Being Vulnerable About God

As we tell others about Jesus, sometimes they just need to hear HOW God is real to us.

A few minutes ago, I got an email from someone, asking about God. He knows the difference between a “cultural” Christian, and one that really has a relationship with God. And he realized this through a Christian girl, whom he fell in love with.

He’s still evaluating whether to fully believe in and follow Jesus. Everything he learned about God is connected to her. So he asked me…

“If I become a Christian, and this girl decides she’s really not interested in me, what then would become of my relationship with God? Would I be able to continue with God?”

An interesting and fair question. Here’s what I told him…

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Hi Anders,

My own experience might be helpful. When I became a Christian the last year before entering the university, my parents were really opposed to it.

They were MUCH more comfortable with a cultural Christianity. Reading the Bible, talking to God, and being led by God…that was way over the top in their view.

So things were actually very tense.

At the time, I still had my Christian friends, so there was some support. But my faith was in God, not in them. And God really got me through that time.

When I went to the university, the first couple of weeks I didn’t really know anyone well, and zero Christians. Late one night (like 2 a.m.), I sat on the grass outside my dorm and prayed.

And I said to God, “I know you were with me back at home, but now that I am at the university, I need to know that you’re with me here, too.”

A few minutes later, this guy walks up to me and says, “May I sit here with you?” I immediately thought, “I am in NO mood for some guy to try to start something.” So I said, “Fine.” But then I completely ignored him.

He finally said, “I just want you to know that I’m a campus minister, and I’ve been sitting back there praying for you, because I sensed something was bothering you.” I said, “No, I’m fine.” And he left. (Like I said, I wasn’t in the mood to begin a conversation with any guy at the moment.)

But I did say to God, “Ok, that was something. That was unexpected. Thank you. I’ll take that as a reminder that you are with me.”

I am a very pragmatic person. Someone else might have become very emotional at the reality of this guy showing up so soon after praying. And they might have been kind enough to tell him what was going on.

But to me it was more, “Ok. I’ll take that. Thanks.” My focus was squarely on God.

Anders, God himself is real. He’s capable. He is able to keep us growing, keep us walking with him, with or without the girl. 🙂

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As you interact with nonbelievers, be willing to be vulnerable with them. Let them know how God shows up. They are curious how this whole Christian life really works. Be honest. Be transparent. If something comes to mind, share it with them.

You could always follow it with, “If you’d like to know God in this way, there’s a great Website that will show you how: EveryStudent.com.”

Let’s make Jesus findable!