Getting Involved
Changes the World
Pray for Divine Appointments
If a master chess player can see eight moves ahead, how many can God see? Each day we walk into spaces where people are searching, broken, and in need of hope. Pray that God will use you to look for people to love well. In doing this, His plans move forward as you mingle with souls that Jesus has paid the price to redeem. Let's pray for recognition of divine appointments as God orchestrates His master plan!
Ask Questions
One of the great indicators that the Holy Spirit is working in an unbeliever's life is when they start asking questions on spiritual topics. One easy way to find out if a person is open to a conversation about God is by asking them where they think the world is headed. A follow up question could be, "What are your thoughts on the existence of God?"
Just as Jesus modeled so well for His disciples, asking questions is one of the best ways to talk faith without cornering someone into an awkward conversation. It just might be that they are in a season of their life where they are open to exploring the existence of God and reading life-changing books.
Respond to God's Impressions
It is not uncommon to walk away from a situation with a strong impression that you should say something. When it comes to sharing books, sometimes the most uncharacteristic ideas come to mind. These impressions may be the leading of the Holy Spirit. Don't be afraid to step out and share The Great Controversy when something catches your attention regarding someone you know, have just met, or see often in your daily life. That person just might be the next world changer that God is guiding you to share a book with!
F.A.Q.
Things You Need to Know
It is easy to have a sense of fear when you are facing the unknown. Questions can run wild in the imagination. Will my friend or acquaintance reject me if they disagree with the book? Will they get mad if what they read is not what they have been taught? There is also a spiritual battle as described in Ephesians 6:12. What your experiencing is very common. If you feel paralyzed by fear, send up a prayer for courage and without overthinking it, step forward in faith and leave the outcome with God.
It is easy to be intimidated by appearances. One of the observable realities about people that convert to Christianity is that they OFTEN don’t meet the stereotypical criteria that can often be associated with someone who converts. This misjudgment is common and a reminder that “man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks upon the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7. Set appearances aside and take the plunge into the unknown. You never know what great things are in store for your neighbor!
In the conversion process, most people have a series of experiences that seem inconsequential, and yet these small events are being orchestrated by God to win their heart. Many individuals have had chance conversations, moments of inspiration, unspoken longings for something better, and seemingly random events that draw them towards God. We don’t need to expect dramatic changes in a person’s life overnight. We are called to simply play a part. As the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”
According to a study done in 2016 by the Pew Research Center, the typical American reads 4 books a year. The majority of readers still prefer printed books over digital reading on long texts, but that gap is getting smaller. In other research abroad, 700 postgraduate students in Universities in Kerala, India were part of a study that showed a 71% preference rate for reading print books over digital books. That study also showed higher rates of concentration, retention, and content absorption when reading print resources. The preference for physical books has been shown in studies done in many other countries as well, including the United States.
We will never completely know which outreach, effort, or mission field will prosper. The joy of service to God is that we get to honor Him in the way we steward our time, talent, and resources. The whole universe is cheering for God’s ambassadors and the good angels are constantly working to fulfil God’s good purposes. You are not alone. Millions of people are making efforts in collaboration with the Holy Spirit to help people get ready for Christ’s second coming. Jesus gives us the wonderful assurance. “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20