Have you ever witnessed a birth? It is miraculous to say the least.
Have you ever actually participated in a birthing? That takes the experience to a whole new level. And to think that some people get to participate in the miracle of new life on a regular basis – what a privilege!
I was present at the birth of both of our sons, which was life altering to say the least. I’ve never been the same. I’m sure you share my sentiments about your experience with the birth of your children.
Recently I had the privilege of participating a different kind of birth – the new birth of a new friend of mine. His story is miraculous…
My friend moved to Kelowna from a different city. He’s a successful business owner; married with a young family. Their life in another province was enviable in many, many ways. However, he felt compelled to make a move and lead his family to Kelowna.
We connected through a business associate of mine. My associate suggested this out of town entrepreneur needed to meet me. We met and had a great connection. We began a business relationship where I was engaged to provide some executive coaching.
In all of my business endeavors I ask the Lord to give me the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation so that I might know Jesus more, and know His heart for the people with whom I will be working. I ask the Lord to help me to provide wisdom to my clients and hear anything the Lord may want to say to them.
We began our session with digging into my friend’s definition of success. He began to tell me his story. It became very evident to me that the Lord had been speaking to this man, but he was totally unaware that it was actually God speaking to him. So, I took a risk. I said to my client,
“I’m going to say something to you that could take our relationship to the next level, or end it right here.”
I then began to point out that what was compelling him to move, and what he was hearing, was actually God speaking to him. I suggested that the Lord was leading him to Kelowna to invite him into new life with Him. As I shared this perspective, tears began to well up in his eyes and stream down his cheeks.
I knew the Holy Spirit was up to something.
He shared more of his story and I suggested, “I believe Jesus is inviting you to give Him your life so He can give you His life.”
My new friend simply responded with, “How do I do that?”
We talked further about the invitation Jesus is giving him to leave the family of darkness led by the father of lies, and be born again into the family of God as a beloved son of our Heavenly Father – the Father of Lights.
He said he wanted to do that.
So, we prayed together and he exchanged his life for Jesus’ new life in him. Wow! When we finished he said it felt like a massive weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He said he felt like he was breathing in life with every new breath he was taking.
What a miracle! What a privilege to participate in his new birth! And we now continue our journey into this new life together…
I learned through this amazing encounter that we need to have our hearts open to see with different eyes what the Lord may be up to. Then by the leading of the Spirit to simply point out what we’re seeing. And then be prepared to share the hope we’ve discovered in Jesus.
We don’t know where we are in that person’s journey: their first encounter with a Jesus follower, someone sowing seeds of truth along their journey, or someone who gets the privilege of introducing them to Jesus. We must simply be willing to partner with Jesus and give away what He has given us to give.
When we do, we will sometime, somewhere, get to experience the miracle of new life – and it is awesome!
Ephesians 1:17
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
“As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
1 Timothy 4:1-2 (The Message)
“I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.”