10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
How do we view these good works? Are they grand and powerful encounters with other people where they stand in awe of the power of God? At times I believe they are and I have had some experience in that regard. Yet, most of the time for most of us; whether we are a school teacher, homemaker, plumber, accountant, or fall anywhere else in a long list of callings and responsibilities, the opportunities arise in the context of our daily lives.
In essence, God in His sovereignty has woven these opportunities into our day to day lives and they may take a variety of forms. I exercised an opportunity this past Sunday afternoon. A couple of young Mormon missionaries had been around so I arranged to meet with them the Sunday afternoon. They asked if they could bring a fellow named Keith and said he was a recent convert. Turned out he was the head of their missions program for the area and has been a Mormon for almost four decades, not sure how they define ‘recent.’
This experience stirred in me questions around the need for revelation in our interactions. In spite of their allegations of ‘changes’ to the scriptures and related things I used evidence to get them to agree the scriptures we have today are accurate. What was interesting in this was that at the end of our hour together the following things; history, logic and facts, had no discernable impact on them. They still wanted me to read the book of Mormon and pray to know it was true.
As I reflected on the encounter I wondered if words of knowledge would have moved them. Yet as I sought to listen I didn’t have anything specific from the Holy Spirit to share with them, I simply spoke truth to them and was saddened by the level of deception they operated from.
So, was this a ‘good work’ my Father had prepared beforehand for me to walk in? I believe it was. I sought to walk in obedience and shared truth with them in a gentle and respectful way. The fruit of it was not their salvation at the time (my hope) but it doesn’t mean it won’t be for one or all three of them down the road.
Where the ‘prophetic possibilities’ part comes in is that I had a spiritual burden for one of the young men. When they first came to my door and a couple of week later when we met I could discern a calling on his life so I spent some time praying for him before and after we met because I believe that is why the Holy Spirit showed me. The rest I leave in His hands.
Wonderful. What an opportunity. “it doesn’t mean it won’t be for one or all three of them down the road.” …exactly. Is salvation an instant? It occurred on the cross in an instant in time. It is finished. And yes, we come to know and believe in an instant. But, then, even demons believe. But how do we follow? Across many instances. Imperfectly and, in our conviction and repentance, in our submission to God, ever more perfectly, as we are pruned and sharpened and made Holy.
Thanks Mandy. As I shared with a friend yesterday, salvation is a process of steps. Holy Spirit convicts us, we respond in repentance, He sees it is genuine and ratifies it through the new birth. All of which can happen in an instant – ongoing sanctification – the rest of our time on earth with Him.
I love that you took on the fight for these three souls equipped with knowledge but also the Spirit. Being aware that every encounter with someone in our day IS a divine appointment makes life an incredible adventure. But also makes us realize how dependent we are on God to produce fruit! Stay in the vine (John 15) and yield to the prompting of the Spirit.
Great post Randy
Thanks Dan, need to keep training myself to lean into Him throughout the day. After all, in the dance of life He wants to lead!