Like the feeling we get on game day, engaging others with the hope of Jesus Christ is thrilling. We can’t wait to get started. However, we can get ahead of ourselves and Engage people before engaging God. Jesus says that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Therefore, engaging God first is the essential primary step in the discipleship process.
Jesus both modeled and instructed His disciples to step back from people and pray to their Father in Heaven. He told them to “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:33). While we can be tempted to pursue people first, God says start with Me!
Therefore, we Engage God first in prayer, acknowledging that all Gospel transformation and multiplication comes from Him. Before we Engage others, Scripture says, “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,” (1 Timothy 2:1).
TAKE ACTION
Engage God first through prayer.
Engage others by inviting them to pray.