Central Truth

It's by God's action, rather than human choice, that the door is opened. I believe, as some early apostles did, that we can mistakenly think we are to choose the people we bring to Christ. Not so! It is God who chooses those who end up believing. 

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Reflections

Just like the apostles, I felt uncomfortable choosing to lead certain people to Christ, even though I felt an urge to share with them what He had done for me. So I did what was comfortable; I told children. I served in the church teaching Sunday School to children of all ages for over 30 years. I headed vacation bible schools, led school prayer groups, and talked to my own children and their friends about God, especially when they were little. But I learned recently that it's not up to me. 

I had been working with a child who was severely challenged, both mentally and physically. As I  watched her sleep during her rest period, I asked God how I —or anyone— could lead this child to Christ. 

Then God spoke to me loudly and clearly, "It's not up to you. I'll do it."  Then I got it— I finally understood what I had been fighting. I had tried to choose those with whom I wanted to share Christ until I faced an impassable roadblock. But with God, all things are possible. It wasn't up to me or what I could say; all I had to do is be obedient in love to those He placed in my path. God would graciously place people into my life, as neighbors, friends, and those I met every day.  

I learned that it isn't up to me to figure out who to approach, or what I should say to people to turn them towards Christ. God puts the understanding in their hearts. Thank You, Lord, for bringing little Amy into my life to teach me this principle. 

As I look at Amy now, I realize that God's almighty power and grace can bring her into His presence. I can live my whole life merely responding to Him when He asks me to go to those He has placed in my life to show them His love, through me. That seems so simple to me as God chooses those He places in my path.

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Discussion Questions

1. Do you understand that our Almighty Sovereign God chooses those who will hear his voice? 
2. Do you know you are opposing God when you choose people you want to lead to Christ? How can you be sure of what He wants you to do?
3. Can you rest in the truth that God alone turns hearts to Him, and you, as an obedient servant, can only help God lead them where He is taking them? HOW CAN PRAYER PLAY A MAJOR PART OF YOUR OBEDIENCE?
   
   This is a hard truth to grasp. We must follow His laws so others may see Him in us and share what He does in our life daily. Share with all to whom you feel called, but know that He chooses who will hear. Don't be discouraged, but rest in the truth that He knows all hearts better that we do, even our own.

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