For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39, NIVSeveral years ago my husband’s youngest sister died with cancer at age 49. As the end of her life was nearing I began to understand the need we all have for hope. Hope is an integral part of the human psyche.
My sister-in-law had that hope that is everlasting because of her faith in Jesus Christ. Do you ever wonder, “How do people cope that have no hope in Christ?” I cannot imagine the despair they must suffer because they do not know; they have never experienced the saving grace, mercy and love of Jesus.
Recently, I have been convicted to spend more time praying for the lost. I know there are those within my own family that do not have hope everlasting because they do not know Christ as Lord and Savior. I know there are those within my community that are lost. I know there are those within my country that are lost and I know there are those globally that are lost and dying without having known, or possibly without having heard, of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. And that my friends, is the greatest tragedy of all time.
If you read through Romans 9 and 10 you will find Paul lamenting over his people, the Jews, because so many rejected the Good News of Jesus Christ. Romans 9 begins with Paul saying he wishes his own self “accursed” and separated from Christ for the sake of his brethrens’ salvation. In Romans 10:1, Paul goes on to say that his heart’s desire and his prayer to God for them is salvation.
Our own prayers for the lost should be no less heart-felt and urgent than those of Paul for his own people. Time is short and the need is exceedingly great. Pray for the lost each and everyday. Pray the Lord will draw them to Himself; pray the Holy Spirit will convict them; pray they will have open, pliable, receiving, believing, hearts and minds. Pray for workers for the harvest.
And—let the redeemed of the Lord say so (Psalm 107:2). Let others know; let others hear your testimony with compassion and love. The way you live daily is one of the best testimonies for Christ. Always be ready to tell others the Good News. Plant the seed—Jesus commands it; God will do the rest. Pray for the lost, tell them of the saving grace of Jesus wherever and whenever you have the opportunity and then rejoice with those in heaven over the ones who repent and are saved!
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15, NIVGod Bless!
