Come and See

By Scott Gordon

Sometimes, as Christians, our response to the simplest question can lead to life transformation. When some of Jesus’ new disciples asked Him where He was staying, He simply invited them to “Come and see.” (John 1:39 NLT) Later in this same chapter of Scripture, when Nathaniel heard the news that the Son of God was found, he asked if this could really be true. Philip’s response to that question was “Come and see for yourself.” (John 1:46 NLT)

Several years ago, before I had entered into full-time ministry, I had a “come and see” moment with one of my coworkers. During that time, I was transitioning into a new role that allowed me to meet some new people at work. I was also given the daunting task of fulfilling my old responsibilities while learning and working in my new role. This turned out to last an entire year.

In that season, my faith was strengthened as God carried me through the challenges set before me. Daily Bible reading habits naturally improved, because I knew I needed to start my day at the office on the right foot before things got too hectic. Little did I know, God was also moving in the life of one of my new coworkers, and He was going to use me to nudge her along in her next step with Him.

JUST ONE QUESTION

Laurette was a nice lady from New York who would later become a dear friend to my wife and me. Having a front-row seat to the challenging season I was working through in the office, she one day decided to tell me she couldn’t understand how I was managing to do both jobs and manage all of that stress, especially with small children at home. After complimenting me on my ability to even function in that way, she added that she was impressed with my ability to do it all with joy and a smile on my face.

I thanked Laurette for her kind words. But before I could say anything more, she uttered one of the most important questions a Christ-follower can hear. Laurette inquired, "How are you able to get through this?" Without hesitation, I told her the truth: Jesus was the source of my strength and hope, and God was pulling me through the hard times. I simply could not have done it without Him. 

Somewhat surprised, Laurette shrugged and nodded, as if to say, “Well...okay then.” Viewing that situation as an open door, I then asked about her relationship with God, since she and I hadn’t known each other very long.

A SIMPLE INVITATION

Laurette grew up attending church in New York, but had stopped going years ago. After moving around a few times before finally getting anchored in Louisville, she never quite settled on a place to go and worship.

As she told me this, it seemed like the perfect time to invite Laurette to church, so I invited her to join me at the Crestwood Campus where I was attending. I may have even guilted her into coming as I told her I was in the worship band, and she could see me play music during the service. Funny thing is, she almost didn’t believe me! I guess Laurette couldn’t picture me as a musician, since my day job kept me behind a desk, wearing khaki pants and company logo-wear!

Almost with an I-told-you-so attitude, Laurette came to Southeast on the very next weekend when I was playing in the worship band. Then, something amazing happened. When we met up afterward, Laurette exclaimed that it was a wonderful service, and she looked forward to coming again the following week! After a few weeks, we began sharing spiritual conversations at work, and her relationship with Jesus began to truly blossom.

Before I even had a chance to recommend a next step in her walk with Christ, Laurette had already signed up for a Bible study at Southeast. I would get the scoop from her the next day at work, even without having to ask her what she had learned the night before. A passionate desire to follow Jesus overcame her, and I had the privilege of baptizing Laurette less than a year after her first visit to Southeast.

SEE FOR YOURSELF

To this day, you will still find Laurette plugged into the life and ministry of Southeast. Knowing that God graciously pulled the strings to invite her into a relationship with Him, I am so grateful that He chose to give me a role in getting her to church and to witness her decision to follow Him.

You never know what God might do with your response to a simple question. Here’s one for you: Who can you invite to church this year? Are you thinking you’ll always have to pull teeth to get that friend or coworker to say yes? Are you afraid of not knowing the best time to ask? Consider the interaction Laurette and I shared. I didn’t even bring up the topic of church out of the blue! God opened a door with an everyday conversation, and He can do it for you too.

Keep your eyes peeled for God’s “come and see” moments. When a neighbor, a coworker, an old friend, or a family member asks what makes you tick, or how you’re able to cope with tragedy or work through hard times, what will you say? How will you respond when God opens a door?