Sharing Your FaithSample

Is Anyone Listening?

Does it feel like people are not listening to your story, or they’re not interested in what you have to say? Maybe you feel like you don’t have anything interesting to share?

Well, let me tell you about Niki. We both volunteered at CQ and were working with others to bake lots of muffins, cupcakes, and brownies. One afternoon, there was a lull in the baking, so I found a quiet place to sit by myself and write for a few moments when Niki walked by.

My notebook open, pen in hand, hardly a word written, she asked, “What are you writing about”?

“I’m writing a devotional about encouraging people of my generation, ‘the mature generation’ if you prefer, to share their life experiences with the younger generation, to impart their wisdom in hopes of helping them realize they don’t have to do life alone, and to learn that trusting in God is the answer,” I answered with a smile.

Niki began sharing that when she was young, she was very close to her grandma, who always had lots of advice to give, no matter the subject. This advice usually went in one ear and out the other, she admitted. Now that she’s married with children, Niki occasionally hears her grandma’s words come out of her mouth! Though grandma has gone to be with the Lord, she shared that the advice offered often comes to mind, and she’s thankful for the time she spent “listening” to grandma.

This encounter made me realize that even if you think the person you’re talking to isn’t listening or doesn’t care what you have to share, the seeds are planted. They may not grow until much later, but when the time is right, God will bring it to their memory.

I [Paul] planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NLT

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for those who spoke encouragement and love to me in my young years. Now that many years have passed, help me do the same. Bring people into my life who need a word of encouragement, a hug, or just a listening ear. Help me honor You by planting seeds that help others grow. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do you want to go the extra mile?

• Make yourself available to others. Make time to slow down and look at the people around you. When we are too busy with the cares of life, we can easily miss the person who needs to experience the love of Jesus.
• Intercede for the people who need Jesus. Begin by walking in your neighborhood and praying over each house you pass.
• If you meet someone along the way, introduce yourself. Ask their name, and engage in conversation. If it seems appropriate, say a short prayer for them.