His Part, Our Part: Working Together for God's Glory

Have you ever felt frustrated when sharing your faith, wondering if you're making any difference at all? As a pastor, I've experienced those moments too. But here's the beautiful truth I want to share with you today: bringing people to Jesus is a partnership between us and God. Let's explore what Scripture teaches about working alongside God in this vital mission.

The Divine Partnership: Our Effort, God's Growth

In 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, we find a powerful illustration of this partnership:

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now the one who plants and the one who waters are one, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building."

This passage reminds me of a story about a pastor who planted tomato seeds in the spring. He watered them, weeded the garden, and checked it daily, but for weeks, he saw no sign of fruit. Then suddenly, late summer arrived, and boom! Ripe tomatoes appeared in abundance.

Just like in gardening, our efforts in sharing the Gospel may not show immediate results. But underground, unseen to our eyes, God is working. As I often remind our congregation, "We plant the truth. We show the love of God to these people. But He's the one that brings about the harvest."

Different Roles, One Mission

In the Corinthians passage, we see that Paul planted the seed, and Apollos watered it. Each had a distinct role, but both were equally important. This is a crucial lesson for us in the church today. Whether you're "cleaning toilets or it's a worship team leader, or it's me in the pulpit, our jobs are just equally important. We all have our role in the kingdom of God and no role is greater than the other."

Remember, without a sower, there's nothing to water. And without someone to water, the seed won't grow. So whatever your role is, embrace it wholeheartedly for God's kingdom.

Trusting God's Unseen Work

One of the most challenging aspects of evangelism is trusting God when we can't see results. But as Ephesians 4:4-7 reminds us, we're all part of one body with different gifts:

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were also called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."

We must resist the urge to take over what belongs to God. Our job is simply to be faithful in what He has assigned us. As I often say, "We got to just trust God that His part is His part, that our part is our part, and that we don't go stepping on God's toes."

Inviting and Drawing: Our Role in Evangelism

In John 6:44, Jesus says, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day." This verse beautifully illustrates our role in evangelism. We are God's messengers, called to proclaim the Gospel to the world. We extend the invitation, but it's Jesus who stirs hearts to respond.

How do we do this? "We reflect Christ. That's why it's important to live that life of holiness, that the world could see Him through our thoughts, through our actions, through our mouths."

Life Application: Living Out Our Partnership with God

1. Embrace your unique role: Remember, "God uses the ordinary to become extraordinary so that we can carry an extraordinary message to the world." Whatever your gift or calling, use it for God's glory.

2. Trust the unseen process: "Live in the confidence that God's grace is at work even when we can't see it." You may plant a seed today that bears fruit 25 years from now.

3. Practice invitational living: Look for opportunities to naturally share about Jesus. "Give someone a hello today. Send them a text message of encouragement or a phone call of encouragement. Just those little things can have a world of impact on someone's life."

4. Pray for guidance: Ask God to show you how to reach others in unique ways. "We pray, we stay watchful, we allow the Holy Spirit to open up the doors and the opportunities and we just trust Him with the results."

As we partner with God in His mission, let's remember that our faithful efforts, combined with His divine power, can transform lives for eternity. So whatever your role, "just do it. Just live in that calling. Because God's grace is already working."