But you will receive power when the
Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Acts 1:8
Some years ago, I decided to take a
music theory class at a local junior college. I introduced myself to
one of the students there named Frank. I always greeted him warmly
when I saw him. In my heart I believed that he needed to know the
Lord. One day after class had finished, I was about to leave the
school building and drive home, when I sensed the Holy Spirit
prompting me to stick around for awhile. I believed the Lord wanted
me to minister to someone, but I didn't know who. I had my guitar
with me. Sometimes after class, I would pick out a small music room
to practice in. But that was not what the Lord wanted me to do –
at least not yet.
In my spirit, I felt the grieving of
the Holy Spirit so I prayed in tongues silently, while I waited in
the cafeteria for God's further direction. Honestly, I felt a little
bit foolish waiting around like this, but I believed the Lord was
leading me. After twenty minutes had transpired, I saw Frank
waltzing through the cafeteria. I said, “Hi Frank.” And then,
“Would you like to hear some of my songs? We could go to one of
the practice rooms upstairs.” He said, “Sure. I'd like to hear
them.” We made our way to a practice room and I played a few of my
songs. I could see that the Lord was moving in my friend's heart.
Then I witnessed to him about the free gift of salvation, and he
accepted Christ into his heart and life. Hallelujah!
After the music theory course was over,
I lost touch with Frank. But about four years later, I ran into him
again. He told me he was doing well. He said he played in the band
at a church he was a part of and that he was living for the Lord.
That was music to my ears.
As I write about this story, I am
motivated to allow the Lord to use me in ways like this again and
again. I hope you feel the same way. You may be thinking that you
cannot be used by God in such a way, but let me encourage you that
you can. A good prayer to pray is to ask God for divine
appointments. God has a way of bringing us into the lives of people
we are uniquely qualified to minister to. In my case, I ministered
to a music student, with my music. You may have other skills. You
may have unique knowledge and experience that make you able to reach
certain types of people.
Let's open up to the Lord by asking him
for divine appointments and the boldness to reach people. Jesus is a
Master at putting such appointments together. He has empowered you
and I to be his witnesses. The word “power” in Acts 1:8 can also
be translated ability. Jesus has given us His ability to be
witnesses. Let's rise to the challenge.
Dear Father God,
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