Believe in that “Stuff”

In 2006, the Barna Group found that 45% of U.S. adults met their criteria for being "born again". This represented a significant increase from 31% in 1983. The percentage hovered in the 36% to 43% range from 1992 through 2005. A more recent survey by Arizona Christian University in 2020 indicated that 33% of U.S. adults embraced salvation through Jesus. 

Not everyone who claims they are “born again” or that they believe in God is saved. As a realtor, I used to wonder how I could have an effect on people for Jesus. When I started, I tried to convince myself that being a good, honest, person with ethics was all I could do. As time went on, I found that I could sneak things into conversation, about church or faith. It was a good way to find out who I was working with. After working with one woman for a while, we were quite comfortable with each other. One day I said, “I will pray that they bring us a great offer on the house.” Her response was less than I expected. She said, “yes! I believe in that stuff! I have a friend who has crystals. It’s very interesting. There just has to be more than what we see.”  

Well, she is certainly right about that. I was disappointed because I liked this lady. It’s sad to me that I never got the opportunity to talk to her about Jesus. It’s not a conversation that you could have in 5 min. The older I get the more I have a burden for unsaved people. Unfortunately, there are many people who think that all they have to do is believe there is a god and they will go to heaven. Most of us have family members who are not saved. I believe that time is short. Now more than ever, pray for those people, Pray for opportunity to talk to people. It’s not hard, speak from your heart and tell them how much you love Jesus and what He has done for you. There just isn’t anything we will do in our lives that is more important than telling people about Jesus.

Lord, give us the opportunity and the words to say that we may plant seeds only you can harvest. Amen                    

Shirlene Peterson