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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FRESH START (01/05/17)
“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.”

I had no idea a simple prayer from Psalm 119:37 would be a catalyst for spiritual awakening and a drastic, life-altering experience. Over several months, God led my husband to accept a job offer in a foreign land. I quit my job after 21 years, dropped our sons off at college, and to Germany we went.

God preceded us to minister in ways we didn’t foresee. Psalm 139:5. We never anticipated connecting with people from multiple countries and religious backgrounds and practices.

Slowly, we settled into a new culture and God began opening doors to minister. Soon after, we found ourselves discussing Biblical Truth with Buddhists, Muslims, Hindu’s, and others. I began to recognize how narrow my western Christianity was and my approach to sharing the Gospel.

There’s a universal desire to experience the supernatural. A vast majority have no interest in knowing if God is real, but people of all faiths are fascinated with the supernatural. I recognized this is a subject Christians have a great opportunity to share the Gospel. After all, God is supernatural.

One example is a fascination with angels. Those in our church group asked, “do we have a guardian angel?” Hindus have over 300 million idols and a broad range of traditions and pagan practices. For them, the topic of angels is another idol to add to their long list of gods and goddesses.

People are craving comfort “thinking” they can pray to angels. The majority of scripture I’ve heard in church tends to reveal angels appeared, made an announcement, and told the onlookers, “don’t be afraid.” That’s where my Biblical understanding of angels ended.

I stopped to think when I’ve heard a sermon on God’s creation of celestial beings. After 40 years in the church I couldn’t think of one sermon. I had to do my research of God’s creation and to steer people to worship the Creator, not the created.

Millions, maybe billions, of people are supernatural seekers, they just aren’t God-seekers. Many of you reading this may never move to another country. Angels may be a topic you have no interest in. However, as nations become more diverse, we as Christians must be prepared to witness to those who are asking questions about the supernatural ways of God.

God has shown me I can’t remain in my little corner of the church and community and expect to spread the gospel when I’m uneducated on topics that haven’t been high on my list of subjects.

I wasn’t prepared when a Hindu friend shared how their gods have answered prayers for healing. It’s what Moses experienced when he laid out his staff and the sorcerers performed a similar miracle. Exodus 7:11-12

Our friend has come to accept Jesus is more than a prophet. However, after long discussions, he sees Jesus is only a god among many, but not The God.

God created paths for us to minister in ways that didn’t exist previously; and into unknown territory. God has been equipping us to increase Biblical understanding on topics we’ve rarely discussed within our own circle of friends.

The world is searching mystical experiences, but not Godly encounters. I must not be caught unaware by what the world believes is truth. I can’t pick and choose scripture because it makes me uncomfortable. All of God’s Word must be preached.

Witnessing for Christ looks different for all of us. Nevertheless, we must see God with a fresh heart and fresh eyes in order to reach people on topics that don’t appear relevant in American church circles.

The command to go into all the world doesn’t change. Where I live and minister may change, but God doesn’t. What’s of great worth is seeing people find God. America needs missionaries too.

A renewed look at scripture each day is where I’m God-taught. It’s where He teaches me what and how to share the full message of Jesus Christ. My life through God’s Word is to share a Christ-life to the lost.

“Everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus. For God’s way of making us right with Himself depends on faith. As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. But I keep working toward that day when I'll finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.” Philippians 3:7-13
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
01/14/17
Great message in this well written entry!
Well done.
God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
01/20/17
The wisdom in your story gives me goosebumps. My daughter, who lived in Kosovo for 4 months with a Muslim family told me pretty much the same thing as you just did. It's not always easy for us to understand, but God does call us to minister in ways we may not be comfortable doing. I know not everyone will agree with you, but that shows your passion in sharing God's message. It's not always easy to do so. You did a great job. Congratulations on ranking 9th in your level. The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.