The apostle Paul talked about how he planted a seed, and how his fellow disciple, Apollos, watered that seed, but how it was God who made things grow. Recently at Michigan State University, we had a taste of what thatโs like.
There was a young man named Troy* who Iโd seen around campus. I thought his heart was hardened toward Jesus, so I was surprised to see him at our Navigator Christmas party.
Troy grew up in the church and was familiar with the Bible, but he was rejecting God and living his own way. Almost two years ago, however, he met Alyssa, a student involved in our ministry. Troy couldnโt help but notice her transformed life, her unconditional love, and her passion for God. Alyssa had even shared the Gospel with Troy and some others while they were watching a show about demons.
In January, Troy told Alyssa, โI just donโt get it. You have a peace in your life that I donโt have. What makes your life different?โ
She responded that Jesusโ love for her is the one thing that makes her life different. Later Troy told her, โI donโt have a close relationship with Jesus. I donโt understand how a perfect entity can love me.โ
I tried to meet with Troy to share the Gospel with him again, but he seemed hesitant. Then, after a period of time, God opened the door! I had a lunch appointment with Jake who just happened to be sitting with Alyssa, who just happened to be sitting with Troy. It seemed like a perfect opportunity, so I asked Troy, โHow would you describe your spiritual life right now?โ
โWell, itโs complicated,โ he replied. The hard heart toward God Iโd sensed before was gone, and for the next two hours, we read portions of the Bible and discussed the parable of the lost sons, sin, Jesusโ forgiveness, and how Godโs grace radically changes us.
Later that night, Alyssa texted me: โIโm pretty sure Troy accepted Christ and His forgiveness tonight. It was one of the most amazing moments of my life!โ
Because heโs never experienced this kind of love before, Troy is in awe of how much Christ loves him, and has even joined our group studying 1 Thessalonians. And Iโm in awe of how God uses a network of His followers to reach out to those who need Him. One plants, one waters, but God makes things grow!
* Not his real name
Hi Travis and Laura,
This is Jenny (Forsberg) Lewis, from your EDGE Corps days. ๐ Our son, a Jr. in High school is just starting his college search. I thought Iโd check out campuses to see where the Navs are these days. What a great encouragement to read your stories of faith, trusting God and hope as you share Christโs love with students! Thank you for your faithfulness to The Lord.
In Him,
Jenny Lewis