An excellent devotion about sharing the Gospel and our timing versus God's timing:

Lutheran Hour Ministries

Delayed Timing

TEXT: Matthew 27:54 - When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely He was the Son of God!"

It is interesting the soldiers at the cross of Jesus didn't believe He was the Son of God, until after He was dead. During His life He healed the sick, calmed storms, fed thousands of hungry people, and brought dead people back to life. All these miracles weren't enough for this group of soldiers to believe in Him. It wasn't until they saw the events after His death that they recognized Him for who He is.

Sometimes the impact of our Christian witness may have a similar timing. People may reject the message we are sharing time and time again. We may be mocked for our Christian lifestyle and dismissed as unintelligent for our faith. When we don't see the results of our witness our work may seem useless and ineffective. All that rejection can leave us feeling frustrated and ready to give up.

When you feel like your efforts to share the love of Christ are useless, remember the soldiers at the cross. The timing seemed to be delayed; the disciples may never have even known that those at the foot of the cross finally believed, but that doesn't matter. All that matters is that the soldiers eventually did believe. God doesn't promise that we will see the impact of our witness; He just calls us to be faithful and give it. All the work for our salvation was done by Jesus. His death on the cross made it possible for us to be forgiven, washed clean from our sins, and perfect in the eyes of God. That kind of message is worth sharing!

You may never know how your Christian life makes a difference in the faith development of those you are witnessing to. It may not be until years later that they come to faith in Christ. What a fantastic surprise it would be for you to see them in heaven!

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, even the perfect witness of Your Son was rejected by many of those around Him until after His death. Please help us not be discouraged in our Christian witness, even if we don't see results. Thank You for Your love and forgiveness in Christ, and enable us to share that message over and over again! In Jesus Name. Amen.

Written by Jessica Bordeleau