“Don’t be surprised if the person asks questions designed to take the focus off them. Most of the time, those questions are a spiritual smokescreen. It’s a way of keeping God at a distance. When I hear those questions, I often think a breakthrough is coming.”- Kyle Idleman
“Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I did.’ “- John 4:28-29 (NIV)
Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 10 of One At a Time with the final three ways Jesus modeled how to have a conversation where we share our faith.
5. From superficial to spiritual. At some point, the opportunity presents itself to turn your conversation from superficial to spiritual. But, Kyle cautions, don’t jerk the wheel. Instead, show patience and let it happen naturally.
6. From spiritual to personal. Eventually, just as Jesus did with the woman at the well, you’ll need to move the conversation from the spiritual to the personal. And, Pastor Idleman often finds, the best opportunities present themselves with people who are hurting. Because you get the chance to compassionately share a message of hope that the hurting person desperately needs to hear. Above all, Kyle encourages, it’s the best you could do for them.
7. Answer and advance. When Jesus made it personal with the Samaritan woman, she tried to sidetrack the conversation. She put up a spiritual smokescreen. So, while Jesus got personal, the woman got theological.
Consequently, you’ll have to answer those kinds of questions. But you’re not alone. God is with you. Also, in these moments God often gives you the right thing to say. In addition, pray when someone asks you a question. Because God might just surprise you with an unexpected answer!
Finally, like the woman at the well, invite people to come and truly see Jesus.
Today’s question: What spiritual smokescreen questions do people toss out to sidetrack you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Share one meal at a time”
