Reaching people far from God is a supernatural work
Reaching people who are far from God is a supernatural work. You simply can’t do it on your own. It requires prayerful dependence on God, every step of the way. If you’re going to reach your field, you’ll have to be fervent in prayer, asking God for spiritual eyes and divine direction.
Jesus showed us how to pray for the people we’re trying to reach
On one of the occasions when Jesus was accused of violating Jewish customs, He responded by saying, “My Father is working until now, and I am working. . . . Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise” John 5.17, 19 ESV. While Jesus is clearly defending His actions in these verses, when approached from a different angle, He is also showing us five ways to pray the people we’re trying to reach.
1. Praise God that He is already at work in your field.
Jesus said, “My Father is working until now.” He understood that the Father is always at work, softening people’s hearts and preparing them to hear the gospel. This is an amazing promise that should stir you to praise God for His faithfulness.
2. Ask God to show you where He is working so you can join Him.
After Jesus said that the Father was already working, He added, “and I am working.” While God is completely capable of accomplishing whatever He wants to do, He delights in letting us join in the work of redemption.
3. Ask God to change the lives of the people around you.
In His humbled and human state Philippians 2.5-8 ESV, Jesus acknowledged His need for the Father’s power. He said, “the Son can do nothing of his own accord.” Only God can change someone’s life. Only He can bring a person to repent and believe. Ask Him to do what only He can do.
4. Ask God to open your eyes to see people the way He sees them.
Don’t just ask God to move in the hearts of the people in your field, ask Him to move in your heart too. We need spiritual vision to see people’s needs and where God is already working. We need wisdom and discernment to take the right approach and say the right words at the right time.
5. Surrender your life completely to God.
It’s good to pray for God to intervene in people’s lives, but it’s better for you to show up and get involved with what God is doing in their lives. God is looking for obedience. He wants people who will pray, see where He’s working, and join in. He wants people who seek His will above their own and recognize that their availability is far more important than their ability.
This blog features an excerpt from one of our books, Reach Your World Student Series.
