Speak Up
Speak Up
Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. (1 Pet. 3:15)
My sister Elizabeth was diagnosed with celiac disease three years ago. Dr. Patil told her she could no longer eat or even touch foods containing wheat because it would act like poison to her body. But recently during a routine checkup, Dr. Patil said all her tests were clear—the celiac was gone. Overjoyed, Elizabeth said, “God healed me, Dr. Patil! I’ve been praying that Jesus would take away this illness, and I believe He has.”
Dr. Patil looked surprised. “I’ve heard of Jesus, but I’ve never heard anyone talk about Him like He’s their friend.” Dr. Patil explained that he was raised Hindu, but now he only believed in science. Elizabeth wondered aloud if he would like to talk more about Jesus. When he murmured a soft consent, she invited his family to eat dinner with her family. And he actually accepted. Two weeks later Elizabeth and Ron welcomed the Patil family to their home, and a friendship began to grow.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). In a world that believes many roads lead to God, we must hold fast to the truth that every person needs Jesus, and He is the only way to the Father. We can reach out in love to non-Christians, speaking and living the gospel before them. By prayerfully building relationships with them, we can talk about our relationship with God through Christ. A friendship includes dialogue, so we must be willing to listen. Then, as God provides the opportunity, we can share our faith as the Holy Spirit leads us.