Written by Gail Ficken
Remember when you wanted to change the world? And thought you could?
… but you probably didn’t?
Remember when you believed you should be an instrument of God and be used to share the Gospel?
… but you probably didn’t?
What if!…
What if we stopped aiming at everything and we started aiming at something? Some ones?
What if our “change the world” universe was narrowed down to 10 people already in our relational networks that maybe/probably definitely don’t have faith in Jesus?
10 People Already in our Relational Networks
Just 10!
And, what if the path to changing the world went through a changed “you” who God can use to change “one” and then “another”?
It’s a move AWAY FROM aiming at good intentions TO allowing the voice of God into your everyday moves through people’s lives.
It’s an understatement to say that Jesus was incredibly purposeful as He moved through people’s lives.
Think of the Samaritan Woman in John 4.
- Jesus slowed down and recognized the opportunity with the Samaritan woman
- As the relationship grew in what appears to us like an awkward conversation about water to drink; Jesus says: “If you only knew the gift God has for you … I would give you living water. …I AM the Messiah!” (4:10,26)
- Amazingly she then multiplied what she received! She credentialed Jesus with the village. (4:28,29) They came. They believed. They asked Him to stay. Many more heard Jesus’ message and believed. “Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” (4:39-42)
I hear people oftentimes thinking that they need to UPEND their lives to be a witness for Jesus. They need to add something MORE to their schedules. They need to DROP out of things they love to do. They don’t! You don’t!
I’m proposing we increase the intentionality with which we live our existing lives. To be alert to opportunities that God opens for us to do something like Jesus did by the well.
And, the path is to simply start making a list of 10 names that you ask God to help you watch for opportunities. And, to be honest! I’ve always seen God open the opportunities… when I’m intentionally watching for them.
Just to help you get started with your list…
(And you’ll naturally resist. I can feel it in you right now. You’ll want to procrastinate… keep the prompting of God somewhat opaque … not vivid before you.)
So, to help you get started! For me I usually have a couple of family/extended members on my list. Neighbors. People in my office. New/Old Friends. Hairdresser. School parents of my kids/grandkids. People I might meet regularly/occasionally in the rhythms of life. The names change sometimes as life changes.
So, let’s get started! And, why not pass along the “idea” to a couple of like-minded friends for some encouragement and accountability together? OR, better yet look at Multipli’s AWAKEN to leverage your new-found clarity!
So, take a piece of paper. Numbers 1 – 10. Start filling in names. 2 names. 7 … 10 names! Place it where you can see it and be reminded regularly.
Over the next few weeks watch for some practical helps for your list of names coming in this blog.
I’d like to invite you to join us for Frontline Devotions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 AM CST. Be with group of like-minded “frontline” relational evangelists for 20 minutes . Just join in or send me a message. 1 Peter is our current focus. Peter wrote this good reminder:
You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God , for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Simple Assignment:
- Start adding names to your list of 10.
- Watch for some practical helps in this blog in the coming weeks.
- Contact Erin to get more information on Multipli’s online training.
- If your congregation needs a evangelistic reset in people starting to live like this; talk to Nate about an in person Awaken for your congregation.
Together … like the Woman by the Well … we can change the world! 10 Conversations!
Good stuff! Thank you!