WHAT I LACK IN GRACE I MAKE UP FOR IN ENTHUSIASM

"May I pray here?" A woman with covered hair and a rolled-up mat pointed to the airplane aisle at my feet.

"Umm. Sure?" I said, but I wasn't.

Not because I feared this sweet girl or what she believed. I was afraid I'd muck up the one chance I had to save her soul.

My husband's eyes issued a silent warning: Stand down, you crazy Christian.

But I couldn't. I knew God had sent her.

Why this aisle? Why this seat? There were so many others to choose from. What were the odds we'd meet soaring halfway to Heaven on a transatlantic flight?

Since God never gambles, I guessed chances were 100%.

As she bowed low, I sent up an SOS. So much to say, so little time. I hadn't said a word when she stood, thanked us, and turned to go.

In a rare display of awkward courage, I jumped to my feet.

What broken believers lack in grace, we make up for in enthusiasm.

"JESUS LOVES YOU!!!!" I announced to the drowsy plane, startling a sleeping baby and an exhausted businessman.

The woman paused, then picked up the pace, fearing for her safety.

Some days, I wonder if it's best to leave preaching the Gospel to the paid professionals.

This wasn't my first failed attempt. I've approached delivery drivers at stoplights, shared Bible verses with gas station attendants, and hugged total strangers in graveyards.

All ridiculous stories that mortify my family and make me want to cry.

Why share the Good News if we're bad at it?

Paul had an answer for that. "I am not ashamed of the Gospel," he wrote in Romans 1:16, "because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."

God's power, not ours.

God chooses the tongue-tied, faint-hearted, preschool theologians to deliver the most important message a person will ever hear.

Because it's not about the delivery. It's about the Deliverer.

When our words fall flat, God's Word is still alive; our testimony destined for resurrection.

So keep sharing the little you know, because this message is much bigger than you.

Love God, love people. When the Spirit prompts, tell them what Jesus has done.

One day in Heaven, we may be surprised at who we meet again around the throne.

What are the chances they’ll be there? With God's power, 100%.