“Sir, you need to leave. We want nothing to do with you — we are Muslim. Why are you still standing here? Go away!”

As they shouted, I felt no need to back down. Moments earlier, the Holy Spirit had prompted me to connect with these youngsters. I had simply approached them to speak about God, and suddenly the conversation took a sharp turn — the atmosphere grew tense.

God Still Had a Plan

Usually, on outreach, I try to avoid situations like this. I have never felt a calling like Paul’s — to be stoned and dragged out of a city. Yet in that moment, I wondered if God might be preparing me for something similar.

Then three boys approached. “Sir, what’s going on? Why do they want you to leave?” they asked.

I looked at the youngsters who had just told me they were Muslim and still felt respect for the sincerity of their beliefs. Then I explained to the boys that I had simply been telling them about God.

The Plan Unfolded

What happened next surprised me. Instead of walking away, the boys stayed and began asking questions. Meanwhile, the three youngsters left. Within minutes, a meaningful conversation was happening right there on the street.

Two of the boys shared that they believed in God and Jesus. One of them told me something that deeply moved me: his parents don’t allow him to go to church.

That moment reminded me that the church is not just a building. The church is a living organism. Where two or three believers gather in His name, He is in their midst. So right there near a shopping mall we had like a mini church service. Where faith was edified and people were encouraged trough the presence of the Holy Spirit.

As I reflected later, I realized I had understood the voice of the Holy Spirit rightly as He prompted me to those 3 youngsters. I was glad I stood my ground when things got tense. Otherwise, the street wouldn’t have become Holy Ground

SELAH
Are you prepared to stand your ground for the gospel, even when circumstances are uncomfortable or challenging? Take some time to meditate on this Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to prepare you for the days ahead:

“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)