“…he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.” John 16:8

“I’ve got to get my daughter saved,” Donna told her study group. “She’s so resistant. I work hard to find the right words that will finally break through.” Teena laid her hand on Donna’s knee. “I know how concerned you are about your daughter,” she said gently. “But we have to remember, it’s not our job to get people saved. We don’t have the power to save anyone. Only Jesus can do that and only the Holy Spirit can awaken her heart. We can pray, we can witness, and we can present truth, but ultimately, only the Holy Spirit can convict her of sin, of righteousness, and of the coming judgment if she doesn’t repent.”

That’s important to remember when we commit ourselves to becoming witnesses for Christ. We can slide quickly from concern into a responsibility that God never gave us. We start thinking that WE must save the world, that WE must persuade people to change. But that’s the Holy Spirit’s job. Jesus did not let His followers begin to spread His message until the Holy Spirit was poured out (Acts 1-2). Only the power of God can persuade, convict, and save a person hell-bent on being his own god. The most passionate and persuasive words in the world have no power unless the Holy Spirit is working in a person’s heart.

Even Jesus said that no one could come to Him unless the Father first draws him (John 6:44). Saving people is God’s job.

Final Thought:  A witness is only the mouthpiece. The Holy Spirit does the heart work.

Prayer: Father, help me remember that I can’t save anybody, only you can. I’m just the messenger. May the Holy Spirit go before me to convict and draw so that the people I talk to will respond to your saving grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.