The many commercials that race across our TV screens, computer monitors, and smartphones each night try to convince us that our greatest joy is found in their product, service, or location. Many times we believe them. We desire to have what the commercials offer. We cannot find peace until we have figured out a way to have what the commercial offers even if our actions involve going into debt to satisfy our desires. Though I cannot say I am immune to the commercials and advertisements that assault me each day, I can say that I know there is only one place you can find true and complete joy. That is in Jesus.
I was not particularly looking forward to going to work today. This was mostly because I knew I would be hauling in hay from the field and that is not a fun task. The Lord had already poured down immense grace for today by providing a much cooler day than last year, a smaller amount of bales than last year, and workers in whom I enjoyed working with. The day went by considerably faster than I thought it would and we had the opportunity to eat lunch at the Pizza Hut buffet in the process, always a good thing. I even was surprised at how well my body handled the work and how much less I hurt than last year when we were done.
All of these things converged to greatly improve my day but the icing of the day came after baling the hay was done. After the baling was done, we needed to do a bit of cleaning on the barn. One of my helpers needed to leave early and my other helper decided to stay to help me finish the task. The second helper really made the task go by quicker and I also enjoyed our conversation while working.
The worker and I began an interesting conversation about relationships and marriage while finishing the task at hand. As the conversation continued on, I noticed my helper steering it into deeper waters. I could tell that something was weighing on his heart. As I shared the wisdom I have gleaned during my eight years of marriage, I could tell he was searching for something deeper. I felt the Holy Spirit tugging on my heart to steer the conversation towards Him. I must admit that I was hesitant at first but each time I spoke about the Lord my helper listened intently.
The conversation quickly transitioned from relationships to Jesus. I could see that Jesus was really weighing on his heart. I tried to speak to my helper the words the Holy Spirit laid on my heart. I was amazed that with each truth I gave him, my helper seemed to drink it in. He seemed starved to know this truth and didn't want to follow this truth unless it was authentically and with his whole heart.
As our conversation came to a close, I gave him some advice on where to start, in the Bible, as he sought to know who Jesus is. I gave him my phone number and my email and I stood there amazed as I watched this young man leave with joy on his face and even a bit of peace. I could tell his heart had been stirred and that Jesus was who he had been searching for. Contrary to what any commercial or advertisement tries to tell you, there is only one person that can bring pure joy to your heart. He is Jesus Christ.
My heart has been flying high with joy and praise ever since our conversation this afternoon. I have been in awe of this wonderful set of circumstance my Lord weaved together that I may have the opportunity to share Him to another. It was such a privilege and a joy to do so.
There truly is no greater joy than to live and share Jesus daily. The devil tries to make us forget this through instilling fear, doubt, and apathy in us but I hope you will trust in Jesus' truth and live boldly for Him instead. I hope you will jump at any opportunity you have to share Jesus. I hope you will trust the Holy Spirit to work in their heart and your mouth. I leave you with this verse today. I hope you can say that you live as this verse describes.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Blessings,
Greg
My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry. We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field. I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link. I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser. Thank you.
http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist
No comments:
Post a Comment