I missed it. I missed a moment to share the love of Jesus with someone. Years later, I still see her face and wrestle with that moment. She was in her mid to late teens or possibly even early twenties. Most of the time, she kept her face resting in her cupped hands as she wept and wept. She had beautiful darker skin with petite facial features and gorgeous long, dark hair. I only got a momentary glimpse, but it has stayed with me a lifetime.
Though I missed a moment, God is certainly bigger than my mistakes and can reach her through others. He doesn’t need me, but I had an opportunity that I can’t get back.
I have since declared, I never want another missed elevator moment like that on my watch. Have you had elevator moments of your own where you have missed it when you know God has asked you to talk with someone?
If God speaks, I want to obey instantly. He has already given us direction. When I think of this elevator moment, I often think of Matthew 10, when Jesus was sending out His twelve disciples.
Matthew 10:5-8 says, “These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.’”
Jesus said, “As you go, preach!” Are you prepared to share Christ as you go and let people know that Christ is coming again? Are you prepared to allow God to use you to pray for others and work in His name? You have freely received from Him, are you freely giving?
Many of us are already aware of the elevator speech concept. It’s a quick, high-level, power-packed 30-60 second presentation that gives an overview of your business, organization, or mission. It’s built around the idea that you can explain something to someone in as quick as a brief elevator ride! Have you prepared an elevator speech, so to speak, to tell others about Christ?
Take time now to think through your story! What was your life like before Christ? What was it like when you accepted Christ as your Savior? How is your life different now? That is your salvation God-Story! Can you share that with someone in about 60 seconds? Practice it!
You can do the same thing with other God-Stories in your life. Think about and describe a challenging situation you have faced. Maybe it’s a job loss, a medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or even financial difficulties. We all have faced struggles of some kind. How did God show up and help you through the journey? How is your life different now because of what God did in your life through that circumstance? That’s another elevator speech waiting to be shared. I am sure you have many!
As you go, will you commit to preach Jesus with others through your personal elevator speeches? Will you seize elevator moments? Don’t let the door close on your next opportunity!
How can you make Monumental Moments and live to multiply His movement today?
