There are not many things more heartbreaking for me than to see a friend or loved one attempt to navigate this life separate from Jesus. My life is like most people’s, both followers of Jesus and those who do not know him, in that there are victories and defeats. There are good days and difficulties. So, it’s not that I think walking through life with Jesus removes trials; it’s just that walking through life without Jesus means no indwelling Spirit and the comfort and strength he provides. In a world that can be so hard, it’s difficult to fathom why we would do it alone.
When I am praying for those who do not know Jesus, I often find myself asking God, “Can’t you do something about this?” The emotion contained in this prayer is not driven by a desire for theological certainty. I am not asking God to show me if I should be Reformed or Arminian in my beliefs. It’s a cry for help when I feel weak. I realize I can’t transform them, and I want the Creator of the universe to flex his transformative muscles right now, at this very moment, and show them who he is in a way that they cannot ignore. Perhaps an angelic visit or a talking donkey?
Even though the miracle I am asking God to provide may not come, prayer itself is the right course of action. Really, it is the best course of action. Even if God has me play a role as a seed planter and waterer, the right first step is prayer. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 states;
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
It’s remembering this that helps me feel not so weak. I am not leaning on my own strength but doing the very thing I desire my unbelieving friends to do: walk with Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Augustine, who later became the bishop of Hippo in the late 4th century, lived as a pleasure-seeking pagan until his 30s. He trained under a philosopher who wanted to damage the Christian worldview through his teachings. He later joined a religious sect that prioritized mocking the Bible. Yet, after coming to faith in Jesus as he sought to know the truth, he credited the steadfast prayers of his mother on his behalf as a key component to his conversion. A faithful mom, taking the instruction to pray seriously, and trusting God.
In my own story as an atheist for almost 15 years, I would from time to time have someone tell me they were praying for me. In the moment, I would disregard their words, sometimes openly scoffing at their kindness. After my own conversion, I remembered many of those encounters, and those words that I once frowned upon became a source of great encouragement.
I wish there was a Bible passage I could point to that promises God would save everyone we fervently pray for. Unfortunately, that passage does not exist. Still, there are many passages that encourage us to pray. It’s the best way we can fight for those we care for. It’s the greatest way we can walk in strength on behalf of another….not our strength but the Lord’s.