Open Your Mouth and
See What Happens

Talking to others about Jesus is part of our faith!

Let's face it...the hardest part of sharing your faith is opening your mouth to do so.

I have found myself circling the same aisle as I tried to decide if I should or should not talk to that person.

Most of the time, I am doing this because I would DEARLY LOVE for God to just tell me what He wants to say before I ever say hello!

And I have often missed the opportunity to share His love with them.

I know - IT IS AWKWARD - IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE - IT IS EMBARASSING.

Trust me, I've been there. I've started so many conversations in my desire to share His love. For sure, some start awkward and go downhill from there.

But 9 times out of 10, I felt that prompting to talk to them because they were ready to hear God's message to them.

So, here is how I push through and find myself in the middle of some amazing God moments:

Taking the First Step

I have figured out and practiced my introduction. I'm talking the first sentence or two MAX. Don't work out a whole talk in your mind but figure out what works for you to open the conversation. I'm kind of an up front person, so for me it may be something like:

"Hi, I know this is a bit crazy because you don't know me...but

my name is Angela. I'm a follower of Jesus Christ

and when I walked by you, I just felt like God wanted to encourage you today."

"Excuse me, I'm so sorry to bother you. My name is Angela and I'm a Christian

Is there some way I can pray for you today?"

I have friends who ALWAYS start with a full conversation about sometime. They grab whatever they can in the environment, the day, the news, or something that catches their eye about that person. They start a casual conversation and if that goes well, then they look for the opportunity to turn it toward God. I really respect this method but I have found most people don't desire to take that time with a stranger. So, I've landed on a more direct approach but this one works great if I am waiting in a long line or on a plane and we are going to be stuck together for awhile.

Their Response

You may get a no thank you. If that happens, just smile, bless them and walk away.

If they say yes, let Holy Spirit lead you to the next words.

Ask them questions! Find out what is going on in their lives.
Show you care by listening.
As you listen, keep one ear attuned to what God speaks to you. He may highlight something He has God done in your life that helps you to relate to them. He may pop a scripture into your mind.

Expect Holy Spirit to Lead You!

What Next?

After they share is usually the time for you to relate to what they are going through, share a testimony of God's goodness in your life, offer to pray with them for that situation.

Actually pray for them right there! Some people will be surprised that you meant right here and now and not just the Christianese answer of "I'll pray for you."

But don't close your eyes.

You need to be aware as you are praying. Watch the person you are praying for. Do you see God moving on them? Do they look bored and like they can't wait to get away from you.

Be sensitive. If it is clear they would like a hole to open in the earth and swallow them, keep it short.

Before you finish, ask Holy Spirit if He has anything else to say and say it. You have no idea what the words you speak, the scriptures you share or just your time and a hug may do to encourage someone or draw them into salvation or a deeper walk with God.

Okay, a couple stories to encourage you

Grocery Store Aisle

I had not been stepping out like this for very long. I was walking down an aisle in a grocery store and felt strongly impressed that God wanted me to tell someone that He loved them. I kept walking. Because the day before I had stepped out and it went very poorly. I was nervous.

I felt the Lord gently inviting me to trust Him.

So, I turned around and said, "Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you but I felt like you really needed to hear that God loves you."

She responded fairly flippantly, "Oh, I know that."

So the next thing I heard come out of my mouth prompted by Holy Spirit was, "No, I think you REALLY needed to hear that from God today."

And she burst into tears!

As we stood in the aisle, she shared how she was about to give up hope on God and honestly life. She just didn't think God cared or knew all she was going through. I listened and cared, we prayed and hugged and I knew God had done something significant there for her.

And as I walked away, I thought, what if I hadn't obeyed?

Outside the Dollar Store

I saw a lady standing outside the Dollar Store with her daughter. Something about them drew me so I went up and started a conversation. I found out they were between places to live and she wasn't sure what to do.

I was able to share the Gospel with her and found out her family were Christians but she had rejected Christianity. As a matter of fact, she had left on very poor terms some years before.

That day, the Lord led me to invite her into a saving relationship with Him. With tears in her eyes, she repented of her sins and asked Jesus to be her Lord and Savior. Immediately, her eyes softened and her whole demeanor changed.

She looked at her daughter and tearfully told me she didn't know what to do but didn't want her daughter to pay for her mistakes.

As we talked, the Lord directed me to encourage her to reconcile with her family. She told me that they had already reached out to her but she had rejected them. She made a plan right there to call her family and repent to them. She knew they would give her and her daughter a place to live so they wouldn't have to sleep on the street that night.

Finally and Most Importantly

Always pray and spend time with God before you open your mouth. Be filled up so you have stuff to give!
Remember, the results are NEVER UP TO US! God is the one who touches, heals, and draws.

Open Your Mouth and See What Happens