Garage Sale Evangelism?

You know that God can use you anywhere...right?  Even garage sales???  Yes, God can use you even at garage sales.   I don't know how this phenomenon started, but somewhere along the way, Scott started sharing the gospel with people at garage sales.  He's a pretty friendly guy anyway, so he always strikes up a conversation with the homeowners.  Eventually, he ends up sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with them.     We haven't really kept track of how many people have give their hearts to the Lord at a garage sale, but it's been quite a few.   Even if they don't make a commitment right then and there, Scott has definitely given them something to think about.  Paul stated in 1 Cor. 3:6  "I planted, Apollos watered, God gave the increase."   When sharing the gospel, you are either planting a seed, watering a seed or reaping a harvest.   Don't be discouraged if you share the gospel and that person does not respond.  I heard the gospel at least 5 times before I really understood and connected with what God was speaking to my heart.   When I was 23 years old, my husband (then new friend) shared Revelations 3:20 with me, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."   For some reason, this scripture verse captured my heart.  I had suddenly realized that I was keeping Jesus outside the door of my life and only opening the door occasionally to peek out and say hello.  I knew that opening the door of my life to Christ meant that he would get to see the mess inside my house.  I had not been willing to take that chance before, because I also knew that once He entered, I'd have to change the way I kept house.  After Scott shared that verse, I waited three days to make this life altering decision.  I knew that dealing with God was serious business and I needed to be sure that I wasn't entangling my feelings for Scott with my new found revelation about God.   At the end of three days, it was clear to me that I had done a pretty messy job with my life so far and that inviting Jesus in would only make it better.  The decision was made July 27, 1986.  I have not been the same since.  Jesus did come into "my house" and I did have to do some "cleaning out", but He did not embarrass me, make me feel ashamed or punish me.  He embraced me with His forgiveness, love and gentleness.  He came into the world not to condemn the world, but came so that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:17)


With all that said, Scott continued preaching the gospel.  He has probably shared the good news hundreds of times over the past 27 years.  Today, while going to garage sales, he talked to 18 people about Christ.  Some already knew Jesus, some had heard but had questions, some had never heard of the gospel before.   So...today he sowed and watered, another may reap.  Who knows...even Scott may reap.  He was invited to go back to one family's house next weekend.  Besides the obvious heavenly rewards, I was rewarded with a nice large food processor that Scott got for me for two bucks! 


Thank you Lord for all your goodness!  Read Psalm 103, Psalm 91 and Psalm 23 to get a glimpse of His goodness in His Word.