When working with the human heart and soul, progress can be very slow and, at times, impossible to see. Sometimes, I wish there was a formula for leading people to Christ. But more and more, God is helping me understand that the spiritual formation of a person's soul isn't something that you can manufacture. The work is not tidy, easy or consistent.....To actually invest time, emotions, and relational energy in someone's life takes a lot more effort. It is a lot harder.

Your heart can be broken as you meet with people where they're at and walk with them in darkness. Your chats with your unsaved friends are important, but it's being in relationship with them that gives depth, integrity and authenticity - it's the key ingredient that gives those conversations meaning and influence.

When we get our heads around this, we no longer feel the pressure to manipulate or manufacture conversations. Now, nearly every time I talk with my unsaved friends about God, they're the ones who bring it up. It's awesome because it means they are ready to talk about it, instead of forcing the conversation on my terms. It also means they not only respect my relationship with God enough to ask me about him, but they feel loved by me as a true friend, because I see them as a person, not a prize or trophy.

(Anna)