Hope you guys didn't think i was gonna stop posting, cuz I'm back. I've had so mush to do the since i've last posted and i finally got into a youth group so i can keep up my relationship with God so that's good. I've learned SOOO much since i started going to my youth group but i'll share those stories with u another time.
So this kinda sux. i ws at my youth group meeting and to my surprise i see my best friends younger brother. We were both like "Whoa!! man great to see u. How are things going?" (I haven't seen the younger brother in 2 years). He changed so much since i last saw him. when i asked "Why doesn't Jude (my best friend since i was 7) go here?" the little brother didn't give me a straight answer, and he kinda tried to avoid the question a little. after the meeting, i told my mom i had seen Jude's little brother there, and this was our conversation:
Mom: wow.... I guess he's not following his brothers ATHEIST ways.
Me: (pause) WHAT?
Abviously this was shocking to me. I had no idea my best friend was not a believer. It ruined my mood for the rest of the night. i was upset, mad, and confused. I had then realized that i never actually talked to my friend about God. Now i feel that God has given me a mission. something important to do: To be a witness to my friend
One problem: i need some help with finding scripture passages, verses, stories, lessons, etc.
Can you guys comment some on this post. I'm gonna be looking to cuz I need to be a witness to my friend cuz i feel like i dont know him at all anymore
-DJ
The number one thing I've learned through my trials with my atheist family members is that we alone as human beings cannot change people. We can try all we want, but we really can't. We can never force someone to believe in God because God grants everyone free will, and we can't take away someone's free will. Here are some things we CAN do...
ReplyDelete1) PRAY. One of my friends always tells me Pray Until Something Happens (PUSH). Pray daily for your friend. But when you pray, pray believing that God will deliver. My sister used to be agnostic. This past summer I started really focusing on just her and praying for her every day. But when I prayed for her, I made sure to say at the end of each prayer, "God, I know you will deliver." We have to pray knowing that God is a BIG God that can do all things. In James it says, "But he should ask in FAITH, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:6-8) What's the point of asking God for something if we don't believe that He is going to answer our prayers? Pray for your friend and know that God will deliver.
2) Love your friend. Show more love and kindness towards him than you've ever shown before. But be sure that that love is genuine and sincere and not forced. Trust me, love makes a difference. This summer was really the first time that I went out of my way to love my dad. By loving him, I've gotten closer to him, and I've been able to share my faith with him a little bit here and there. But no matter what happens, spread God with your friend through love. Be a LIGHT for him!
Sorry that was really long...but as you know this is something I've struggled with with some of my family members and even some of my friends, so I really hope what I've learned through my struggles can help you.
I'll post some verses and other things that have helped me too!
-Haley
I don't have a lot of experience with this, with only a few non-Christian friends, but I would say don't push it. Just kinda pop it in once in a while. Eventually, they'll ask what you're talking about. Just mention how something's like a Bible Story, or a parable. If something goes wrong just say, "It's okay, God will take care of me."
ReplyDeleteSecond, act really excited when you talk about it. I mean, it's cool! If they see your passion, they'll take notice.
By the way, congrats on joining a youth group! I'll keep you and your friend in my prayers!
-Erin W.