When it became clear to me a couple months ago that after almost 14 years in pastoral ministry God’s next move was to set me up as a tobacconist in the local cigar shop, I was a little surprised. It was not what I expected to happen. However, it is very clear that this is where God wants me for now and He is clearly using me there. It is not at all uncommon for me to be approached and asked about my faith. Here are some of the questions I remember being asked off the top of my head:
What does it mean to take God’s name in vain?
What were the sacrifices in the Bible about? Why is it okay to kill animals but not people?
What do you think about people celebrating Fidel Castro’s death? Can a Christian do that?
What happened to all the people who died before Christ?
Will you bless my house?
What does it mean to speak in tongues?
Are demons real?
Does the Bible talk about what is going on today in the world?
What does God think about cursing?
What happens to Muslims when they die?
As a Christian, what do you think about the big bang?
What is really interesting to me as I have been thinking about this is that I did not start any of these conversations. They all came out of the blue. I take it as a great compliment that people have felt comfortable enough around me to ask questions like these. My hope and pray is , if you are a Christian too, that the people you work and live with know that and that your example is such that it invites people to engage you in conversation so that they can hear the reason for the hope that you have with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
Learning To Be Full Of Grace And Truth. 
Not every person of God would step down from ministry to take such a job, or any job out of the ministry. But God has ministry for you right where He places you. Whether it’s a tobacco shop, or sitting at home disabled (me), or working at McDonald’s (Yup, did that for a while). God can use us anywhere! It’s great that you see that, and you’re a willing vessel. God bless you!
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Thanks Pete. We can easily get our identity wrapped up in positions and titles can’t we? I don’t feel any less “called” to be a pastor, but right now God has me doing that here. I know this isn’t a permanent stop, it’s kind of a wait station. But it’s where He wants me working in His kingdom nonetheless.
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Amen. Grow where you’re planted!
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God uses each Christian, as they walk through life. We are to be lights to cast out the darkness. We say yes, to God and go on an amazing journey. Joseph,was given dreams with a glimpses of his destiny. He didn’t realize the road would lead to slavery, prison and finally becoming prime minister of Egypt. Joseph made God the Lord of his destination, living an extraordinary life. What the enemy meant for evil was turned for good and saved nations, including Israel.You are on a journey where God directs your steps!
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Amen to that! Thanks so much for the encouragement! I truly believe that God sees no distinction between what we call the sacred and the secular. All of life is sacred to Him, and so we are always working for Him no matter what we are doing.
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So true!
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=)
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I’m curious. Do your customers know you were (actually are) a pastor? Just seems strange that they would ask these types of questions. Just yesterday, I went shopping for a suit for my son’s upcoming wedding. It didn’t dawn on me to ask the salesman about God things. I did ask him a lot of questions about the new fashion “trend” I see on TV that depicts men in suits with everything from shirt to tie to pocket hanky all mismatched and different colors that don’t seem to compliment each other. I guess I missed a chance to witness to someone and plant a seed. But, I did pick up a $650 suit for $258.
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In my case many do as I was a customer for a while.
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Wow…what an opportunity
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Tell me about it….
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What I find absolutely outstanding is that for them to approach you to ask you these types of questions means that you wear your faith on your sleeves!! His light clearly shines brightly from you! Now THAT brings a smile to my face!!! 🙂 🙂
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Awwww thanks Lorra! You just made me smile! And, while I’m at it, thank you for your smile! 😊😉
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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It is True Dan we are all unique although we are United in One Spirit in Christ Jesus, God has indeed prepared His good works for us to do in advance and will equip and empower us to do them.
Most of the Questions you were asked Dan seem to come from those who have had some Christian input so you are now giving them a solid foundation which is very good. With me I mostly have contact with Atheists, Cults and those who have been deceived by them. The Questions I’m asked are normally with the intent to prove I’m wrong for believing in a God but having been a Atheist for almost 30 years after being deceived as a young Teenager that I evolved from an Ape and Jesus and the Bible were just made up, I’m equipped to give them facts to show they are in error which cause them to doubt what they have been told which is what changed me, seeds are planted and I pray like they did with me they will bear good fruit.
When I first became a Christian I felt inadequate to evangelize but my Neighbor needed Christian Help although she was aggro in some respects because of her understanding of Christians. So I talked to my Pastor and he said; God will use what you have and give you what you need and this has been very True in my witnessing over the years. My Neighbor became a Christian not long after and three years later so did her husband because of her example and for over 30 years now they have shown their Love for the Lord in word and deed, yes they serve Him willingly and Joyfully.
Christian Love Always – Anne.
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That is an awesome testimony Anne. Thank you for sharing. True there is a Christian background of some kind behind most of the people asking those questions, yet most of them would not identify as Christians. It is great to have debate, but it is better to have discussion is it not? I thank Master Jesus for the way in which He is using you to build and work in His kingdom.
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