No Apologies: Day 5

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

I Peter 3:15

Almost a year ago we contracted to build a new house in a new sub-division in (for us) a new city. As the construction got underway, we met a few of our neighbors and were amazed at the diversity that would exist on our little street. Folks of all ages and lifestyles and from six countries (not counting the folks from Louisiana!) are represented in the dozen or so homes up and down our lane.

In our last three homes, for nearly thirty years, I have been a part of a neighborhood Bible study. Is that even a possibility here? For good or bad (and there is plenty of both), I am a self-starter. To rally the interested parties or order the study books, to decide who will be hostess and when. All of that, I can do. But we are a long way from even knowing where our new neighbors are spiritually.

Paradoxically, what feels (to self-starters, anyway) like the least we can do is the most we can do which is to pray for God’s salvation. That is something my husband and I began to do before we moved. Most of our neighbors are acquaintances and some still virtual strangers, separated by barriers as severe as language. But we have a connection: The God we know is intimately acquainted with every man, woman and child who calls this street their home. He knows their plans and longings and hopes, regardless of what language they dream in.

We are attempting to reach out when God gives us an opportunity as we get the mail or work in the yard; but these are busy, big-city people who lead busy, big-city lives. We are also asking God to show us if there are other Christians or even seekers in the mix. That too, He is showing us slowly, in bits and pieces.

Perhaps “slowly” is our key word, after all. 2 Peter 3:9 says that “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” Because the patience of God is manifest and on-going in my life, I can trust that He is equally patient with my neighbors. He wishes for all of us to come to a place of repentance so that we may experience new life with Him.

In the providence of God, we will have many years together. There will be block parties and new babies, casseroles baked and cookies taken, waves across the street and visits in the front yard. Maybe the Bible study will never happen; maybe it will. But this is where God has us and it is He whom we serve. Our job is to speak His words, pray His will, represent His cause and love with His heart. And watch Him work.

Nancy Shirah