Quit Borrowing Tomorrow’s Trouble
Well, now, friend, come on over here to the backyard and sit for a little spell on this real sturdy tree stump stool right here in the shade by the well and watch out for that pesky horsefly that keeps on buzzin’ ‘round here like he’s lookin’ somethin’ special from any trespassers. We’re about to take a little trip into a story that shows how God can use an ordinary moment the way a wise old farmer uses a simple lil’ ol’ seed. Acts 8:30-31 tells us, “Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ The man replied, ‘How can I unless someone instructs me.’ And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.” That’s the Bible’s way of sayin’, “Sometimes folks need a little help connectin’ the dots.”
Philip didn’t charge in like a lil’ feisty Banty rooster who thinks he owns the whole barnyard. He didn’t unload a wagon full of theology before the man even blinked. He simply asked a question. A gentle one. A kind one. A question that opened a door instead of slammin’ one shut. That’s what we call tact, friend, and it’s rarer these days than a real polite goose.
Some believers treat evangelism like they are tryin’ to win a debate at the county fair. They fire off verses faster than a squirrel chasin’ acorns in October. But Jesus did not do that. When He met the woman at the well, He simply talked with her. He listened. He let her speak her heart. He built a bridge before He carried real truth right across it.
And tucked right into all this is the wisdom of Psalm 55:22, which gives us a special invitation by telling us, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” It’s as if God leans close and whispers, “Friend, hand Me what is weighin’ you down. I’ll carry it while you walk beside Me.” When we share the gospel with others, we don’t need to lug around fear, pressure, or worry. God carries the burden. We carry the message. In other words, friend, don’t drag tomorrow’s worries into today’s conversations. When we share the gospel, we are not responsible for the results. We are responsible for the love, the listening, and the gentle truth.
Father, teach me to share Your truth with kindness. Help me listen well, speak wisely, and love deeply. Give me the courage to open my mouth and the humility to open my ears. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, friend, as you’re findin’ your way right on back into your day like a thoughtful little beaver carryin’ just the right stick for buildin’ up his dam, remember that winning arguments has never saved a soul. Lovin’ people well opens doors that pride never could begin to pry open. God does the convictin’. We are to do the caring. And when we walk in that truth, even the smallest kind of conversation can become very fertile, holy ground.
With joy,
Gwen
