By Sidharth Mohandas

A while back I was at the hospital for some check up and there was this other guy who was waiting to enter the MRI section who started talking to my dad. He told my dad that he had a series of 4 brain tumors. I just knew I had to share the Gospel with this man. But since my dad was with me and since he wasn’t a believer I had to distract him from the scene. So I asked my dad if he could get me some chewing gum from the car. When my dad went out to get the chewing gum I spoke with this man and prayed with him. As soon as I finished praying, my dad came back and this man turned and told my dad, “I feel so much better after he prayed”. And to my surprise this man sat there preaching to my dad! I kept quiet while all the talking went on and then as he was about to leave, he told me, “Thank you thank you. I feel so much better”.

Friends, there are two important things that Jesus told His disciples before He ascended back to heaven. One was to receive the baptism in the Spirit and the other was to preach the Gospel to all creatures. Let’s not get into a discussion about the former, even though the former is empowerment for the latter. However, God has given official accreditation to every believer to go and preach His message.

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [Mark 16:15]

Many believers are waiting for God to give them special approval to preach the Gospel. I often hear believers say, “I will not go and preach until the Lord tells me to.” That is nothing but some super spiritual talk friends! Now, don’t get me wrong, we are to listen and obey the Spirit’s promptings. But what I’m saying is unless you step out in obedience, you need not expect the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. [Acts 16:6-10]

Some may read the above passage and say that Paul was instructed by the Spirit not to preach the Gospel in the province of Asia and Bithynia. Yes, they are right, but that kind of instruction was offered to Paul and his companions only as they stepped out in faith and in obedience to preach the Gospel. Friends, only a moving vehicle needs direction. If I was sitting there in that hospital waiting for God to speak to me afresh what He had already spoken to me, and that is to preach His Gospel, I would have missed the opporunity the Spirit gave me.

Be on the move for the Lord 24 hours around the clock! We have a full-time ministry of reconciliation, brethren. Don’t just stand there, put out the life-line. Don’t hesitate, just do it!