Still Hesitating

“And Elijah came near to all the people and said, ‘How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people did not answer him a word.” 1 Kings 18:21-22, NAS.

Sho is a Japanese college student who faithfully meets for Bible study led by IMB missionaries. Currently he is learning what Jesus said about prayer. Sho was challenged by what he learned from the Lord’s Prayer. He is willing to pray, and says he believes in the God who made the world.

When asked if he was ready to follow Jesus Sho hesitated and then said, “No, not yet.” He has a lot of understanding in his head, but has not let it move to his heart. At the conclusion of the story of Noah, Sho said, “God destroyed the world to save the world.” But he did not understand why God destroyed all of the other people. He thought that was a mistake.

His honesty is refreshing. His questions are often insightful. But believers who know Sho are encouraged that he continues to think about the Bible stories even after the Bible study is over.

Pray that:

Sho will open his heart to following Jesus as his Savior, best friend, constant helper, and rock in times of trouble.

Relationships between Sho and other Christians in the Bible study will continue to deepen, so that the trust there will help Sho to receive their personal testimonies.

God will draw many seekers like Sho to Bible studies on college campuses in Japan.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.