10 May | Youth
«Not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches.» 1 Corinthians 2:13
Since migrating to Europe, John has faced many challenges away from his family and friends. In the more than ten years he spent there, he learned three new languages, graduated from university, became a professional, but… lost his faith. Living in a secularized and agnostic country, he began to doubt God and His Word. The church didn’t know how to deal with him. After he left, no one called him, visited him, or invited him back.
When I (Júlio) met him, we became friends and spent time together. I was faced with a questioning mind searching for answers. I resisted the temptation to give rational and immediate explanations for his concerns. I just wanted him to know that God loved him unconditionally. I knew my friend's objections and was confident that the Holy Spirit could not only convince him but also convert him to Christ again. A few times I prayed to God and asked Him to soften John's heart again.
Shortly afterwards, a group of missionaries from Sao Paulo Adventist University went to his city for an evangelistic campaign. John volunteered as a tour guide and interpreter. He also participated in the conference series. That same week, he received in the mail a Sabbath School Lesson sent from Brazil by a friend. God spoke to his heart. Through tears, he decided to return to the Lord’s way.
Just like him, there are many out there with “good reasons” to leave the church. They are observant people who notice how superficial some Christians are and how fallible some leaders are. They seem to seek perfection, coherence and convincing answers, but the only thing they really need is genuine love and a little understanding. When they find this, their lives begin to change. God and His Word make everything else happen.
Today, if you wish, you can ask God to make you sensitive and mature to help people like John. If you want, you can also ask the Lord to enable you to forgive those in the church who have disappointed and failed you. God can unlock your life, renew your strength (Isa 40:31) and make you ride “on the high hills of the earth” (Isa 58:14). As in John’s case, your story can have a happy ending.