In our last Backyard Conversation, I was noting something quite obvious – that when our skies are covered in dark, black clouds there is a sun behind them that is still shining. Duh!


Still, it does seem a bit surprising when the clouds break for a moment and the sunbeams shine through. We say things like:

“Wow, maybe the skies are clearing.” -or-
“I did not expect that today.” -or-
“It’s so dreary out, that comes as a nice surprise.”

It seems that, although we understand that the sun is always in the sky, there are times that we just don’t anticipate it breaking through. In our last blog we noted that there is a spiritual similarity in our walk with God – Sometimes we just don’t expect God to show up.

Here at One Hundred Fold Ministries we expect that God is breaking through into our story with His Story all the time. We live in eager anticipation of God showing up in eternal and life-changing ways. I mean, after all, He has told us that He is here with us:

Exodus 33:14
And He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Psalm 139:7
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?

Jesus’ parting promise at His ascension tells us an important truth – He only seems to be leaving!

Matthew 28:20
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

And God’s promise to Abraham still applies to us today:

Genesis 28:15
Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go . . . For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

I have come to expect God to engage in my daily conversations and activities. I imagine that the King and His invisible, eternal, Kingdom reality is seeking to break into this visible, finite human reality at any moment.

Every moment. Even in the briefest of standing in line at the grocery story conversations. I like to think that I am not manipulating my conversations into a forced and awkwardly invasive spiritual conversation. We have all seen that happen and it is usually not very comfortable.

Rather, I like to ask myself three questions when I meet someone for the first time:

1. Is this conversation for my encouragement? -or-
2. Is this conversation for their encouragement? -or-
3. Is this simply a Kingdom conversation?

And of course, our conversations can be all three at once, but by asking the question I place myself in a position of readiness for God to break in and for His purposes to be realized. The word picture that I have in my mind is that of me tossing out a Kingdom conversation “fishing bobber” and some bait into a lake filled with fish.

If the person finds our conversation to be encouraging and satisfying, then maybe they will follow the bait into the Kingdom. Or at least a bit closer.

It is easier than you might think. For the most part it simply means listening to the other person’s life story. Most all of humanity is lonely. We feel over-looked and under-appreciated. When someone shows genuine interest, everything in the moment changes.

Usually a few simple words of encouragement can keep their life-story rolling:

• “Wow, I wonder how that made you feel?” -or-
  
• “That must have been a surprise!” -or-
  
• “These things that you are sharing with me seem very difficult. How are you getting through it?”
  

I try not to interject much of my own story into the conversation. There may be a moment when that makes sense in order to identify with their story, but if my caring is authentic and obvious, that is usually enough to create trust.

You will notice that in my word picture about fishing bobbers, I had bait but no hook. I like to think that when Jesus called us to be fishers of men (Matthew 4:19), He did not expect us to be inviting people into the Kingdom against their will and by brute force. God’s truth and grace and love, shared by engaging in an other-centered conversation, is enough to open the door to the Kingdom of God! Evangelism in the Kingdom is less about a “saving plan” and more about a “saving conversation.”

When Jesus had His conversation with the woman at the well (John 4) they had a conversation about something that they both held in common – water. Jesus concentrated on what they had in common, not what separated them. And He allowed the Spirit to direct the conversation into the “deep waters” of eternal life!

I am Dave Scherrer and these Backyard Conversations remind us that God is seeking to break through all the time. Into your life as well! You can connect with me here at One Hundred Fold Ministries by email at dave@100foldministries.org.

Let’s start a conversation! So, tell me your story! I’d like to hear it!