On Longing for the Salvation of Loved Ones

Upon being saved, many people I loved had yet to give their lives to Christ. This included family members, my closest friends, and nearly all those I spent my days around at university. I knew that the only way for people to live a fulfilled life that was eternal was to surrender their hearts to Jesus as I had. There was no salvation outside of Yeshua. 

But with little knowledge beyond Christ being our Savior, I knew little on what to do to get them to Jesus. Knowing I was to spread the Good News, it often felt as though the responsibility was solely on my shoulders to see others saved. 

But this was a weight I was never meant to carry. The scriptures are clear that Christ’s ability to save did not end with His crucifixion and resurrection—it was ensured by it.

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12

God’s power to save works through us, but comes solely from Him. As hard as it can be to handle the pressure of evangelism to those so dear to our hearts, it is important to remember that we are the sowers of seeds, and He does the growing. And growth takes time. 

I was saved at 22 years old despite a lifetime in the rural South, where I would occasionally hear the gospel from loved ones in the same position I now held. I did not submit to God immediately when others told me of Christ’s sacrifice, but He made sure that when I did give my life to Him, it was the perfect time. His timing is never anything less. If I could trust Him with a childlike faith and wonder upon my being born again, I could trust Him to make decisions of salvation with others I love.

While I wait to see His plan unfold, I can do as He told me and sow seeds with a peace only God can bring.

For those facing this challenge, I invite you to pray.

A Prayer for God’s Will for Salvation

Father in heaven,

grant me peace

in Your perfect timing.

May You inspire my words

to reflect your holiness.

I submit myself to You

so others may see You in me.

may my life be a testament 

to your power to save,

and may this life of mine

lead others to you.

But above all,

let my will align with Yours,

so that my life can reflect

the righteousness and justice

only You can bring.

May Your will be done,

and may I learn to accept

Your plan in favor of mine.

May glory and power be granted to You forever.

Amen.