This morning I had the task of going to the local Social Security Office to get my daughter, Lexi’s, Social Security Number. Upon walking in, I was confronted with the reality that this was going to take a long time. The place was packed with people. I took my number, found a seat and began reading my Bible. About 2 minutes later, a woman walked in, took and number and sat next to me. I kept reading but wondered if I was supposed to share the gospel with her. Tucked inside my Bible was a “How Good Are You?” tract in case there was an opportunity to talk with someone. The woman seemed pretty content talking to a friend in the next seat over. When her friend left, I began to talk with her a little but after talking for a few more minutes, there was an awkward silence. I believe God wanted me to try to get into a Gospel conversation with her.
I started by asking on a scale from 1 to 10, “How good are you?” She answered. Then I spoke and she began scream boisterously and was raging mad. The security guard came over and immediately threw me out of the place. Not only was I embarrassed and humiliated but I didn’t get the Social Security Number. What a wasted trip!
(record scratch noise!!!) Hang on a minute. Back to reality. That last part didn’t really happen. I didn’t get thrown out of the Social Security Office. She didn’t become angry. This is what my mind imagined would happen if I shared with her. In that moment, I let fear begin to grip my heart and extinguish the passion for the gospel going forth. A sinful fear of man was taking hold of my heart.
I’m grateful that God helped me to overcome fear and this opportunity was not lost. By His grace I pulled out the tract and began to ask her about herself and how good she thought she was. I’d love to be able to report that we got through the whole booklet and she fell down on her knees and repented and believed in Christ, but she didn’t. We actually had a brief, pleasant exchange and I asked, “Would you mind if we talk about this little booklet further?” She said, “Yeah, I’m OK. I’d rather not. But thank you.” I responded, “OK. That’s fine” and asked if she would like to keep it to read later. She kept it.
We went on to discuss other topics and didn’t get back to the Gospel but that is OK. I believe I did what God wanted me to do in trying to share the gospel. And, how wonderful! I didn’t get thrown out of the place and the conversation was easier than I thought it would be!
The Gospel Message is far too valuable to not be shared because of fear. May we be people who pray every day for open doors (Col. 4:3) to share the gospel with people around us AND may we be bold and walk through doors when they open.
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