So I'm on the plane on the way back from Dallas this past Friday, and I sat next to a guy named Albert. He was a pretty big Hispanic guy, probably about my age, and judging by appearances you would think that we wouldn't have much in common. Before we took off, I turned my head and did one of those, "How's it going, man?" introductions, followed by, "Going home?"
I found out he was on a connection flight from Odessa, TX, and was headed to Las Vegas. He had found a job as a heavy equipment operator in Odessa and had been working for two months, away from his wife and kids, and was going back to Vegas to pick them up and move them to the Lone Star State.
We didn't say much for the first 30 minutes or so, but slowly my conscience began to bother me (remember that message series from a few years ago?). It hit me that, while I was mentally and physically exhausted, I had just spent two weeks in a doctoral level class on church multiplication. I had been around some phenomenally gifted people, and had the privilege of immersing myself into my life's passion: churches, and how to make more of them.
But here was Albert, sitting next to me. Heavy equipment operator, moving to Odessa. I had the window seat (my favorite seat) and all I wanted to do was stare out at the big puffy clouds that were turning orange in the sunset.
Then all of a sudden I heard a voice. This voice came to me saying, "Jacobs, if you can't share the gospel with this guy, then you're a hack. You spent two weeks flapping your lips about church multiplication, the least you can do is buck up, quit your 'but I'm tired' whining, and come up with something out of that ADHD brain of yours that will lead into you presenting the gospel."
When God really wants me to do something, that's how he speaks to me. Honestly. Not the first time.
By the way, the conscience is quite a mechanism: the word comes from "con" which means with, and "science" which means knowledge. Your conscience is knowledge with God. It is the measurement of your behavior against the knowledge of right and wrong, knowledge that comes from God.
So I turned away from the view of the puffy orange clouds and began to drill Albert with questions until I could find a hook. He proceeded to tell me about his kids, how badly he missed them, and how he couldn't wait to hug them. We started talking about fatherhood and I talked a little about God. Then I said, "In the Bible, it says that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. I don't know about you, but there's no way I could do that unless I had a model. For me, I need Jesus to help me 'cause I'm a pretty selfish guy at heart."
I told him I admired him for taking responsibility for his family by working hard for them and making the trip out to drive them back safely to be with him. These are hard times, and Albert was doing what it took to support his family. It says in 1 Timothy 5:8 that if anyone does not provide for his family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
As the flight was descending, we started talking about religion and he was wondering why Protestants and Catholics have so many arguments. At that point I tried to say as clearly as possible that while we should all strive to be loving in our words, I believe that there's nothing I could do to ever work my way to heaven, and there's nothing I could do to lose my salvation. To believe those things places all the focus on me, when it should be on Jesus. Because Jesus' death and resurrection on the cross paid everything, I can stop dwelling on myself and point all of my attention on him.
I'm sure it didn't come out as clean as that but I know I got the message out there. No, I didn't lead him in a prayer in the seat, but I did tell him about grace, Jesus, and what a husband and father looks like who is following Jesus. As I was getting up to change planes in Albuquerque and he was continuing on to Vegas, I told him that I would pray for him, that he and his family would make it safely to Odessa. He almost got a little emotional and was very grateful.
Folks, God gave me a challenge while I was on that flight: Bet you can't share the gospel before the plane lands. So I have a challenge for you: Bet you can't share the gospel with someone by the end of the week!!
Well? Are you up for it? If you do, will you send me a note and tell me about it? Don't worry, I'm in it with you as well. And if you just can't find the words to speak the Gospel, will you at least invite them to church this Sunday? I promise they'll hear there.
So come on, I dare you!!
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2 Responses to "I Dare You"The "Can You Hear Me Now" was the first series I attended at Compass. Since then, not only I, but my young son were hooked. I have been to other churches, and they are great, but the messages Pastor Tim shares are so inspiring. Compass, even though I have moved away, has continued to help my faith as now I can listen to my podcasts, even after going to other churches. I have been experiencing my own challenges at every turn however recently, my friend had her son witheld from her for 3 weeks (unlawfully), and she was at her wits ends. I realized that God was making my life so uncomfortable to the point I needed to change, and I was being called upon by God to help this friend. (I am studying law). Telling her I could help her with the resources were not enough as time was passing and each day without your own child is heartwrenching. So without knowing her own beliefs, I saw her sinking into despair and losing hope.
I started sharing my faith, verses, we even went to a wishing well and made a prayer to God for every cent we tossed in. I even had her listen to some of my favorite sermons from Compass. She said that it was not only my ability to help her legally, but the fact that I never gave up faith in God or her, when she was struggling herself that made it worth it.
She had been fighting for her son for three weeks. My own problems have pushed me away from my home, so I decided I needed to follow God and go to her.
The amazing thing is, I was able to help reunite her with her son within 3 days, and she is thanking me. She said if I had not kept encouraging and sharing the word of God to help keep her motivated, she would have fallen apart, and possibly given up. I do not feel I deserve any thanks as it was God's will for me to show her that not just through the hard times, but especially now that she has her child, how important and powerful faith is. My own troubles have diminished due to helping her, not completely, but new opportunities have arisen that would not have if I had not put myself aside to show her the miracles God can work when you stop trying to do things yourself, and start listening to God. I had heard her problem, and could have easily ignored it and focused on my own troubles, but by following God's will and sharing the Gospel, I have helped someone see that it's not just hard work, but the faith and God's driving force behind it that makes all things possible. I feel truly blessed to have helped someone so tremendously, and the picture I have of the mother and son being reuinited brings tears to my eyes. I knew how God had been working in my life, and continues to do so. I took your dare before it was one, as a Christian it is not a dare, as in dares, there are usually fears in apprehension. I am proud of my beliefs and faith, and have no fear in sharing with others how it has helped me, no matter how bad things are.
Thanks for your response, anonymous! I'm glad you're still connected to us through the podcasts. Your faithfulness made a huge difference in someone's life. Keep being a missionary!
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