Unexpected Christmas Gifts -- Becca Newton

Over the past couple of years during my time in school, vacation would equal one thing in my mind – relaxation! Every person that remembers what it is like to be in school or have constant responsibilities understands how you feel when you so look forward to a time where you can just sit, relax, drink some coffee, read a good book and not make any plans for the day.

---

That’s what I wanted for so many of my breaks from school, but I wanted this break to be different. I wanted a chance to minister and share the gospel of Christ with someone that had never heard it before. And God answered that prayer.

Just a few days into break, a couple of Mormons rang my doorbell back home and I jumped at the opportunity that God literally brought to my door. Needless to say, I didn’t feel prepared for the conversation but was walking in faith that God would give me the words to say. We talked for a couple hours and over the rest of break, God taught me a few specific things.

1. I am not the source of change. Nothing in my witness is what works in someone to change them. Even if I say all the right things, there isn’t a formula that brings someone to repentance. God is at work but oftentimes I look at results as the measurement for success. God used this opportunity to really be the source of change in my own life. Which brings me to the second thing, that…

2. God wants to change me, not necessarily my circumstances. I might be going in to a specific conversation hoping and praying that God will bring light for the other person, but God has different plans for me. He wants to change me as well. I am also who God wants to change and He will do it even through my times of witness for Him.
I was so humbled through God’s plan for me. It has really changed my view of the essence of a witness. I am not here to bring someone to Christ. The responsibility lies with God, not me. He calls me to be faithful and genuine in presenting His message. I have been challenged by the way Jesus presents the truth throughout the gospel of Matthew. There is so much peace in knowing that I can depend on Him to work and not my own ability.

--Becca Newton