Memphis Bus Station Adventure
Hey there, fellow believers! It's Conrad from ConradRocks.Net, and I'm excited to share with you an incredible experience I recently had at the Memphis bus station. As a follower of Jesus, I'm always looking for opportunities to spread His love and message. This adventure at the bus station was not just an eye-opener but a powerful reminder of how God works in mysterious ways.
Before I dive into the details of our Memphis experience, let me remind you of something crucial: you must be born again to see the kingdom of heaven. This truth, straight from Jesus' words in John 3:3, is at the core of my ministry and my book. It's not just about seeing supernatural phenomena; it's about truly understanding and experiencing the kingdom of God.
The Call to Action: Stepping Out in Faith
When my friend Michael suggested we go to the bus station to pray for people, I'll admit, I was hesitant. My past experiences at bus stations, particularly in Houston, weren't exactly pleasant. But then I remembered - this is exactly what God has called us to do. We can't reclaim what the devil has stolen by sitting on our couches, can we?
As Christians, we're called to be doers of the word, not just hearers. James 1:22 reminds us, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This verse echoed in my mind as we prepared for our mission.
I couldn't help but recall a frightening incident at the Houston bus station a few years back. I was carrying my tablet, hoping to listen to some sermons during my journey, when I noticed some guys heading straight for me with obvious ill intent. In that moment, the Spirit rose up within me, and I started praying in tongues right there. Those would-be robbers looked at each other, then at me, and quickly left. Praise God for His protection! As Psalm 3:3 says, "But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high."
Arriving at the Memphis Bus Station: A Pleasant Surprise
To my relief, the Memphis bus station was a far cry from my expectations. It was clean, safe, and even had a police officer on duty. This immediately put me at ease and reinforced my belief that God was guiding our steps.
Before entering, we took a moment to pray together, asking for divine appointments and words of knowledge. It's crucial to keep that vertical relationship with God open, ensuring we're not operating from our carnal minds but allowing the love of Jesus to flow through us. As Colossians 3:17 instructs us, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Encounters with the Broken and the Hopeful
As we walked in with our "Free Prayer" signs, I scanned the room, asking the Lord to guide me. The Holy Spirit quickly directed me to a lady who seemed relieved to see us. We chatted with her, learning about her passion for children's ministry, and prayed for her endeavors.
One thing I've learned in my spiritual journey is the importance of building relationships. It's not just about saying a prayer and leaving; it's about showing genuine care and interest in people's lives. That's why I always invite people to connect on Facebook - it's a great ministry tool that allows for ongoing connection without being too invasive.
As we moved through the station, I was surprised by how many people declined prayer. It made me wonder if the media's portrayal of Christians has affected people's perceptions. Nevertheless, we persevered, knowing that our role is to offer the plan of salvation and let Jesus do the work in their hearts. As 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 reminds us, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."
Divine Appointments: Clothes for the Needy and Angelic Encounters
God's timing is always perfect. We met a young man who told us about a girl who had run out crying, with no extra clothes. Amazingly, we had brought women's clothes in our van! It was a beautiful reminder of how God prepares us for the needs we'll encounter. This experience brought to mind Matthew 25:36, where Jesus says, "I needed clothes and you clothed me." By serving others, we're serving Christ Himself.
We also met a woman who shared her incredible story of dying three times as a child and encountering an angel. These supernatural experiences remind us of the reality of the spiritual realm and God's constant presence in our lives. Hebrews 13:2 tells us, "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." Her story was a powerful testament to this truth.
Hope for the Hopeless: Ex-Prisoners and the Abandoned
One of the most touching moments was praying with Andrew, a man recently released from prison who had found the Lord during his incarceration. His enthusiasm for prayer was inspiring, and I believe God has great plans for his life. Andrew's transformation reminded me of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
We also encountered a young woman who had been abandoned at the bus station by her foster parents. Her story broke our hearts, but it also reminded us of the importance of showing Christ's love to those who feel rejected and alone. Isaiah 41:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." We shared this promise with her, hoping to bring some comfort to her troubled soul.
A Call to Action for Christians
This experience at the Memphis bus station reinforced my belief that we, as Christians, need to be more proactive in our faith. Imagine if just 1% of the 210 million Christians in America committed to prayer walking their neighborhoods and sharing Jesus with others each week. We could transform our nation!
The decline in the number of professing Christians in America (from 86% in 1990 to 70% in 2014) is alarming. But I believe it's not too late to turn the tide. We need to step out of our comfort zones and be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities. As Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
The Power of Prayer and Action
Throughout our time at the bus station, I was reminded of the power of prayer combined with action. James 2:17 tells us, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Our willingness to step out and engage with people opened doors for God to work in miraculous ways.
I encourage you to start small if you're feeling overwhelmed. Maybe begin by praying for your neighbors or offering to help someone in need. As you grow more comfortable, consider joining or organizing prayer walks in your community. Remember, every act of obedience, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect in the Kingdom of God.
Be the Change
I want to encourage you, dear reader, to take action. If I can do this, you can too! I'm just an ordinary person stepping out in faith, trying to go for God. Whether it's organizing a prayer walk in your neighborhood, participating in the National Day of Prayer, or simply sharing your faith with someone at work, every act of obedience counts.
Remember 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Let's be those people who humble ourselves, pray, and seek God's face for the healing of our nation.
Will you join me in this mission? Share this post with your friends, gather a group for prayer, and let's take back our neighborhoods, cities, and nation for Jesus. Together, we can make a difference!
As we wrap up, I want to leave you with one final thought. Our experiences at the Memphis bus station were just a small glimpse of what God can do when we make ourselves available to Him. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." So, let's dream big, pray boldly, and act faithfully. Who knows what incredible things God might do through us?
Until next time, keep digging deeper and going higher in your faith journey!
A Personal Reflection
As I reflect on our experience at the Memphis bus station, I'm reminded of how far I've come in my own spiritual journey. There was a time when the thought of approaching strangers to offer prayer would have terrified me. But through God's grace and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, I've grown bolder in my faith.
This growth didn't happen overnight. It's been a process of continually stepping out of my comfort zone, trusting God, and witnessing His faithfulness time and time again. Each experience, whether at a bus station, on the streets, or in everyday encounters, has built my faith and confidence in God's ability to use me for His purposes.
I share this personal reflection to encourage you, dear reader. Maybe you're feeling inadequate or afraid to step out in faith. Remember, God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. As 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
The Importance of Spiritual Preparedness
Our experience at the bus station also highlighted the importance of being spiritually prepared. We didn't just show up with good intentions; we came equipped with prayer, the Word of God, and a willingness to be used by the Holy Spirit.
This preparedness reminds me of Ephesians 6:11-13, which instructs us to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
In practical terms, this means staying rooted in God's Word, maintaining an active prayer life, and cultivating a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading. It's this spiritual foundation that enables us to be effective witnesses for Christ, whether we're at a bus station or in our everyday lives.
A Word of Encouragement
As we conclude this reflection on our Memphis bus station adventure, I want to leave you with a word of encouragement. Your willingness to step out in faith, no matter how small the step may seem, can have a profound impact on the Kingdom of God.
Remember, Jesus often used ordinary people and everyday situations to demonstrate His extraordinary power and love. The disciples were fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary folks like you and me. Yet, God used them to change the world.
So, I challenge you: What's your "bus station"? Where is God calling you to step out in faith? It might be your workplace, your neighborhood, or even your own family. Wherever it is, know that God is with you, and He will equip you for the task at hand.
Let's commit to being the change we want to see in our world. Let's be bold in our faith, compassionate in our actions, and unwavering in our commitment to spreading the love of Jesus. Together, we can make a difference, one prayer, one act of kindness, one testimony at a time.
May God bless you and empower you as you embark on your own spiritual adventures!
