James 2:26New International Version (NIV)

²⁶ As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Have you ever had someone tell you, “I don’t believe.” I think any man who has received Jesus has met someone who says, “I don’t believe.” What do you say in those moments? What is the right response?

If you go to the Bible and read John 7:5 it says, ‘For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.’ Much of Christ’s family didn’t believe in him until after his resurrection. This being the case, it continues to happen today.

This past week I met a man in our park. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a man who spent his life in the military. As I walked by him, I noticed his ball cap that said he served in Vietnam. So, I stopped and thanked him for his service. He asked if I had served, and I said, “No.” He went on to tell me that he didn’t believe.

What a conversation starter. He was at the night of worship in the town square, he seemed to be looking for answers, and he was looking for hope.

Man, it hit me at that point! What do I say? You see, our downtown was buzzing with excitement because of this event, except for this Vietnam Veteran sitting on a bench. I spoke with him for a time and encouraged him to stay and listen. Then I said I would like to meet with him and have coffee. He said he comes to the park daily, so we set a time to meet. I will be there to meet with him. When you lose hope, you don’t believe anything, especially Jesus. 

Men, we need to be ready for those, “I don’t believe.” moments. The Holy Spirit uses us. It says in 2 Corinthians 4:6, ‘Let there be light in the darkness.”

Let’s be light, men, and shine for those who live in darkness.

Strength and Courage

Michael