I realise that my place of work is my ministry also. There is harvest at my job and I need to walk through those doors every day with my heart mission-ready. A few months ago, I asked a co- worker of mine, in usual conversation, how they were doing? They replied that they weren’t feeling their best and my response was, ‘‘oh, sorry to hear that, I hope you feel better soon.’’ The moment those words left my mouth I felt terrible. I felt guilty, I felt disappointed in myself. Honestly, you could’ve done better than that I scolded myself! I mean that’s what the average person might say, but are a child of God, your response could have been a little more meaningful. These thoughts encircled my mind all day. I saw my co-worker throughout the day, looking quite disheartened and worried and my heart felt convicted, like I should say something more. Funnily enough, my co-worker happened to be on duty with me later that day as I was overseeing pupils on the playground. My heart caught in my throat as I thought, ‘here’s your opportunity’ but I was frozen in my spot. I just didn’t know what to say.
That evening, I came home and I confessed to Jesus. I prayed for forgiveness for my disobedience and I begged God to give me another opportunity and, this time, to give me the courage and boldness that I would need to be the light He needed me to be. I asked him to also tell me what to say!
As a witness for Jesus, I want to share my faith and share the love of Jesus with others , but most times I never know what to say. And if something does come to mind, I am too fearful to say it. What will they think of me? Will they be offended? Will I come off too strong? Will it ruin my relationship with this person? These are are real thoughts that come to mind and keep me frozen in fear.
Jesus has shown us through His ministry on earth that the people wanted to hear what he had to say. They followed Him in crowds looking for answers, solutions, hope, freedom. And that’s what He provided. They were keen to know what they didn’t know before, to learn something different to experience something new. They were curious for more, for better!
This is the same for the people we come into contact with daily, on our jobs, at the food shop, at our book clubs. We are the hands of feet of Jesus here on earth today, and when you live with for Jesus, people will be drawn to His light in you.
So back to my story- the next day, I promised myself when I saw my co-worker again I would speak to them. The whole day went by and I became so busy, we didn’t cross each other’s paths at all that day. I came home feeling disappointed. I sort of wanted to redeem myself you know. I felt I wanted to prove to Jesus that He could depend on me- that I was ready and willing to be used by Him.
However a few days later, when I had given up trying to redo that initial conversation and started to forget about it, but keeping my heart attuned to new opportunities, my co-worker and I happened to be working late together. Just the two of us. As I was packing up to leave, I felt a nudging, that this was the time for a follow up conversation. I walked over to say ‘goodbye’ before I left and the words just sort of came spilling out of my mouth, “Are you a Christian? Do you believe in Jesus?” I gave it no thought, just allowed the Holy Spirit to speak for me. I felt such a joy and comfort when the response was, ”Yes! Yes I am! Saved and Sanctified by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” I was floored! My heart was full and I just could not believe it! I was stressing all this time and they were a believer just like me. I replied, ”I know you’ve not been well and I just feel led to pray right now for you, do you mind? My co-worker welcomed me to pray and I did right there at work. As I said goodbye and left, I felt such a burden lifted, but I was also humbled by God and the fact that he wanted to use me in that way. I felt purpose in being able to do that . And I praised and thanked Him all the way home.
The next morning, my co- worker came to find me and said to me,” I am so thankful for your prayer last night. God is a healer because I feel so much better. I feel no pain, I feel fine.” I smiled at him and I felt God smiling on me, not because I’m awesome in anyway or that I deserved it, but because I surrendered myself to an awesome God who shows favour whether we deserve it or not. I learnt that if we are willing and obedient God will help us to step out and be bold in His strength.
Today, I pray that as you read this that you would be encouraged to surrender yourself in obedience to God. I pray that the light of Christ will shine through you at your place of work today and that you would be a source of strength and hope to everyone you meet and interact with by the power of Christ working through you. I pray for courage and boldness, I pray for confidence and compassion as you let His spirit guide you to be the hands, feet and mouthpiece for Jesus. In His name, Amen.
Be sure to shine your light in your work, but also with the people you work with.
Have a blessed Tuesday!
Purpose Driven Mama 