Ask God to Restore Your Concern for Non-Christians
Is God who He says He is or isn’t He? Of course He is! If so, then we can speak to God as simply, humbly, and sincerely about our lack of concern for the lost as we speak about our temptations, financial struggles, employment hassles, or marital difficulties. The Scriptures exhort us, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16) That being the case, I can come to Him and say, “God, You’re easy to talk to, but what I want to tell You is not easy to talk about. I really don’t share Your compassion for the lost. Quite frankly, non-Christians don’t concern me that much. But if You will help me change, then I’m willing, and I’d like to start today. Would You help me develop the same kind of heart that You have—one that cares for those who don’t know You? I’ve seen You answer my other prayers. Would You kindly answer this one?” Or we can say, “I get my priorities so messed up, but if You will show me how, I want to move lost people up on my list of priorities.”
One word of caution: If we sincerely mean what we pray, we need to stand back and get ready. God will answer. He has an abundant supply of compassion for those who ask Him for it. First John 5:14-15 assures, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” There is no question that such a prayer is according to His will, so when we pray for a heart like His, we may expect an answer.
Will you regain your concern for the lost overnight? Most likely, no. But in a matter of time, you’ll find you’re further along than you were. That in itself will begin to encourage you as you seek to have a heart closely aligned with God’s. It’s not just where you are but also the direction in which you’re headed that’s important. If six months from now you can say, “I have a much greater concern for lost people now than I did six months ago, and here’s the proof…” you will know you are on the right track.
