I recently read an article about “Making Disciples,” a subject that is near and dear to my heart as well as the heart of any Christian who loves Jesus. The writer referred to the Great Commission given to us by Jesus Himself: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…

This reminded me of the story of Philip and the eunuch (Acts 8:26). God leads Philip to an encounter with a eunuch who is riding by in a chariot. The eunuch is reading aloud from the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 53, which is a graphic description of the sufferings of Jesus. Philip hears him reading and asks, “Do you know who Isaiah is talking about?” The eunuch replies, “How can I unless someone guides me?” What an exciting answer for Philip to hear! And as the story goes, Philip gets into the chariot with the eunuch, unlocks the story of Jesus, and in the end, Philip baptizes the eunuch in a nearby stream along the road.

The eunuch asked for guidance. Sadly, most people won’t ask, which means perhaps the best way to affect change among those in need will simply be to live the gospel.

But never let your guard down. There will be those times where you will need to speak. God will provide you with opportunities to showcase the salvation of Jesus to a hurting, searching world … one person at a time. So be alert. You never know when someone will need to hear about Jesus.

About the author: Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.