The Power of God’s Word From Neighbours to Nations

By an Australian Navigators Labourer

Our neighbourhoods are a wonderful place to advance the gospel. My friend, on numerous occasions, has met neighbours from differing cultures with different exposure to Jesus and the Scriptures. With great regularity, I hear how she shares the Scriptures with these friends. I eagerly asked what she believes to be true about the Word of God and how she’s seen the power of God’s Word accomplish His purposes.

“Hebrews 4:12-14 really summarises it for me. ‘The Word of God is living and active’ means that it does not depend on me – God’s power is offered to me, through His Word, and it speaks into parts of a person’s being that I am unable to as my knowledge of their inner life is limited to what they share with me. It encourages me to know that in sharing God’s Word, He is able to pierce the hardness of their hearts and enlighten the darkness of their souls…

“Where there are misunderstandings, deceptions or rebellion, the Word of God offers timeless teachings, gentle and assertive rebuke and spiritual encouragement. This means that as I live a life following Jesus, based upon the reading of His Word, those walking with me can see the immense value and transformational impact it makes in every aspect of my being. Knowing these powerful truths about the Word of God, as I share it with others, it really becomes the lamp we need for our feet and the light to our paths (Psalm 119:105).

“As I have shared specific scriptures with my friends, I have witnessed their joy in receiving it. Some significant moments that come to mind are ones where the Scriptures have brought awe and amazement to their hearts. In learning the redemption story of God for humanity through reading from Genesis, the prophecies and the dwelling of Emmanuel to accomplish the plan of salvation, they can recognise that God truly desires a personal relationship with us (Hebrews 1:1-2). They discover God’s character in ways that show His authority and power, but also His tenderness and grace to draw us to peace with Him (2 Peter 3:9). They can see how they fit into God’s plan for salvation that is offered to all who believe (Romans 1:16). They find sweet comfort and strength in the lifegiving Word of God that speaks into situations where earthly wisdom cannot intervene (Psalm 19:7-10).”

These answers are such an encouragement to me. I’ll leave you with a touching exchange she shared with me that shows how God accomplishes His purposes and reaches beyond the neighbourhood.

“I was comforting a friend who was fearing for the safety of her relatives in her home country. I shared portions of the Psalms as a way of praying for their situation as I felt at a loss in my own words to speak into her pain. She said to me one time in the midst of deep grief, anxiety and fear, ‘Nothing else is giving me comfort, except what you are sharing.’ I found out that she had been forwarding the scriptures to comfort her aunt.”

_{*Names withheld to protect privacy of individuals in sensitive situations.
First published in Compass, Summer 2024. Featured image of a birds eye view of a neighbourhood uses photo by Tom Rumble on Unsplash.}