Sharing The Gospel Is Never In Vain

I was sitting in a doctor’s office with my husband, Joe when fear gripped my heart.  But it was not in the context you would expect.

I had nestled myself comfortably in a chair at the back of the exam room while Joe and his doctor chatted.  I did not expect to do or say much during the appointment.

While looking down at my cell phone to check emails and social media, I overheard their conversation turn to spiritual matters. The doctor shared with my husband about his estranged relationship with his father, and he wanted to know if God could be conned by his dad during judgment.

I had not paid very close attention to the doctor’s situation when —suddenly—Joe turned to me and said, “Babe, what do you think?”

Instantly, my nerves punched me in the gut, and fear flooded my mind. I know the Bible says to be ready in and out of season to share the hope we have within us.  But honestly, at that moment, I thought, “Oh no, please, not today.  I don’t want to do this right now.”

It was obvious there was no escaping the situation because all eyes were focused on me. So, with a stomach full of butterflies and the fear of rejection gripping my heart, I attempted to answer what I thought was the doctor’s question.

As I shared the gospel and how we all fall short of God’s holiness (and deserve judgment), I could tell he was unimpressed and unsatisfied with my explanation and analogies.  Apparently, I was answering a question he had not asked. Thankfully, my husband chimed in and provided a straightforward answer that satisfied him immediately.

Although I was initially embarrassed by my “failure,” I remembered that sharing the gospel is never in vain (Isaiah 55:11).  I also learned to trust Jesus with my “misfired” words, believing He would use them to convict, reach, and hopefully save this doctor.