Going to God on Man’s Behalf
Before reaching others, we bring them first to God—every name entrusted into His heart.
Photo credit: Unsplash
Devotional credit: eManna.org
This morning’s reflection from eManna speaks to a critical, often overlooked dynamic in our desire to reach others with the gospel: the spiritual foundation of intercession. The writer challenges the tendency to jump directly into evangelism with zeal, without having first laid the groundwork in prayer. Drawing from John 6:37 and Acts 2:47, the emphasis is on God as the One who draws, the One who gives people to Jesus, and the One who adds daily to the church those who are being saved.
Instead of relying on our own strategies or persuasive abilities, we are urged to go first to the Lord—not merely in generic prayer, but in fervent, specific supplication for those we long to see saved. The writer exposes a spiritual principle: before we can witness with power to men, we must first have a burden before the Lord. The soul is not easily moved; only the Spirit can turn a heart to Christ. Thus, effective witness begins not with our words to others but with our cries to God.
Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I draw hearts, not by force, but by grace. The Father has entrusted many to Me, and all who come I will never turn away. I know every soul you long to see redeemed, and I am already at work in unseen ways. I hear your groanings, even when they are too deep for words. Come to Me first, and place each name on My heart before you place them in your conversations.
Do not be discouraged when the soil looks hard. I am the One who softens hearts and prepares the way. I have appointed you not as the Savior, but as the vessel through whom My life flows. Speak with Me before you speak with them. Bring their names before Me, not as a duty but as a delight. As you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask. I will align your desires with Mine, and what you ask shall be done.
I delight in your partnership. You are not alone in this. I am the Lord who adds daily to My church. I am the Spirit who convicts, who draws, who opens blind eyes. You pray, and I move. You sow, and I water. You speak, and I make it living. Remain with Me, and I will make you a fisher of men—not with the net of effort, but with the net of compassion cast in My presence.
Scriptures woven in: John 6:37; Acts 2:47; Romans 8:26; John 15:7; 1 Corinthians 3:6; Matthew 4:19
Prayer of Trust and Confidence
Father, thank You for reminding me that the work of salvation is Yours, not mine. You are the One who draws hearts to Jesus and adds daily to the church. I trust that as I bring names before You, You are already moving, shaping, and opening hearts in ways I cannot see. I rest in the quiet confidence that You hear my prayers and that You are far more invested in saving lives than I could ever be.
Let my witness not begin with words to others but with words shared with You. Thank You for making me a participant in Your work, never a performer of it. Today, I entrust each soul You've burdened me for into Your faithful hands. Let my life remain hidden in You, even as You draw others to the light of Your Son.