well guess what.  

This is a prime example of God using our failures for something bigger than ourselves. Yes, it was a little embarrassing but she got saved that night. & baptized the next Sunday. This was the moment i learned something huge. 

Sharing the gospel is not about you, or anyone else. It’s simply about God working in the lives of others. 

The biggest thing I learned on this mission trip is if the gospel speaks anything it speaks about a God that meets us exactly where we are at in life & not where we think we should be. 

He can use what you say in a completely different way than you ever intended. He can take your words and send them straight to someone’s heart. Which i think is what he did for Ms Lisa. 

Once i got to the conclusion that the gospel is not about me, everything changed. So if you’re scared to share the gospel, don’t be. Rely on the Lord. Only he can turn a mess into a message and what’s broken into something beautiful. Yes you can be nervous, but know that the Lord will help you. He will take you through it even if you mess up.

I was so discouraged after what i thought was a fail. I was very passionate about what i did say to her, & i really think she noticed that. I realized that sometimes you can preach a better sermon with your life than with your words. She talked to someone else about it later, which was probably best, but i really do believe i planted a seed & it was so cool for me to see the plant grow. 

The devil discouraged me, in that moment when she walked off & our conversation was through, i told myself i was a failure & that i blew an opportunity. What i was telling myself was not good. It was not lifting me up it was tearing me down. 

After i found out she got saved, my whole perspective changed because the Lord used me.. he actually did. I had been praying for that and right before my eyes, the kingdom of the Lord expanded & Ms Lisa would someday be in heaven with me!

What a moment this was. 

I encourage you to share the gospel any chance you get. You never know what your words will mean to someone, no matter if it’s a perfect presentation, or if you completely blow it like i did! If you’re worried about being judged, when it all comes down to it, the Lord is the ultimate judge. Hate to break it to you, but the judgement of this world means nothing! This life is not about you, it’s not about me, it’s about God. So take that as a challenge to be living proof of a loving God & to share the gospel with any chance you get, with anyone you can. 

One of the sweet girls i met on the trip!