Let Nothing Stop You From Sharing The Gospel
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
(Mark 16:15-18)
Recently my friend had told me about a trip she and her husband had taken to Canada. As they were taking in the sights, they came upon a woman who was playing Christian music and praise dancing in the park using flags. She had a sign that said “free hugs”. As they watched her, they noticed a family from a non-Christian religion watching her also. Soon this family’s small daughter walked up to this woman and the woman handed the little girl a flag and she started dancing as well. Once they were done, the little girl gave the woman a hug and the family left the area, smiling and waving to this woman. My friend was amazed and said that as she moved closer to the woman, getting into her space, she could feel the presence of God around her. My friend and her husband were able to speak with this woman for a few moments and it had no clue anything was wrong with her until she began to speak. They realized she had a hearing disability which also caused some difficulty in speaking yet they could understand her. She told them her story. Due to this woman’s disability, she had been hurt by people and by the church. People would try to limit her in what she could do especially when it came to working for the Lord. So she took her ministry to the streets. She did admit that she doesn’t speak much because she doesn’t want people to judge her first by her speech. When asked if she went to church, the woman pointed around and said “this is my church!” She did state that now churches do ask her to praise dance for them and she happily goes. She also travels to different areas to praise dance and give out free hugs stating that she even goes to college campuses because the students take tests and need hugs to comfort them.
This woman’s story and her ministry is so inspiring because it shows how God uses all people to get His message across. It’s also inspiring because this woman did not allow anyone or anything to get in her way of sharing Jesus with others. She may not speak much, but it’s her action of dancing and giving out loving hugs to others that gets Christ’s message across. In a world filled with hurt, there is someone there who readily opens her arms to embrace anyone that needs a hug. No one is exempt. Her praise dancing prepares the atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to move through her and into others.
There is no disability or illness that can prevent the Word of God from being shared unless we prevent it ourselves. It doesn’t matter if it’s a physical disability, emotional or spiritual. It just takes action. Jesus can be shared in words or action or both. Bringing meals to someone in need, an elderly neighbor, or someone who is ill is sharing Jesus (Matthew 25:35). Caring for someone who is ill, visiting someone in prison or writing to them (Matthew 25:36). Visiting the elderly or taking them to their appointments. Giving a word of comfort to someone who is hurting. Or simply dancing and giving out hugs. You may not think you are doing much for the kingdom, but you are doing more than you realize especially when you tell them “God loves you”. By simply taking that first step, God will do the rest. The Great Commission is a calling for all Christians, not some.
We must never allow others to limit us when it comes to sharing Jesus with others. We should always pray and ask the Lord what He wants us to do for Him to further His kingdom as He does not want one person to perish:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
Also we must never limit ourselves on what we can do for the Lord. If we surrender ourselves to Him, He will use us to bring His Word to others. There is no disability to great that God can’t find a way to use you. Nothing is beyond God.
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Seek God today to see how He wants to use you to share the Gospel. If you feel inspired to help someone, do it. If you feel inspired to feed someone, do it. If you feel inspired to simply give out a free hug, then do it! The ways are endless!
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”” (Isaiah 6:8)
Lord, I surrender myself to You. Use me as Your vessel to reach people for You. Open up the doors for me to share Jesus with others even if it’s simply giving a word of encouragement or a hug. Use me to let others know that You love them and are offering the free gift of salvation to them. Lord, show me and direct me. In Jesus name I pray…Amen.