When Evangelism Stops…
I had been in pain and discomfort for a couple of weeks. Ignoring the pain, I pressed on with my work, including preaching in local churches. One Sunday, as I preached, I felt something change. I later discovered an injury had occurred, which would need surgery.
After speaking to my doctor, I was referred to the hospital for what was supposed to be a minor operation. It was meant to be a small procedure that would not take very long. The recovery was expected to last only a few days. Nothing major. Nearly a month later, I am in pain, limited in what I can do, the surgery failed, and now I find myself unable to evangelise as much as I would like. What should I do?
In the weeks since the failed surgery, I have had plenty of time to reflect and think. As I’ve battled through pain, I have thought deeply about the position I find myself in. The first truth that comes to mind is that God is sovereign – nothing happens outside the perfect counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11). God, in His wisdom, has allowed me to be in this situation, and I know that all of this will turn out for my good (Romans 8:28). At present, I don’t know what that good will be, but I know He is faithful, and it will turn out for my good. This has caused me to begin to wonder, “What does God want to teach me during this period?”
As I’ve prayerfully considered all these things, I have been reminded of a truth that is easily forgotten – God doesn’t need me; rather, He chooses to use me. The gospel is not hindered by my injury. The good news was proclaimed before I arrived, and it will continue to be heralded long after my departure. As evangelists, we have a drive and sense of urgency that makes us want to get out to share the gospel before it is too late. I truly believe the message we have is an urgent one – but God’s truth will spread regardless of me and my position. The Lord isn’t going to fail in saving the lost because I have been laid up in bed.
The gospel isn’t bound; the good news will keep spreading, and people will continue to be saved. God doesn’t need me; He chooses to use me.
Before anyone accuses me of being a ‘hyper-Calvinist’, let me stress that I believe Christians must be active in evangelism, and we should be doing all we can to plead with sinners to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). The point I’m making is that the success of the gospel and the glory of Jesus do not rest upon me and my work. The gospel is God’s message, so He will allow it to continue to spread. Even now, as I write this, I am reminded that the different outreaches I’m involved with are still taking place. Brothers and sisters are faithfully proclaiming Jesus, and I rejoice that the gospel spreads even when I am not present. God will not allow His message to be silenced or lost. In a sense, evangelism doesn’t stop!
As I continue to recover, I find myself having more time to pray, so I have been taking time to read the accounts of others who are out sharing the good news. Being limited has given me more time to pray for them. This is a good thing! I also have had more time to plan and prepare, to think about different outreaches for the future. This time of injury is a blessing, as it gives me more time to train and prepare for future missions the Lord will send me on.
My passion for spreading the good news isn’t drying up, and even though I’ve called this article, “When Evangelism Stops…” I still intend to evangelise. I am looking at how I can harness social media to reach the lost and train the found. When I visit the hospital or doctor’s surgery, I will look for opportunities to share the gospel. Already, I have been able to share the good news in different settings. Evangelism isn’t ultimately going to stop; my regular outreach involvement may be limited, but the work continues.
If you’ve read this far, I would ask that you please pray for me. Ask the Lord to help me rest in His sovereign love and grace. Also, please pray that I will make the most of this time of being laid low to share the good news.
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