By Sheila S. Hudson

Roy Weese, campus minister at the University of Missouri–Columbia, was one of the godliest men I’ve ever known. Roy possessed a knack for converting any conversation or situation into an opportunity to share the gospel. Whether he received too much change from a cashier or picked up a hitchhiker, Roy spoke in a voice that made you listen to what he said. Roy, like Philip, was available, bold, and confident. 

Availability

Lucille Ball quipped, “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.” I can attest that the busier I am the more organized I become and the more I accomplish. I take my schedule more seriously, plan better, spend less time dawdling, and create deadlines. I’ve also learned that interruptions may be divine opportunities to further the gospel. The life you change may be your own.

Boldness

Our circumstances can make us bitter or better. One soldier returns from the horror of war and drowns his anguish with escapism, drugs, and alcohol. Meanwhile, another G.I. marries his sweetheart and builds a life. How you react to life’s curveballs determines your path.

There is no more joyous thought than to know God is using you. Whether speaking to a group, embracing a new Christian, babysitting, or cooking dinner for an international couple, I’ve felt the Spirit urge me to share parts of my life I hadn’t planned on revealing. Through my challenges, I have been able to help others with theirs. 

Confidence

Confidence comes from a strong relationship. After more than 40 years of marriage, there are things I am confident of. It is the same with your heavenly Father. He has your best interests at heart. He is not interested in sending his child into a situation unprepared. An unnamed writer observed, “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” 

Sisters were an answer to my prayer for help with a writers’ conference. An anonymous gift to pay off school bills came just as graduation neared. I’ve had wonderful and even weird answers to prayer. Philip was the answer to the Ethiopian’s prayer. Could you be the answer to someone’s prayer?

Author and speaker Sheila S. Hudson lives with her husband, Tim, in Athens, Georgia.
Follow her blog here.