Yesterday I had an unexpected conversation with a dad from one of our kid’s sports teams. I’ll call him Johnny (*not his real name). Johnny and I have known each other for several years. We’re not close. We are more like acquaintances who like sports, want our kids to excel athletically, and chat about different things when we find ourselves together. He knows I am a pastor. Over the years I have learned some things about him and his family. He does not regularly attend church, if at all.
When we saw each other I had a crisis moment—will I say hi and engage him, or will I be courteous and then pretend to be even more interested than I really am in the kids practicing? I was tired after a full day’s work. I already had an agenda and wanted to continue my exercise routine. I wanted to have some time of being with the kids. I had a lot of “personal wants.” I also want to share the good news of Jesus with anyone and everyone who needs to hear it. I want to be used by God and experience his grace as his instrument. This was a textbook crisis moment.
Yes, even pastors have crisis moments. It was scary actually. Scary to think that I would not want to engage with someone who needs the good news of Jesus. And scary to think that I would engage with him and be mocked. Not that he has mocked me before. He and I have always been friendly toward one another. In my own weakness I had thoughts of being singled out as different, radical even, and then humiliated if I engage too much. I quickly prayed silently for wisdom and love.
The crisis moment was short-lived when he asked me how the church was doing. A surprising question coming from him. It’s always about sports or life in general. I gave a quick synopsis and told him that God is faithful. This began a conversation that I am incredibly grateful for.
I had intended to go for a run after ensuring the kids were safe and cared for, but I will have to make up the run some other time. Johnny and I talked the entire time. In the conversation I learned more about his background, why he is the way he is, the struggles he faces as a husband and father, and the battles that rage in his own heart. It was as if God gave me a front row seat to this guy’s soul.
I am thankful for my pre-planned agenda being interrupted. It was a blessing to talk with Johnny about real things that matter. What I thought could have been a hurdle actually became the very thing that moved us beyond mere acquaintances. Johnny was eager to hear more about how Jesus truly saves lives, forgives sin, and makes men better husbands, fathers, and friends.
It was good to be used by God in this man’s life. It gave me better perspective, a clearer picture of reality for Johnny and his family, and other people who stand near me on the ball field. These are real lives that need to hear the good news of Jesus. People with real souls, real problems, and real sin. I have specific prayers to say for Johnny. I can now ask others to join me in praying specifically for him and his family.
When the practice was over, I walked away knowing that Johnny had real truth to consider as he went back home. He thanked me, which filled my heart with joy knowing that God’s Word just watered a seed. I am blessed, thankful, and happy for the interruption.
1 Peter 3:13-15 says, “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
The gospel will not always be received well. As followers of Jesus we need to be ready to share him regardless. He was glorified in me choosing to share rather than turning away. Always being prepared to make a defense is more than knowing the truth, it’s being willing to share it. It’s overcoming the crisis moments we all have in our own hearts. Are you prepared to explain that Jesus is the hero of this life? Are you prepared to point an unbeliever to the gospel of Jesus? Are you prepared to be interrupted so they will hear truth and know him? I pray that you are, and when you have a crisis moment you too will share Jesus.
If you struggle with your own crisis moments, consider joining our Home Group. We intend to look at how to share the good news of Jesus with others as we continue our discussion of John’s Gospel.