The nurse was bandaging my damaged fingers when I made the comment that I was pleased she had nearly finished as I had a meeting in another town. I should have been ready for her question ‘What sort of meeting? I only hesitated for a moment before I said ‘ A Bible Study.’ Her response was one word followed by by an awkward silence. ‘Oh.’ If I had said a book club or cookery session, there would have been no awkward silence and maybe a comment..
Why does this happen? Are people afraid? Are they being challenged by their sin? If there was just a lack of interest they would probably have made a polite reply.
Mind you, not every reply is like that. I said to a taxi driver one day. ‘I’m going to a Bible Study’ and he quickly asked ‘What is your favourite Bible verse?’ I proved God does give one the words when needed. I was quickly able to quote John 3:16 ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’ I then added that the promise was for those who believed and not for those who didn’t. It turned out he had gone to Sunday School as a child, but had neglected Christianity as life progressed. So sad, he didn’t realise what he is missing.