Image generated by AI.

“What good is studying the Bible if you don’t apply it?” That is the question I had asked April a few times. She defends herself by replying that she is shy, scared, or not comfortable. I understand because I used to be like her when it came to sharing Jesus with people. Then one day, I realized,

I have nothing to lose, but they have everything to gain!

I have shown April different methods of approaching people. Most appreciate that you have noticed them and their need. Occasionally, someone will say, “No, thank you,” to your offer to help them or to pray for them. It’s okay, because at least they know someone cared enough to stop their busy life to pay attention to theirs.

That is what happened last Saturday. April and I were eating our breakfast at a local restaurant when I noticed a worker on break talking on her phone. I also saw that she was crying. I nudged April and whispered that here is her chance to minister. She resisted at first, but I think God has been dealing with her about this as well. She got up and approached the woman. She asked if she was okay and if she would like us to pray for her. The worker seemed embarrassed and waved us off. But before going back to work, she thanked us for caring.

I have written before that it starts with “seeing” someone in need. Then caring enough to get involved. That is what Jesus did. He was bold!

Recently, April and I were making a purchase. While the merchant was getting all the paperwork in order, he suddenly opened up about his grandfather, who had just retired and then found out he had a large polyp in his colon. As he shared, you could tell he loved his grandfather and was fearful of the family getting the worst results from the biopsy.

I ministered hope to him and assured him we would be praying for both. I asked if his grandfather was ready to stand before God and give an account of how he had lived his life. The young man assured me that he was. But as the conversation continued, it became known that this young man was living with a woman he wasn’t married to. His guilt was obvious. I didn’t judge him for his life choice.

As I have been praying for him and his grandfather, I get a sense that God is using his grandfather’s situation to pursue him. He texted me last week and informed me that our order was delayed. It gave me an opportunity to share with him what I felt when praying. He did say his grandfather has started receiving treatment.

Our world, your world, is full of people who are hurting or struggling with life issues. They need God. They need us to be bold like Jesus and to step up, step out in faith, and share the truth with them. You may never know what kind of impact you will make in their lives until you get to heaven.

He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.” Acts 1:7-8 (MSG)

It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.” Rom. 1:16-17 (MSG)

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Mat. 5:14-16 (MSG)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.