Do you have a modern-day spiritual hero? I don’t mean a celebrity pastor or Bible teacher. I mean someone you know personally. The kind of person whose faith is strong and is passionate about Jesus. The kind of person you want to be.
Now, understand that I don’t mean to put these people on a pedestal. Nor do I intend to elevate them above God. But I do honor them for the Godly example they have been to me and others.
It is a beautiful opportunity when one gets the chance to be in the sphere of influence of Godly mentors. I’ve been blessed to have two people who have guided me and shaped me by their own examples of living a life of faith out loud. One of these is someone quite close to me, my mother. The other is someone I have known for quite a long time and have watched her live out her faith with passion and boldness. I’m not sure if either knows how much they have impacted my life in real, tangible ways. Let me share with you just how these women have unknowingly taught me how to live a life of passionate faith.
Both women are people who make the most of every opportunity every day. As I have watched them for a long time, I have witnessed how they don’t hesitate to act. My mom has shown me over the years the power of her testimony and prayer. Every conversation she has held always ends up talking about God, no matter how the conversation started. She could be talking about toilet paper and somehow manage to turn the conversation to talk about how wonderful her God is. Growing up, I had grown away from God, and these conversations with my mom would often annoy me. Little did I know, it was this trait in my mom that would make me question the authenticity of my relationship with God. Ultimately, when God captured my heart once again, it was a result of wanting my own intimate relationship with Jesus, just like my mom had. Mom also modeled prayer. During conversations, if anyone mentioned a need, my mother would often stop the conversation and pray with that person on the spot. There was not, “I’ll be praying for you”. She did it. Right there. And she continued to pray for needs until the prayer request was answered. Mom made the most of every opportunity by talking about Jesus with anyone and everyone and being a prayer warrior. Through her love for the Lord and people, her words of encouragement to others, and continuous, effectual prayer, she made the most of every opportunity by bringing glory to God and bringing others into the kingdom.
My friend is another great woman of faith who makes the most of every opportunity. For over 30 years, I have silently watched as she boldly proclaims the gospel and prays with fervor and tenacity. I’ve often marveled at how direct and fearless she appears as she talks about Jesus and boldly prays prayers of faith and healing over people. As a result, she has seen many miracles in her life and the people she has prayed for. She is not afraid of people’s opinions, nor is she afraid of appearing foolish. She truly believes in her God and understands that the message of God is foolishness to those who are dying (1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT).
In Ephesians 5, Paul writes to the people of God about ways in which they should not live their lives. But embedded within these verses, he instructs God’s people to live according to the Spirit. We are to intentionally speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:15-19, NLT)
Now, we may not go around singing “How Great Thou Art” to one another. Nor may we quote Scripture as in a Shakespearean play. But consider the example of my spiritual heroes mentioned above. Yes! We can declare the goodness of God by sharing our testimony with others. Yes! We can point others to God, thereby bringing Him glory, when we share how much He means to us. Yes! We honor God when we pray with and for people. Yes! We live according to the Spirit as He emboldens us to share the gospel and pray for complete strangers. So as you go about your days, “be careful, then, how you live-not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:15a NLT).
By: Wendi Bangerd.
