40 Faces, 40 Places: A Devotional JourneySample

Vinothan from Birmingham

Sometimes whole-life discipleship looks like being open to surprise opportunities.

I see God’s presence more often than I might have imagined for my field of work. I’m a Ph.D. student in the physics department at my university. It is often said that science and faith don’t go together. I always expected my colleagues to look down upon any sort of faith or religion, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Sometimes, opportunities to share come about by accident!

I share my faith at work isn’t particularly by sharing Bible quotes with people but rather through my actions. My colleagues are aware of my faith, and I hope they will be able to see God working through me and come to know Him too one day.

I recently misheard one of my colleagues saying she went to church. Our conversation allowed me to share my testimony, and we had a great discussion about God. I didn’t plan it or expect it, but God knew I needed to have that conversion, even if it was to plant that seed in her mind.

Fortunately, the pressures at my workplace for being a Christian are zero to none, as my colleagues are very friendly and don’t judge me. The biggest pressure is the pressure I put on myself! I question whether I’m doing enough to share God’s Word. I know it’s unfounded, but as the only Christian in an environment where God is not often discussed, I feel the pressure of being the spokesperson for Christianity.

Reflection

The first disciples were often surprised by Jesus – and our God is still full of surprises for us today. Vinothan was surprised by the lack of judgment and positive reactions to his faith, both in his words and how he acted. He was especially surprised when an opportunity for deeper conversation arose through simply mishearing a colleague.

We might not have daily opportunities to talk about Jesus on our frontlines, but we all have daily opportunities to model godly character. How might God already be working through you in the way you act?

Prayer

Lord, thank You that Your deeds are glorious and majestic and full of surprises. Help me not to overestimate potential adverse reactions to my faith. Help me not put too much pressure on myself and remember that it is all about You. Help me represent You well today.