Rod-West
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What Would You Say?

3/2/2013

10 Comments

 
Luke 12:11-12 (ESV)  And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” 
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On Friday I had surgery for a deviated septum; just another consequence from getting older and playing college football a few years back. (Thanks to the surgery I’m also going to be out of commission for the next week so I thought I might write a little extra while I’m laid up at home.) As I arrived at SurgCare of Wilmington Teresa and I went through the standard process of signing in, filling out all the remaining paperwork, and of course writing another check for a service yet to be rendered.

As I sat at the desk of a very nice woman who was finalizing everything for my procedure I read the many personal postings on her cubicle wall. Now mind you I wasn't being “nosy,” (just a little humor), but most of us place pictures and other items in our work space because they’re meaningful to us and often inspiring. This particular woman had two things that caught my eye. One was a short statement on a post-it note that read, “Before you lay your head down to sleep make sure you thank the Lord for waking you up today.” The second was a full page prayer which called on the name of Jesus no less than five times.

I debated with myself if I was going to make a joke when we wrote the check about paying through the nose or drawing her into a conversation about the prayers on her wall. To say the least it wasn't much of a debate, I went with the prayers. I should also say here that I do have a little mischievous streak that sometimes shows up and is hard to read for those that don’t know me very well.

When I signed the last form and handed her pen back I looked straight into her eyes and asked, “Do you really believe in this Jesus guy?”

This dear woman looked at me with fear and utter shock. Her mouth fell open and not one sound proceeded forth for what seemed like five minutes. Fortunately for her Teresa was standing behind me who, within a few seconds, slapped me on the back and emphatically said, “ROD!” I laughed and shared with her that I was a minister and follower of Christ Jesus. Her shoulders dropped and she sat back in her seat with a deep sense of relief. She then shared with us that no one had ever said anything to her about these prayers. Once she did have a young person sitting at her desk holding a book about atheism which caused her some discomfort. I thanked her for having her faith on display by sharing these prayers and then Teresa and I promptly returned to our seats in the waiting area.

Later in the evening after returning home I thought about this woman’s reaction to my question. Was her response more fear than shock or vice versa? Was she afraid she would have to defend her beliefs before an unbeliever who might ask questions she couldn't answers or cause her to doubt the very faith she put on display? Was she shocked because in her mind she couldn't begin to conceive anyone not believing in Christ Jesus especially here in the south where there is a church around every bend? I personally believe she falls with the latter simply because of her words, “I never …”

What would you say?

I’m concerned deeply for those like this dear lady at SurgCare. They actually believe the world is basically good and are shocked when others challenge the veracity of Christ and His Word. In reality the world is evil and as Christians we should never be shocked of man’s contempt for Christ.

I believe those who are fearfully hesitant far outnumber the goodhearted shocked individuals. I can’t tell you the number of Christians who have shared with me their horror of being put on the spot by non-Christians. “What if they ask me a question I can’t answer Pastor Rod?” I remember having similar concerns in the mid-eighties and my mentor was a great help. After sharing my apprehensions Dr. Wheeler reminded me that no one has all the answers, but it’s the wise person who is resourceful and knows where to look in order to obtain those answers.

We need to learn how to use the tools at hand including pastors, teachers, and the elders of our churches. But the greatest thing we need to learn how to use is the Word of God and the only way this can be accomplished is to spend time studying every day. Scripture reading, meditation, memorization and prayer are habits developed by those who are dedicated to finding answers in order to make an eternal difference. 

I want to encourage you to do several things:

  1. Develop good study habits by making reading the Word a daily priority. 
  2. Designate a time for prayer everyday.
  3. Devote yourself to memorizing Scripture.
  4. Seek to spend some personal time with your pastors & teachers in order to ask questions and help you grow.


Blessings,
Rod


10 Comments
Dave Siebold
3/2/2013 01:02:19 pm

Thanks Pastor Rod for the "bonus" blog entry. My prayer is that your healing is quick and complete. We will miss you at 10am service this week. Blessings to you and your family! Thank you for all you do! Amen!

Reply
Rod West
3/3/2013 12:38:37 am

Thank you Dave.

Reply
Christy Strickland
3/3/2013 12:02:59 pm

I can see you doing this to that poor sweet lady. LOL I'm sure there was some concern from her they you where maybe going to say something to her boss about her having that on her wall. That may have been a part of her shock.... I hope you feel better soon and we missed you at church.
Thanks for sharing, I always enjoy reading your stories.

Reply
Rod West
3/4/2013 06:10:33 am

That did cross my mind Christy which made me appreciate her putting them up all the more. I missed you guys as well; and for feeling better I'm good as long as the meds don't run out.

Sabrina and Doug Clevinger
3/2/2013 01:20:22 pm

Doug and I love you and are praying for you as you heal. Thanks for telling us in the blog about the type of surgery you had. We both feel so blessed to have your family in our lives. What a gift meeting you has been. Thank you for this much needed reminder to keep ourselves ready to share Christ with a lost world.

Reply
Rod West
3/3/2013 12:41:04 am

Thank you Sabrina, and the feelings are mutual.

Reply
Wanda Southerland
3/2/2013 11:11:17 pm

Thanks again , Rod--So glad you feel good enough to write. Perhaps the lady you wrote about will be prepared if someone else comments about her prayer negatively. What an opportunity! She probably posted it to encourage or comfort people about to have surgery.

Reply
Rod West
3/3/2013 12:47:02 am

I was certainly encouraged by seeing these prayers openly displayed. It's just another reminder to me that even as our country continues to spiral downward there are many good Christian folks still making a difference.

Reply
Kenny Roberts
3/2/2013 11:18:09 pm

Great one. I used to asked someone wearing a cross; does that mean anything to you or are you just wearing it for looks. Need to start asking that question again. Rest and heal quickly. Praying for you and Teresa.

Reply
Rod West
3/3/2013 12:53:03 am

Thanks Kenny. I used to hand out tracts to "tough" kids by saying, "I dare you to take one and read it." I was always amazed by how many guys would actually take the tract and begin to read it as they walked away.

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