Soul-Winning Challenges (Dealing with Difficult People)
Reflection: Proverbs 11:30, Daniel 12:3, Matthew 10:11-16
Don’t give up on doing your part to win souls for Christ, beloved. He who wins souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30). The Bible also says those who turn many to righteousness are blessed (Daniel 12:3). God never forgets all that we do for His glory. He is not unjust, not to reward our efforts (Hebrews 6:10, Proverbs 11:25) - I am a living witness to this. Now, there will be times when you will feel that you failed or didn’t do enough to bring certain people to Christ. Don’t beat yourself up! You are not responsible for those who continually reject the Gospel and refuse to surrender their lives to Christ, once you have done your part and sown the seed.
The other thing to guard against is, succumbing to emotional blackmail. In this case, people give unending excuses for not accepting Christ and try to make you feel less worthy of your calling, even when you have done all within your power to show them love. Don’t expect everyone to like you. Some people may also have the strong urge to persecute you. Be that as it may, fear not! The One who sent you is with you, always.
Years ago, as the Lord moved me out of my comfort zone to an unfamiliar environment, a lady in need that I was trying to lead to Christ made a false allegation against me, in a bid to tarnish my image. Suffice it to say I was beyond shocked, because a few days before the ugly incident, I had prayed for her, and given her good counsel, interview tips for jobs, and a nice gift. While I was feeling comfortable having her around me, thinking I had made progress, she had other plans for me. But God was on my side. Her made-up statements were so ridiculous, that she ended up putting herself in an embarrassing situation.
What I experienced hurt so much, even after I was vindicated, that I almost got discouraged, as I was new to soul-winning at the time. I also remembered how the lady had been hostile to me from the onset, but I kept pushing. As I mentioned earlier – not everyone will like you; keep it moving. It was my first test on the field as I launched out, and God wanted to prepare me for what I was getting into. He also wanted me to know that He would always be with me. The next time I saw the lady was 16 months after. I remembered what she did to me, but said a warm greeting, anyway. God taught me humility, and the whole experience made me stronger. My younger daughter and I still talk about the ugly incident – in a playful mood, of course. I doubt very much that I will forget it in a hurry!
Evangelists and Soul-winners who are old-timers often encounter challenges, but a person who has just started winning souls may feel discouraged. Don’t be disheartened if you find yourself in an unpleasant situation. It’s more than likely that you are not the only one sharing the Gospel with an unkind or hostile person, and they probably did the same hurtful things they did to you to the soul-winner they met on the street the other day.
There is absolutely nothing wrong in persistently sharing the Gospel with those who are resistant to it, but bear in mind that some of them are assigned by the enemy to intentionally wear you out, discourage you, harm you, or make you feel unworthy of your calling. When you have done your part as expected, walk away with a clear conscience (Matthew 10:14 & 16). Leave the rest to the Holy Spirit and keep interceding for them in prayer. Likewise, put on the full armour of God that has been given to you, at all times (Ephesians 6:11-18) - you are going to need it. You are blessed!
Shalom!
Deborah O Daniel (Toyin)
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