God Moments and Faith Talks

by Sylvia Gaston

It can be tough to share with family and friends why I am a Christian. Why did this former wild child one day choose to listen to God and follow after this man, Jesus? How to explain the seemingly coincidental people God placed in my path? How do I tell others about the strong pursuit I felt from my Creator over a span of several years? The opportunities to share these oh-so-important details and deep thoughts don’t come up casually or often. But they can come up in little windows of time that allow you to share precious nuggets of your faith with others.

We used these nuggets as we raised our kids. Little ones can’t comprehend your entire conversion story – the entire belief system you’ve adopted for an unseen God. But they can pick up on little discussions that take place through the course of everyday life. Slowly and consistently, you can explain why God is the center of your existence.

Welcome to “Faith Talks” and “God Moments”!

Faith Talks:
These are intentional times set aside for conversations with your family about the Bible. Spiritual training takes place one step at a time in the context of everyday life.

While having Faith Talks, relationship is your priority, the Bible is your handbook, and life is your classroom. Teach your children or grandchildren about God, the Bible, salvation, and how to live life God’s way – which is better than our way. Keep it simple. Select a Bible verse and discuss it. What does the verse mean? Who was it written to? What can this help me do today? Does it teach us how to live or how to pray?

Proverbs 22:6 tells us that if we train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not turn from it. This goes for grownups too.

God Moments:

God Moments are my favorite. They’re not structured like Faith Talks and they’re not just for our children. God moments are great anytime and with anyone you talk to – family, friends, co-workers, strangers.

God moments go something like this: Something happens in your life. You tell someone about it. Then you tell them how God helped you or got you through it. Or the reverse scenario might take place. Someone tells you about something they’re going through. Then you tell them how you handled or got through something similar with God’s help. (bonus points if you then ask if you can pray for or with them about the thing they’re going through.).

Those God Moment opportunities come up all the time! But, you’ve got to be looking and listening for them and be prepared to take advantage of them.

These are the times when you get to really brag about God. These are the times when you can explain the supernatural ways you’ve seen Him rescue you, give you wisdom, heal you, help you. Simple life – but better because of God.

A God Moment can also be the simple opportunity that may arise when you explain to someone how your life was before and how it’s different today now that you try to live life God’s way. Not perfect; just different and better…waaay better.

The goal of Faith Talks and God Moments is not to coerce or manipulate conversations nor is it to shove your faith down someone’s throat. The goal is to share your real life story with others because you love and care about them. You want others to have a more abundant life of love, and an eternal hope, that is found by following Jesus.

Paul said it well, “Follow my example just as I follow Christ’s”. (1 Corinthians 11:1 CEB)

Jesus said it best, “I am the way and the truth and the light. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NIV)

Now get out there and start discovering your own faith talk and God moments! You’ll love it!