I’d rejected Jesus, so maybe he thought I’d rejected him. Maybe he felt like he’d failed.
But he hadn’t failed at all.
Not only was Russell faithful with the gospel opportunity that God gave him—which is all any of us can ever do—but in the plans and purposes of God, his genuine efforts to share the gospel with me were a key part of my returning to church and coming to a saving faith in Jesus.
Over the next few months, those conversations with Russell—not to mention his passion for Jesus—stayed with me, like a splinter in my mind. Jesus was back on my agenda.
Then one day, a long-time Christian friend invited me to join some friends from his church on a weekend trip to the snow. While there, my old youth minister invited me back to church. The rest, as they say, is history: By the beginning of the next year, God had wonderfully opened my eyes to the truth about Jesus, and for the first time, I’d come to a genuine, living faith in him.
I haven’t met Russell again since; I probably never will. Honestly, I probably couldn’t pick him out of the crowd.
But though he may never know it, God used Russell at a crucial point in my life. His willingness to share his faith, his passion for Jesus and his genuine care for me all made a vital impression.
Ever been in Russell’s shoes?
Ever put yourself out there for Jesus, only to be rejected?
Ever cared about someone, but despaired as they show no interest in the greatest story ever told?
Ever felt like a gospel opportunity slipped through your fingers and went nowhere?
As Christians seeking to share our faith in Jesus, it often feels fruitless. Sometimes we may have the joy of seeing someone respond warmly and positively. We might even be the person that God uses to bring them to faith. But when that happens, you’re probably standing on the shoulders of the Russells of the world. You’re probably the final link in the chain of people that God has used.
When evangelism seems pointless, when it seems like you’ve failed and been rejected—don’t give up!
Remember the big picture. Remember that God is sovereign, and you’re not the only Christian out there. If you’ve faithfully shared the gospel, and shown a genuine care for the person you’re evangelizing, you’ve succeeded. And who knows—maybe you’ll be that person’s Russell.
This side of eternity, we might never know the ultimate outcome of our simple, faithful evangelistic endeavours. But God might just use you to awaken someone’s conscience, to plant a splinter in their mind, to lay the foundation for a future response to the gospel. Do your part; entrust the rest to God.
Come to think of it, the kid from Up! is my second favorite Russell …
