The Four Steps
Congrats on getting this far. Understanding the 4 steps is easy – it is actually doing them that takes the guts! The Bible says that we can do all things, through Christ, who gives us strength (Phil 4.13)
So no excuses – It’s time to Textify
Step 1: Choose some mates and pray for them daily
Allow God space to put people on your heart and lead you in the decision. It may be best not to pluck names from thin air, He might have different people in mind for you to Textify.
The disciples devoted themselves to prayer. Now it’s your turn. Commit to it.
Pray, pray and keep on praying.
Step 2: Text them to start a conversation
Yep you’ve got it, pray again, and find the right words to text.
Be creative – you know your mates and you know where they’re at
Use your noggin, and be led by the Holy Spirit.
Be bold and confident. Remember you’re not doing this alone.
Be direct. Let them know you mean it seriously – don’t be vague
Use opportunities to talk with your mates further
If it all feels a bit uncomfortable – great. That’s the point.
Pray again, and hit SEND…
Step 3: Talk with your friends about your faith
Invite them over, grab a coffee, or do something exciting.
They will be intrigued by your text. Even if they don’t say it, they’ll be curious to know more.
You could look for a Bible verse that means something to you and share it at the right time. God will speak through His Word.
People will be interested to hear your personal God story, and yes you do have one! They also appreciate being listened to. So, be ready to hear their story, share your story, and importantly tell Jesus’ story.
Stories don’t have to be long or a life history. In fact, small parts of what God has done in your life or what difference Jesus has made will make the most impact.
If you find that you get loads of huge questions like ‘Why is there Suffering?’ then we suggest admitting that we don’t have all the answers but then going straight to something you can say with confidence that you do know about God. No one can argue with your own experience of God.
Step 4: Share on Facebook how it’s going
We love social networks. You could let others know if it’s going well or what you might be struggling with. The chances are you will encourage someone or find someone in the same boat.
You can ‘Like’ our facebook page called Textify Hope or follow us on Twitter @TextifyHope.
Share any different ideas or your own adaptations of the Textify Challenge.
Tell people what you wrote in your text so that others can be inspired by your God-given creativity
The Bible says: ‘Encourage one another and build one another up’ (1 Thes 5.11)
The crux
Crucially people, It’s all about Love. Love them, love them, and love them some more (oi, not like that!). Love them with God’s love, not our love. Romans 5.5 says ‘God has poured out his love into our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit’.
Sow seeds of hope, love, truth, life and faith, and watch God grow them. Oh yeah..and keep praying.