Waiting through the process

Do you want to make an investment that changes some one's life?

Over the last five years of my life I've been investing in a guy from my Student Community Group. There were many weeks were I didn't feel like I was making a difference. There were many weeks were I didn't know if it was worth it. I would plant seeds of what having a relationship with God looks like. I would pray that God would draw this student to Himself. Every once in a while I would get a glimpse that the investment was paying off, but more weeks then not I didn't see any difference. I went to lunch with this student recently and they have become a different person. This student is in love with God.

Sometimes God changes a person instantly, but in my experience life change happens slowly over time. It happens when positive investments are made. The truth is we can't force anyone to change. I wish it was instant, but lasting change often happens when it's been slow cooked over years. Here are some things I try to do while I wait through the process of life change...

• Pray - life change doesn't happen without God.
• Be patient. People aren't perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Be patient and often you will see your investment pay off.
• Don't over react. Be there to support them when they fall. If you over react there is a great chance they won't be honest with you next time.
• Love the person whether or not they ever change their behavior. You have to show the person that you love them. They are not just a project they are a person who has worth.
• Model the behavior you want them to learn.
• Stay involved in their life.
• Don't cram it down their throat. Don't be afraid to challenge them but if they are not willing to walk you shouldn't drag them.
• Listen. Listen to what's going on in their life. Often people will come to the right answers on their own. Listening will help them do just that.
• Pray some more.