stuck

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).

Talk about a captive audience! When Jenny signed up for evangelism training last December, she didn't know she'd get such immediate practical experience. Her unexpected opportunity came when she was trapped in an elevator in the hotel where the conference was being held.

She was confined in the small space with ten other people (including Ashley and Jessica from her youth group and one of their sponsors). Jenny, who was standing next to an airline pilot from South Africa, began to talk with him about her faith in God.

When he had a question, Ashley and Jessica showed him Bible verses. Before the doors of the elevator opened 90 minutes later, the man had prayed to accept Jesus as his Savior.

The young women didn't see him again, but left a Bible and a note for him at the front desk of the hotel. When Jenny got home from the conference, she found an e-mail from the pilot. He wrote that the young women who had chosen to share with him would never know how much he needed to receive Jesus.

Opportunities to share our faith are not always planned out.  In fact, most times they are not. They're unexpected, orchestrated by God. The person you sit next to in class. An old friend who sends you an e-mail. A relative you see once a year at a family reunion. Or even a stranger on an airplane, in a store ... or stuck in an elevator.

God uses Scripture to change people's lives. Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes from hearing the message."  Your responsibility is to share what the Bible says, then stand back. Let the Holy Spirit do the convincing and convicting.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

 - Have I ever found myself in an unplanned situation in which I was able to speak to someone about my faith? Do I think that was just a coincidence?

 - If I were in such a situation, would I be ready to share what Christ has done for me? (1 Peter 3:15)   How can I prepare myself?

 - Have I ever prayed that God would bring across my path someone who needs him? Am I willing to offer that prayer?

-cup o'cheer