What If? Sample

What if they say "no"?

Have you ever been told “no” before? Maybe you asked your parents if you could stay out later than your curfew, and they didn’t agree. Maybe you asked someone to go on a date with you, and they turned you down. Some “no” answers are easier to take than others; but there’s no denying the risk and vulnerability that it takes to ask! Do you believe that Jesus came and died on a cross to set us free from the punishment of sin? If so, it’s part of your responsibility as a believer to make sure you that you are sharing that same hope with as many people as you possibly can. One of the best ways to share that hope is to invite people to come to church with you. As a reminder, the statistics say that 82% of people who do not attend church would go if they were asked! The other part of that statistic is that only 2% of Christians are actually inviting people to come with them. Often times, the biggest reason for not asking someone to come to church is ourselves. We get caught up in the risk of feeling rejection. The truth is hearing no isn't our problem, it's dealing with the rejection behind the no. We have to realize that a no isn't a stop sign for us; it's a fork in the road for them. The person you’re extending the invitation to has to choose which road they want to walk down. You aren't responsible for the outcome of their answer, you are responsible for asking; God will do the part you can't do. 

Every time you invite someone to come to church with you or you talk to someone about your faith in Jesus, you are planting a seed. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul reminds the church that we may plant seeds, but it’s God who makes them grow. Once you have planted those seeds, God will water and make the seeds grow. You just have to be willing to take the risk and ask! The question today is “what if they say no?”; but the other part of that question is “what if they say yes?”. If you step out in faith and extend an invitation to someone, you may be a part of bringing the hope of Jesus to a person’s life!  

Action Step: Name 1 or 2 people who you know God has asked you to invite to church with you. What has kept you from asking them? Write a prayer asking God to give you the boldness and courage to invite them to come with you this week.