We were created to be in a close, personal relationship with God. Sin—all of the things that go against God's goodness—broke the relationship with Him. The good news is that God doesn't leave us separated from Him. Through His Son, Jesus—who came to earth and lived a perfect life so He could die as a sacrifice for our sins—the Father has made a way to draw near to Him again.
Adoption as Sons and Daughters
Salvation means we are cleansed from our sin and freed from the grips of death. However, it doesn't end there. As much as we are saved from sin and death, we are saved to something even more beautiful: an abundant life that reflects the glory of God as His children.
Because Jesus has placed His righteousness on our account, He views us as His children with the same love, favor, and care that He has for His only begotten Son. There is nothing our souls need more than the saving power of Jesus in our lives. Whether you've lived a good life, or find yourself living in regret and shame, God's desire is for you to accept the free gift of salvation and come back to Him.
God's Good Plan
It is God's desire that nobody should perish under the consequences of sin (2 Peter 3:9). He was willing to give up His Son to ensure anybody could find new life. If we confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9).
If you have a relationship with Jesus, you have a unique opportunity before you. You have been given a mission to carry on Christ's ministry of bringing people back to the heart of God. Through the way you live, the conversations you have, and the ways you pray for other people, you can have a tremendous part in God's good plan to save souls.
Where Do I Get Started?
1. Make a Plan: The best way we can participate in God's plan is to pray. This starts by making a simple, actionable plan. Think of people in your life that need God. Write down their names somewhere easily accessible. Then, find a time where you can be reminded to pray for them; this could be in the car on your commute, in bed before you fall asleep, or as you eat your lunch. Whatever works best for you, make this time a non-negotiable.
2. Pray for Their Hearts: You won't be able to change anyone's heart. That's God's job. Pray that He would soften the hearts of those on your list to hear from God. Ask the Lord to speak in ways that your loved ones will receive. This could be through a Bible verse, a conversation with someone, or a moment of appreciating God's glory through creation. Every moment like this plants a seed.
3. Ask God to Move: As you pray, trust that God is going to answer in His perfect way and in His perfect timing. Stay steadfast in your requests even on the days it feels hard or when you feel like nothing is changing. God is often working in ways we can't see right away. But hold onto the hope of the Gospel—the truth that nobody is too far gone for God to save them.
Praying for the non-believers in our lives is one of the most profound ministry opportunities we have. It's a chance for us to spend time with God while performing a radical act of love for the people in our life who are spiritually lost or wandering. God hears your prayers; as you honor Him, He will honor you. Don't lose heart—God is on the move and He is saving souls every day.
