Remnants

I sat next to one of the main sidewalks on campus, where hundreds of students walk by between their classes. With my sign, “Free Prayer” a couple of feet away, I watched as the young people passed by. Most looked straight ahead or looked down at their phones. Some stared at me and my sign for a moment, then either looked away or gave an eyeroll or a smirk. About 30 yards away, a young man stood at a table advertising Yoga Meditation books. For the two hours I sat there, he had a steady stream of interested students. 

I have been doing this “Free Prayer” outreach for three years, ever since the Lord impressed upon me during the summer of 2018 that I should go sit on campus and offer to pray for anyone who asked for it. I sit near where the “preachers” often stand yelling at students, telling them they’re sinners, that judgment is coming, and that they need to repent. I suppose they hope to convince them to change the direction of their lives, but mostly what they get is mockery and ridicule. I make it a point not to speak to anyone unless they first speak to me. I am just there with my sign, available to whomever needs someone to pray for them.

This was my second week of sitting there, as classes for the new semester began last week. Nothing really happened the first week, and this week was starting out the same. But I knew something that sustained me, that gave me hope. When Paul was in Corinth (Acts 18), he was opposed by many Jews. I can imagine he was discouraged, being opposed by some of his own people and living in a city known for its idolatry and sexual immorality. Yet, one night in a dream, the Lord told Paul this: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” (vss 9-10)

“For I have many people in this city.” There was a remnant of true believers in idolatrous Corinth. This is true all over the world. No matter the persecution, no matter the dismissal of the faith in nations or cultures, there is always a faithful remnant. In Muslim nations like Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, there are faithful believers. In secularized Europe, there are those who remain committed to the Lord. In atheistic nations like China, there is a faithful remnant of believers. What was true in Corinth during the 1st Century is still true today in the world—God has many people who are faithful to him. It is also true on the University campus. 

As I continued to watch students pass by, a student who had been sitting nearby walked straight over to me and told me how much she appreciated me being there. Another stopped to ask if he could get me some water. And then several students in succession came to ask for prayer. One was struggling to adjust to college life; another was wanting to tend to his spiritual life which he had neglected in high school, and another student was struggling to make sense out of losing his home in a fire, as well as his beloved pets. While the vast majority ignored my presence or thought I was some kind of religious weirdo, these students were bold in talking with me publicly and acknowledging their need for prayer, or just offering me encouragement. Through these students, the Lord reminded me that he has many people at Appalachian State University.

Wherever you are, know that this is true. When the world, and often those claiming to be believers, seem to be going off the rails in worldly thinking and worldly pursuits, the Lord still has a remnant of believers who are passionately seeking him, who want to love boldly and let his light shine brightly through them. These are the people of whom Jesus spoke long ago—they worship God in spirit and in truth, the kind our Heavenly Father seeks. (John 4:23)

So, if you are discouraged today with all the ungodliness in the world, all the turmoil and dissension, know there is always a remnant of true believers who are fully committed to following Jesus regardless of the circumstances in which they find themselves. Take heart; you are not alone. 

Jim Musser © 2021 All Scripture references are from the New International Version, 2011