21 Days of Prayer for the Lost: Day 14

This morning I cleaned the sinks in our guest bath. The flange and stoppers at the sink bottom are both brass. Some years back I discovered a powdered cleaner that really helped clean these, called Bar Keepers Friend. One could scrub and scrape by hand, and still be frustrated with the result. But the cleaner has oxalic acid in it. So the directions say to sprinkle the powder onto a wet surface and rub gently. When you do, it works wonders!

Most of us feel sharing the gospel with people is worse even than scrubbing sinks! But the truth is, it is not to be that way! As the powder worked wonders in the sink, so the Holy Spirit works wonders in the hard hearts of lost people. They will be made ready.

The apostles themselves were told NOT to go to their assigned gospel task until they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus told them, “You will receive power.” He also said, “You will be my witnesses.” This was an absolute declaration! Thus it is with us. With the Spirit in us, testifying ceases being scary! It becomes a joy!

When Pentecost did come and the Holy Spirit was given, a phenomenon was experienced! The believers began speaking in unknown tongues. The hearers, who had gathered from all over, heard the speaking in their own 15 or more languages. They heard them telling the mighty works of God!

So here is our instruction! We do not much need mechanical training with brochures handy. We do need to simply tell them the mighty works God has done in our own lives! We do this at the Spirit’s bidding, as he speaks through us according to the state and status of our hearers – their culture, personality, education and life experiences.

The Spirit will work through us to accomplish this. They will hear it in their own “language!” God Himself will make us successful. He will direct the day, the hour and the way. We must simply go out as inspired to do so.

One last part is also important. As the believers were in the upper room and waiting for Pentecost’s power, they were devoted to prayer! If we will take such a prayerful approach, even praying with fasting at times, all else will be supplied, and we will fulfill Jesus’ statement, “You will be My witnesses!” It will become a joy and a delight as we see the loved ones, friends and neighbors entering into the kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ. The great working power of the Holy Spirit will accomplish all!

Put aside fear. Take up faith. Move in the Spirit.

Things to pray for today:

• Pray (and even fast) for the redemption of souls in your sphere, by name.
• Pray and plan for how to share the mighty works of God you have experienced. Be ready.
• Pray for and expect the Spirit to work in you, and to prepare and interpret the needed “language!”

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.