France needs Jesus!! (and so does the rest of the world)

Well, here I am again, awake at an abnormal hour due to a weak moment and a can of Coca-Cola this afternoon.

God has been giving me all kinds of opportunities to share his love lately. I am not writing this post to boast about what I have done, because I really didn’t do much except be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and follow his leading, and pray I didn’t say anything stupid/confusing to the other person in the process- I know that last action isn’t very spiritual sounding, but it is true. 

So, this past week I have gotten to have a conversation with two women who follow two other major world religions, and two women who believe in nothing at all. While I will be interceding for all four women- I have to say my conversation with the two atheists has really left my thinking and praying. 

When I came to France, I was determined not to let all the hype I had heard about the spiritual decline of Europe taint my views. After seven months here, I can legitimately say from my experiences: it’s not hype, unfortunately it is true. While there exists a group of passionate followers of Jesus- the common mindset here does not set much value or seem to be interested in the existence of God in general, let alone a personal Lord and Savior. 

When I was talking to my two French friends about differences between France and the U.S., this of course was a main topic. They both (politely) expressed their incredulity about our nation still being so croyant (God-fearing, faithful). Unspoken translation: “When is America going to finally gonna get smart enough and move out of that phase like Europe has?”(The scary thing is the U.S. is well on our way in that process- but that isn’t what I am talking about right now.)

Here’s my question: When you move past the creator of the universe, what’s your next step from there?

I have thought about this -really-if I were to reject the idea of 1. Jesus as Savior and 2. A creator God in general I would likely turn to science as my God- I think that would be my tendency.  But science wouldn’t fulfill my affective side (I’d say soul, but that’s probably getting too spiritual for me at this point.) So I would begin searching, always searching, picking up things that offer comfort without accountability, only to set them down again due to lack of fulfillment. I would of course “be a good person,” but my happiness would still be based on the circumstances of life and seem a fragile thing.

Sound at all familiar? For me the above describes pretty much every non-believer I have met in my life.

Ok well, it is getting light out, and this is getting super long. I can’t think of a good ending, except-Lets go be lights for Jesus today! Love you guys!