By the Book

Things don’t always go “by the book.”  They don’t happen the way we think they’re supposed to.  When I became a pastor I had a certain idea of what evangelism looked like.  The books in seminary talked a lot about knocking on doors, welcoming people to church for “Friendship Sunday,” feeding hungry bodies and then souls.  All these are great ideas for sharing our faith.  But, I didn’t hear about the idea of writing a book on Christ-like relationships and then hosting a public book signing event.  That is, however, what God had in mind.

Last Thursday I was allowed to have a lecture and book signing event in the local public library.  The director of the library indicated they don’t usually allow this because “nobody comes.”  He said the week before only three people showed up for a similar event. 

God had a different plan.  It was a delight to see about fifty people gather for my talk about “Handing Out Life.”  There were then some great questions and discussion.  As I signed books and chatted with guests, about twenty more filtered in and out of the room.  All in all, I was able to make contact with about seventy people.  The library director was rather impressed.  The best part is that several of the guests had never heard of me or my church previously.  And, some of them were eager to learn more and come visit us.  Evangelism.  It happened in a way and place I didn’t expect.

Bottom line…don’t limit where, when and how God can use you to share His love with the world.  It likely won’t be “by our book.”  It will happen when you least expect it.  Join me in praying that we’ll have the eyes to see the opportunities that will arise and the courage to take advantage of them.  The Spirit of God will do the real work by opening hearts to receive the love of Jesus we will share.