Romans 14:1-4 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

I had a dear friend that struggled with his salvation for years. He came to church regularly, asked really good questions and admitted he was not yet ready to believe. We loved him for his honestly, commitment to discovering the truth, and his sincerity about his standing before God. We tried every angle of evangelical approach we could muster to no avail.

His heath declined and he underwent heart bypass surgery. During that time away from his normal church routine we visited him in the hospital but did not press him as hard as we had while he was healthy. Then one day he woke up and believed. He came to a believing conclusion without us. He found within himself the ability to believe.

His testimony was so heartwarming. I came away with this sense of bewilderment as to why we didn’t think of that one thing which turned his heart towards God. I learned something about evangelizing that I did not have in my portfolio. Sadly he never came home and went on to be with the Lord.

He only lived as a believing Christian for a short time. Did he grow in Christ? Did he receive gifts and develop talents? What good works did God ordain for his life?

Perhaps the answer to that question was in the relationship we had with him while he struggled. We learned more about talking to and opening up dialogue with an unbeliever with him than anyone we have ever met. He was a proving ground of good works for us without him even being aware of that good work.