Are you already a Christian and want to help someone struggling get to know Jesus? Answer their questions! (Yes I know that sounded like an infomercial)
I had a friend that wanted to believe in God, but had some serious reservations. I wanted her to love Jesus more than anything. I didn't know where to start, and neither did she. So one night we were talking about her worries, her past and life all together. She started asking me questions. All sorts of questions, like "why don't you worry about the future?" I told her because I know God really does have a plan for me, and it will unveil in time. That answer lead to more questions, that were more fundamental. She asked about stories in the Bible that she had heard that sounded mean and harsh. So we looked them up in the Bible together and I explained to her what happened and how I felt about it. She asked me how I know God is real. I told her about my "Ahah!" moment with Him, and how I feel Him in everything I do. I assured her that if she asks God to come into her heart, she can feel that overwhelming sense of joy and peace in her life too. She asked about God's rules, and why He made them. I answered every question she asked to the best of my ability. I prayed that God would speak through me, and sit right beside me to make sure I didn't mess anything up. True story, I really did imagine Jesus sitting right beside me...and I think He was.
Asking questions is a good place to start searching. That curiosity inside of people is, I think, from the Holy Spirit. We have a drive to know the One who created us. If you are a Christian, take advantage of that curiosity and always be open to answer any question someone has.
These question-and-answer sessions turned into long talks into the night. We had debates and went back and forth between philosophical topics frequently. She let me pray with her, too. I sometimes got frustrated though. "When is she going to accept Him already?" I thought. Then there would be these moments where she seemed to really appreciate the discussions we had, and learned a lot about Jesus. Despite my impatience, I never gave up hope, that God was working in her life. Whether I would see her become a follower of Christ tomorrow or twenty years down the road, I knew this chick was meant to be in the family (the body of Christ = family).
This woman gave her life to Christ two years later. She has held me accountable and put me in my place numerous times! Who thought the 'teacher' would be getting schooled by this new believer! I didn't...
One of the most amazing things about this story is not just about her wonderful transformation, but mine too. Through answering questions with biblical text to back up my answers, talking about Jesus's love and my own relationship with Him, I grew tremendously in my faith. I became so close to Him, because I needed Him. I couldn't have answered all those tough questions without His wisdom. I really felt like He was my best friend helping me through all of this. It was a great experience for she and I both.
*So, ASK ASK ASK! It's a start! But remember to read the Bible for yourself as well. Find the answers to your own questions, you will be pleasantly surprised! :)
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