Are you prepared to witness?

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to
give an
answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in
you with
meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 3:15 KJV

Do you ever have those regretful thoughts, "I should have witnessed," and "I should have said this...?"

"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying
also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the
mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:" Colossians 4:2-3
KJV

Recently, I had one of those moments. A man knocked at the door of my house, and I forgot to do two things until afterwards.

First, I forgot to give an enthusiastic greeting which is necessary for first impressions and it tells the other person you don't reject them. Second, I forgot to do any form of witnessing. Their was a person at my door and I didn't think much of their soul! That is until I closed the door.

However, because he said he would return later, and because my mind was turned on witnessing heavily, I went and prayed how I should witness. Just give a track? I didn't feel peace about that. So, I prayed on and suddenly and idea came!

I would ask the man, "Don't think you came here in vain! Do you have a Bible?" Depending on his answer, I would pass a small Bible, or if he said he had one, I would ask him if he knew what would make him successful in everything? Then if he didn't know, I would quote the Joshua and Psalm passages on meditating on scripture.

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all
that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then
thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:8

Then I would offer him ( if he's from a Christian background) a CD on the quiet time/abiding in Christ by Keith Daniel.

Now, he didn't come back, but I learned a life changing lesson.

1. I was not watchful and prayerful for each opportunity that came my way to be a light for Jesus. Rather, I was caught off guard!

2. I was not prepared in my mind to be quick to prepare words that would minister Christ.

3. I didn't have the tools (tracks, Bible, Cd's) available. If I had remembered, I would have had to run upstairs, find what I needed, and come back out of breath, because I was taking up the person's time. Now, I have placed the tools needed next to my door in my purse, so in the future I am prepared.

So, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my recommendation to you, is to:

• Think beforehand what you will say in different situations. For example: When a person comes to your door selling something. When your buying some items at the register. When a friendly elderly person begins to talk to you at the store. When you in an elevator etc... Of course in many of these situations, you can't have a detailed, leisurely conversation on the Gospel, but ask and pray to God to give you creative ideas.
• Also be watchful and prayerful. Enter your day acknowledging that it is possible that God may desire you to witness to someone or that you might have a opportunity come across your way to plant a seed!
• Third, have your resources with you. Whether its a track, a Bible, a CD, or a witnessing DVD, make sure it is readily available!

I hope regretful thoughts will become joyous memories because you were "ready to give an answer to every man!"

I've written a post on witnessing in the past. You can see it here: A Frightful Thought