OPINION:
Her name was Sara. Life had not turned out like she had planned or hoped. Like so many young adults today, she was not so much living life as surviving day to day. She did her best to hide the disappointments, doubts, and discontentment that plagued her. She was hurting and she was hiding.
If you were looking at Sara’s demeanor, you may have assumed she would not be open to a conversation about Jesus or faith. But beneath her mask, she was crying out for everything He offered. She was craving hope and longing for peace. She wanted to know that she was valuable and that life would improve. That was the doorway that led to a meaningful conversation about Jesus.
Subscribe to have The Washington Times’ Higher Ground delivered to your inbox every Sunday.
Sara didn’t wake up asking spiritual questions. She was in survival mode.
But, when someone connected with her pain and listened to her internal cry, she was willing to listen to her new friend share about the God in Heaven who loved her and had a plan for her life.
In that moment, the God conversation became relevant. It wasn’t theology, it was practical and relational. The benefits of everything Jesus offered were appealing to her in her distress.
Sara prayed to receive Christ and excitedly began her new journey with Him.
Whether or not you realize it, you know someone like Sara. She has a different name, but she lives in your town. She could be a family member or someone in your neighborhood. She may even be your daughter or son. But she is everywhere. And sometimes she is a he.
Sara represents the many lost and broken young people who are struggling. Their pain is intense; their questions deafening. They are looking for answers, but they don’t even know how to articulate the question.
But, if you keep your spiritual antennae up and if you listen to the Holy Spirit’s whispers, you can identify them, and you can help them. You can start a conversation with them and lead them closer to Jesus, who is willing and able to help them make sense out of this world, heal their pain, and even offer them eternal life.
So how can you connect with the Saras in your life?
Ask God for discernment: I would encourage you to regularly ask God to help you see beyond the masks that are projected and see the pain of those you come in contact with. When God reveals their struggle, your compassion will increase and your ability to connect will grow.
Really listen: Instead of unleashing your wisdom on your “prey,” try to hear what they are saying … and what remains unsaid. Ask them questions about how the challenges they’ve faced have impacted them. Ask them about their generation and how they are coping with anxiety and disappointment. As they answer they will give you a glimpse into the areas where they are struggling.
Be Vulnerable: Rather than preaching a mini-sermon and sharing your wisdom, give them a glimpse into your struggles.
“When I am feeling anxious, I …”
“When I was younger I struggled with depression, but I found hope.”
If they feel you can’t relate and don’t want to, they will tune you out. But if they feel you understand, they will lean in.
Speak Jesus: Jesus is the giver of hope, life, peace, joy, and comfort. He is the answer to every meaningful question they are asking or thinking, so don’t be afraid to share.
“I know your heart is broken, but I want you to know that Jesus wants to heal your heart.”
“I know it seems that life will never get better, but I promise you, God has a great plan for you. Life may not be perfect, but He will never leave you.”
“I know because He’s never left me.”
Introduce them to Jesus: Connection is a good start. Sharing about Jesus is important. However, don’t stop short.
All of the promises God offers are available to those who have accepted His gift of salvation and are walking in a relationship with Him. Take that next step and tell them that God sent Jesus to pay the price for their sin so that He could have a relationship with Him and anyone who places their trust in Jesus receives forgiveness, eternal life, is adopted as a child of God, and gains the Holy Spirit. Tell the Sara in your life that they were created to walk in relationship with God through Jesus – and it starts the day they say “yes” to Him. Don’t assume they believe this already or even know it. Don’t make the mistake of believing that they understand this because they come from a “good family” or even have attended church growing up. Use the relational equity that you have built to introduce them to your best friend and the One who wants to be theirs as well.
Sara asked, “How is it possible that I am 27 years old and no one has ever told me that God loves me?”
Today, you may bump into someone who is struggling with the same question. Stay alert. Stay focused on Jesus. Invite Him to use you, and then don’t back down. Share Jesus.
The Sara in your life may not realize that is what she needs … but truthfully it is all she needs.
–
Sean Dunn is the founder and president of Groundwire.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.