Issue link: https://discover.cph.org/i/1192292
12 Lutheran Life So, what happens when you intentionally build a relationship with someone, pray for that person, listen and ask questions about his or her life, seek a moment to share your witness of Jesus . . . and nothing happens? The person might be polite, but ultimately is dismis- sive. "I'm glad that Jesus thing works for you," is as far a response as you get. The person's life doesn't seem to change. He or she isn't interested in any further con- versation on the topic. How discouraging! But Paul re- minds us of a greater story at play, one we often don't get to fully see. In a letter to the Church in Corinth, where people were fighting over who was responsible for their conversion, Paul explained, "I [Paul] planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth" (1 Corinthians 3:6). In other words, multiple people were part of the process of tell- ing you about Jesus, but ultimately, only God creates faith. It's exhilarating to witness a person's conversion moment, but more often than not, we're called to till the soil or water the seed. We're helping prepare the heart for another witness from another person to come at another time. We may never know in our lifetime how our faithful witness impacted someone else, but God knows. And ultimately, He is respon- sible for the growth. Don't judge how many conver- sions you've seen as the mark of your success as a witness. Instead, focus on remaining faithful to shar- ing your witness as Jesus has called you and all be- lievers to do. Any win for Christ is accomplished not by your charming witness but only and fully by the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the Lord who gives the growth. Remembering this should quickly humble us when we think we have all the answers or deserve all the accolades when it comes to making disciples. This truth should also free us when we feel bur- dened by the reality of someone not coming to faith. Sometimes, instead of celebrating conversion stories, we're grieving a loved one who has passed away while rejecting Jesus as their Lord. This reality stings. And it always should. WHAT IF? Witnessing needs cultivating and the Holy Spirit