Ridgell's Originals

 My wife and I are involved with over a dozen people who are seeking to start their Jesus journey.  Some of them have some degree of belief but are looking for help in learning how to live out their faith.  Others don't really know much about Jesus but they want to learn about him.  And a few just know they want a better life and they are willing to hear the Jesus story just in case he is the answer.

Several of our Christian community are also heavily involved in helping with these seekers.  

And Satan is heavily involved in trying to stop them from finding Jesus.  It is interesting to see some of the ways he attacks them.

Some of our Jesus seeking friends are battling addictions.  Addicts have triggers.  It is amazing how Satan seems to continue to try and activate these behaviors.  It is hard for people in an addiction battle to focus on much else.  Even if they suspect Jesus is the key to the sobriety they seek, it is hard to hear his message among the guilt and shame of another failure.  Some of them even get consumed with managing the consequences of their struggle and just are not able to come to worship or to a discussion about Jesus.

But they should.  Well of course we Christians know that.  But for someone just trying to figure Jesus out, priorities are different.  And let's not pretend we Christians do not sometimes get distracted also.

Economics.  Lots of our seekers are on the edge financially.  They literally have no assurance of food or shelter going forward.  So if a job opportunity comes up, they take it.  Even if it means missing class or an appointment to visit about Jesus.  It is almost as if Satan dangles a little money in front of them to keep them from learning more about Jesus.  One of our couples actually had a employer promise higher wages but only if they would work every Sunday morning.

As Christians, we want to make the point that God will take care of their financial needs if they would just embrace Jesus and trust him.  I believe that.  God has proven that in our life many times.  But it is hard to ask someone to trust Jesus when they are not even sure they believe in Him yet.  And even many of us Christians have missed worship for work on more than one occasion.  Or we have not taken on spiritual responsibilities because of work demands.  

Well then let's just help them financially so they can have time to talk with us.  It is a difficult process.  We do help with many of them.  Some of them a lot.  But we do not want them to feel obligated to have to talk about Jesus.  No "buying" their interest or their time.  And some would even happily sit thru any class or worship we tell them to as long as we take care of them.  This is a matter of love, wisdom, and discernment.

Obstacles.  Barriers.  Distractions.  I think caused by Satan who will do anything to keep people from deciding to follow Jesus.

Or maybe it is just life.  Because life is hard.  And I would suggest life is hard because we are in a fallen world and Satan likes it that way.

Jesus is the answer to life.  Real life.  Now and forever.  

So we are patient.  We are helpful.  We pray lots.  And share Jesus whenever we can.  Planting seeds by our service, watering them by our teaching.

God will give the increase.  And some of my friends will become my family.  

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM