John Chapter 10: Verses 40-42 (NIV)
He went beyond the Jordan River near the place where John was first baptizing and stayed there awhile. And many followed him. “John didn’t perform miraculous signs,” they remarked to one another, “but everything he said about this man has come true.” And many who were there believed in Jesus.
John prepared the way for Jesus. He had preached repentance too before Jesus began His own Ministry. Many people responded to His message at the time and were baptised. Not everyone who went to hear him did though. The encouraging thing in these verses however, is that some people who had heard John’s message and then subsequently met Jesus, recognised that everything that John had said about Him was true. They then decided to follow Jesus for themselves.
We may have shared our story of faith with others who have shown no sign that it made an impact on them. But they may at some point in the future recognise that we have spoken the truth and decide to follow Jesus themselves. But we need to trust God to water and protect the seed that we have planted in their hearts. It will grow and blossom in God’s time, not ours. Our role, like John, is to walk honestly and with integrity. We need to learn not to push or nag someone into making a decision when they’re not ready. Hopefully they will recognise that we are telling the truth and will be able to make their own decision in the fulness of time.
Dear Lord,
I thank You that Your Word is truth and will bear fruit at the right time. Give me the grace to be patient and trust You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.