Day 1: Praying For Opportunities - Praying & Going

“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” (1 John 5:14)

My wife, Nellie Jo, loves Jesus. My wife loves people.

Those two realities are a powerful motivation to tell people about Jesus. After all, the greatest need anyone has is to know Jesus personally as Lord and Savior. If we truly love people as Christ loves them, we will tell them about the Savior.

One day Nellie Jo and I were praying together. It seemed as if she prayed more that day for opportunities to share her faith than anytime I can remember. She asked God specifically and boldly to put people in her path who needed to hear the gospel.

The passage of Scripture from 1 John 5:14 is clear. If we ask God for anything that pleases him, he will hear and respond. And we know that telling others the good news of Christ pleases God greatly. Jesus did tell us clearly that we were to be his witnesses. In fact, it was the last thing Jesus said before he ascended to heaven: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The next day, Nellie Jo and I walked into an office building. Standing near the entranceway was Noelle, an acquaintance we both knew. But Nellie Jo knew her better. She knew Noelle was struggling about many issues, most of them spiritual issues.

Noelle’s words to my wife stunned me: “I am so glad you showed up today. I prayed to God that if he is real, please send someone to tell me about him.”

My mouth was probably wide open in amazement. Nellie Jo prayed for this opportunity a day earlier. Noelle was asking God that moment for someone to talk to her about him.

I looked at my wife. Her expression was a smile of joy, not an open mouth of amazement. She knew God had heard her prayer to be a witness. And though she was not presuming upon God’s timing to answer her prayer, she was not surprised it happened the very next day.

For the next hour, we talked with Noelle about Jesus. Nellie Jo carried the conversation. She was the conduit for God. My wife softly and lovingly shared with her friend about the Savior who could provide her hope, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Almost as soon as Nellie Jo began the conversation with Noelle, tears of joy flowed down the face of this person seeking God. My wife’s prayer was answered. Noelle’s plea to God was heard. She heard about Jesus.

Though Noelle did not become a follower of Christ that day, I know that she is close. And I would not be surprised if Nellie Jo and Noelle have another conversation about the Savior very soon.

Consider this simple prayer for yourself: “Lord, please open doors for me to have the opportunity to tell people about Jesus.”

God will be pleased with your prayer. In his time, you will likely see that simple prayer answered many times.

Nellie Jo was his witness. You can be his witness too.