LOOKING FOR COMMON GROUND

Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NLT)

When I worked in emergency rescue, I encountered horrific situations—spousal abuse, neglected children, cancer, heart attacks, accidents and suicides—and I knew God was longing to bring healing, peace and miracles to people’s lives.

I was also angry and frustrated because it seemed as though most Christians were oblivious. It was great that we were praying for miracles for our fellow believers in church, and we should never stop doing that. But I kept wondering, “Where does this fit in a world filled with such suffering and pain?”

I wanted to see God touch the lives of moms who had lost their babies and comfort children who had witnessed their dad commit suicide—but I needed to know how to walk in His power and presence beyond the four walls of the church building.

You see, there’s no recipe for getting Holy Spirit to show up. Some say you have to do this or feel that, but I don’t think the disciples limited Him this way. They prayed for people wherever they went, and they must not have seemed strange when they did it because thousands followed and came to know Christ as a result.

We need to get rid of our preconceived notions about how Holy Spirit shows up in our world. He would not want to make people who don’t know Him confused or uncomfortable.

When you feel like Holy Spirit is leading you, how do you respond? You can connect with people and make them comfortable. Like Paul, you can find that common ground, doing everything you can to reach them.