If you’re anything like me, when you’re focused, everything else is gone. It can be like tunnel vision—what’s in front of you has all your attention.
Recently on a Sunday morning, I was working on a time-sensitive task for my church. I was so fixated on it that when someone asked me to assist with another portion of the project recently explained by our leader, I was confused. I hadn’t heard a word about it.
I believe we can be in a similar place regarding those who may not know Jesus.
As believers, we’re aware of the fact that there are people who haven’t trusted in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. When we are aware of something, we have knowledge or perception of it. But there is a difference between knowing something and that knowledge piercing our hearts, leading to change in our daily lives.
When was the last time you looked around in your gym class and wondered if the friends you see each week know Jesus? What about your barista or the coworker you spend the majority of your week with?
The Lord has recently challenged me with these thoughts. I’ve been encouraged through the Bible and in prayer to have a heart that is burdened for those who are lost. As someone who has friends in different countries who are extremely passionate about spreading the Gospel, I’ve had to check my own heart, asking why I’m not that passionate in my everyday life. Rather than continuing to experience tunnel vision that causes me to stay focused on myself and my own issues, God has gently lifted my head from where I’m fixated and opened my eyes to those around me that still need Him.
Romans 10:14-15 is a verse we often hear when a team is commissioned before a mission trip.
But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” – NLT
We have been sent! We’re the perfect people to take the truth of the Gospel to those in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and families. We get to be the ones who tell those we care for the most about all Jesus has done for us! There is truly no higher privilege than this.
What if we lived this out in our daily lives? What if we took the time to notice those around us who don’t have the hope of Jesus? What if we asked God to burden our hearts for those around us who don’t know Him? They are already on His radar!
When we begin to have a heart burdened for those who may not know Jesus, we are coming right in line with the heart of God. Jesus speaks of Himself as the One who came to seek and to save the lost. If you’re in a place where God is stirring this change in your heart, I encourage you to seek God in prayer and simply ask these three questions:
- Who in my life needs to know the hope of Jesus?
- How can I share the testimony of what You have done in my life to them?
- How can I serve this person as I prepare for the opportunity to share the Gospel?
It may seem too simple, but I know the Lord will answer your questions as you ask them. He has invited us to partner with Him to spread the Gospel. What a privilege it is to do that!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess that it’s been easy to be caught up in my life rather than to see those around me that may need You. First and foremost, will You lift my eyes to see those around me who need to know You? Please show me who in my life needs to know the hope of Jesus. Give me understanding and wisdom for how I can share the testimony of what You’ve done in my life to that person. Lastly, reveal to me simple ways I can serve this person and show them tangible pictures of Your care for them as You prepare their hearts for the Gospel. Thank You for Your heart that all should come to repentance. In Jesus’ name, amen.
