In flight

The young man apologizes as we get up to let him through to his window seat. We have a long flight ahead. Fourteen hours or so. 

Beforehand, I’ve asked for a heart attentive to His prompting. And for willing availability, boldness to share the gospel.

It’s not my first thought on airplanes lately, to be honest. I’d rather chill in my own little world. Enjoy the extended “pause” from daily tasks.

But as he’s seated, I pray for wisdom. To listen and obey.

Loss

Eventually, I ask why he’s traveling today. With a subdued voice, he tells me. “My father died recently.” 

After delays of getting his passport and documents in order, he’s traveling to see his mother. And the rest of the family. 

He’ll be taking care of certain details as the oldest son.

I express condolences for his loss.

Beliefs

Later, I ask about his spiritual beliefs. 

And this opens an ongoing conversation. Over several hours. About his decision to follow the religion of his father. 

“I’m not very good at it sometimes.” 

He’s tried exploring other religions. Including Christianity. Talked with a pastor at some point. 

He launches into his confusion over all the bad things going on in the world right now. Wars that are senseless and cruel. 

I listen. Acknowledge the problems of brokenness caused by sin. And trace a simple illustration with my finger on the tray. Three Circles. And the provision of the gospel if we repent and believe.

 He hears me talk about the cross. And says he struggles with why Jesus had to die like Christians claim he did. 

Sin

Then the young man sighs. “God is so powerful. Why couldn’t he just make sin go away? Why did the sin of one have to affect all of us?”

I nod and say, “I don’t know why, but I know this is true. It does affect all of us.” 

Then explain that I never had to teach our children how to sin. How to lie. How to hide wrongdoing. How to be afraid.  They did it naturally. 

Just as I did. Just as he did.

Sacrifice

I remind him how God provided a system of sacrifice from the beginning to address the sin problem.  

“Because ‘the life is in the blood.’ And that’s why Jesus died on the cross. The perfect, sinless Lamb. Shedding His blood for the forgiveness of sins. Offered to all.” 

His questions continue. Here and there. After moments of silence. 

“I don’t know why I struggle and ask so many questions,” he says.

His purpose 

I begin to share from Psalm 139. How God knew him before he was born. 

“He knows everything about you. He knows you are someone who likes to ask questions about important things in life. He sees you. And I believe it’s no mistake that we are seated next to each other to have this conversation. It’s for His purpose.”

His eyes get wide. 

“I know!” he says. “Because originally I was seated several rows ahead, but recently changed my middle seat to this one by the window!”

Teach me 

He shares more about his marriage and family. Confides a deep hurt. 

I tell him I will pray for them. Then say, “There’s a prayer in Psalm 86 that I often pray: ‘Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.’”

He is moved. And thanks me. Then says, “I think anyone would want you for their mother. I would like a mother like you.”

Flight map 

At one point during our journey, I know he’s done some ritual cleansing because he comes back to his seat and goes through familiar motions, saying his prayers softly in Arabic. 

As he prays, I look at the flight map on our screens. We’re flying near the place of pilgrimage. Where his father was paralyzed in a terrible accident. 

Silently, I pray. For him and his family. For the truth of God’s Word to bear fruit. And for his path to cross with believers from his own people during this trip home.

People group

Toward the end of our journey he asks to take a selfie with us. We exchange contact information.

Then I ask, “I know you speak English and the trade language of your country. But what does your family speak at home?” 

He looks at me and says a word I know. The name of a people that I’ve prayed for often in the past year because of requests posted online for them. 

And I think, You have no idea, sir, how many are praying for your people specifically. And how the Lord has been moving among them. 

For I’ve seen the reports. A number have believed the gospel and come out of darkness to dwell in His marvelous light.

God’s glory 

I don’t know the end of this young man’s story. How the Lord will lead him and his family. But I see glimpses of God’s glory in that conversation. 

I know the Lord is at work in his life.

And I have hope in our God who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us. 

To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations. In every nation. Among all people groups. And in this man’s life. Forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

What about you?

Do you ever resist entering a gospel conversation? How does the Lord remind you to listen and obey? 

Related posts

The mystery of the gospel – Gospel conversations – Unexpected ways – Gospel clarity – Crowds – Paying attention – The rest of the story – 

Ephesians 3:20-21 – Psalm 86:11 – Psalm 139 – Romans 3:23 – Romans 6:23 – Three Circles –