August 5, 2021 - Acts 16:11-24
Leading a person to the Lord is exciting and scary all at the same time. Each time it is done it brings such joy to both the one sharing and the one receiving! While getting started may appear to be difficult, it really is not when the Spirit of God opens the door and we are prepared, as we see in this chapter of Acts.
How do we get started with witnessing? Paul and his team were going about their business as they normally would on the Sabbath. They prepared by doing what they would do each Sabbath day. They inquired where to go for prayer and then proceeded to the place where people had gathered. A woman named Lydia was among those who assembled to worship. As she listened to Paul speak, the Lord opened her heart and she desired to hear more. Although the Word does not state that she accepted Christ, her words and actions indicate that she had become a follower of Jesus. Paul was the instrument speaking when the opportunity arose and she was open to his instruction. This led to an overflowing act of gratitude after being baptized for her faith in Jesus!
The same is true in the next instance when the jailor and his family came to faith in Christ. Previous to this happening, Paul and Silas were imprisoned for casting a demon from a slave girl and depriving her owners of financial gain. They were arrested, beaten and jailed. During the night in jail, Paul and Silas began to pray and sing while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly an earthquake occurred and all the jail doors were opened and the jailor assumed the prisoners had escaped. He prepared to commit suicide when Paul cried out to stop him. Paul and Silas take the opportunity, present the gospel and the entire household was converted that evening.
In both stories, Paul and Silas demonstrated principles we can use for helping us to share Jesus with those we come in contact with daily. Recognize that God occasionally places us in difficult situations but it may be exactly where the Lord has us to provide an opportunity to share the gospel. Look for openness toward the Lord among those you are with at that moment. Both Lydia and the jailer were seeking and open to God’s work. Speak plainly of what the Lord has done for you. Paul spoke to their needs, not just religious words and rituals. Invite them to heed the words of the Lord (vv. 14,32).
We sometimes struggle to share the gospel instead of allowing the Spirit of God to lead us to the very people He has placed in our path. Paul’s approach demonstrates to us how to be prepared for any occasion the Lord presents to us. Like Paul, simply talk about the Lord’s assistance to them in their time of need. Be prepared but relax and allow the Holy Spirit to open opportunities to witness!