Helping outsiders come inside and stay. Summer 1998

ARTICLE TOOLS

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For years, I have whined, cried, fussed, pleaded, and even prayed over the unredeemed state of many of my loved ones. So, when our church planned its yearly women's retreat to be held near UC-San Diego, I recognized an opportunity and called my 19-year-old niece who studies there.

"Michelle, let's get together. Three of your cousins will be coming with me to a women's retreat near the campus. We'd love to meet you for dinner on Friday night. Great! See you then."

During dinner, we invited Michelle to join us for our meeting that evening. She agreed. I could barely contain my excitement. I had prayed for Michelle since she was born but had never seen the gospel make an inroad with her.

On our way to the meeting and during the worship time, I prayed silently and fervently, Jesus, you know how much I love Michelle. Please call on her tonight. Meet her here. Touch her life in an unforgettable, inescapable way! I prayed on and on, even rehearsing all her worthy attributes, life history, and reasons she needed God right now this very instant.

The Holy Spirit interrupted my impassioned intercession: "Linda, I am not the ambassador of your love. You are the ambassador of my love. I sent you as my ambassador to invite Michelle to come. My plans of love are already in place."

Prayers of love are generated from God's heart. They only agree with his purpose: to save, to deliver, to help and strengthen. This is his work on earth, and I am to be his ambassador, waiting to carry out instructions, instead of giving God so many instructions! I relaxed and joined the worship with my whole heart, anticipating the fulfillment of his loving mercy in my niece's life.

Though Michelle had never before attended a Christian church, she lifted her ...

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