I’ve been thinking recently on just how long it takes for a non-believer to come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. It’s certainly a process. I’ve been reminded recently that, on average, 9-16 people are involved when someone comes to faith. That’s remarkable!
And then I came across this quote today from John Bunyan:
Conversion is not the smooth, easy-going process some men seem to think it; otherwise man’s heart would never have been compared to fallow ground and God’s Word to a plough.
If you’re looking for quick results in sports ministry you’re probably not going to find them (unless you “manufacture” them). Evangelism takes time. I’ve seen a number of people in my life recently come to Christ (or who are in process) and it certainly didn’t happen overnight. Rather, it was the bi-product of God using many people’s efforts over several years.
It can be discouraging sometimes but it is a constant reminder to me that ministry is a long-term investment.
