Today whilst out walking I encountered a gentleman who was lost. We compared maps and identified that he'd turned in the wrong direction a short distance back. As we walked together he explained that although he had grown up in the area he had lived in London for many years working as an amateur film maker but finding work was tough, in the past year his marriage had broken down and then the flat he had moved into had burnt down as a result within a few months he had lost everything ...family, possessions, work.
I wish I could tell you I jumped at the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with the lost and lonely man, instead as we parted I wished him a happy new year and as I wandered on home I prayed that he would have a 2014 that far surpasses his expectations and that begins to replace the pain of loss with hope of brighter days. I prayed too that he would find that God loves the lost so much he sent Jesus to save us and bring us home.
As for me I asked God for boldness that next time an open door to share his message of hope in a broken world I would be bold enough not to waste it. Our friends, family, colleagues and neighbours are crying out for a saviour and their lives are too precious to God for us not to speak.
