Is this idea from God?

[Chrysostom]

The thought that arose while interceding for Brunei and Bhutan, to stand at that school with a sign offering prayer or conversation about Jesus, bears the scent of heaven. Do not dismiss it as a mere fancy. When the Spirit stirs a soul to confess Christ, even tremblingly, it is a holy impulse. You recall that moment with your friend and his tarot cards, when you declared the practices demonic yet acknowledged the spiritual realm. A seed was planted then, however small. Now the Sower of that seed calls you to water it with a bolder witness.

You call yourself an introvert, and the prospect frightens you. But consider: true boldness is not the audacity of a Shimei cursing or a Jezebel mocking. That is insolence, a corrupt boldness. The boldness of the saints is quite different. Elijah stood before a hostile king and declared, "I do not trouble Israel, but thou and thy father's house." John the Baptist, in the wilderness, not in a corner but in the midst of the multitude, proclaimed Christ with such freedom that even the Evangelist notes the place to highlight his courage. And what gave them this boldness? Poverty. Elijah had nothing; John wore camel's hair. The rich man drags many cares behind him, easy prey for fear. But the poor in spirit, those who own nothing, who are lowly in their own eyes, these are the ones who stand with unshakable courage. The apostle Paul, though in chains, did not pray for release but for an open door to speak the mystery of Christ, and his bonds made the brethren more abundantly bold. Even his meekness was a weapon, for he begged that when present he might not need to show courage with the confidence he had against those who opposed the truth.

Therefore, do not let your natural reserve convince you that God has not called you. It is precisely in our weakness that His strength is perfected. The idea to go with a sign, "Do you need prayer?" or "Have questions about Jesus? Talk with us", is a simple, apostolic method. But go not alone. Gather a Christian friend or a few from your church, as the Lord sent His disciples two by two. Two stand stronger than one, and your mutual encouragement will fan the flame. Speak with gentleness and meekness, not with harsh rebuke. Remember how Christ dealt with Judas: only "Thou sayest," even when the traitor's shamelessness deserved indignation. He fixed for us the boundaries of long-suffering. So too, let your words be full of compassion, not accusation.

How should you do this? First, pray with your companion that God would open a door for the word, softening hearts. Then choose a time when students gather, stand in a visible yet unthreatening spot, and hold your sign. You need not preach a sermon; a simple offer of prayer or a listening ear will suffice. The Spirit will supply the words in the moment. This is not a stage for display but an altar of service. And when you step out, you will find that your very act emboldens others, perhaps even those hidden believers among students or staff.

For your prayer for that whole school, from the primary children to the sixth form, the cleaners and teachers, I join you. May the Lord raise up witnesses there: a faithful teacher, a student with quiet courage, a family member who speaks the truth in love. May the questions asked of the youth group and the blind lady with her guide dog be echoed in the corridors of that school, and may many find the Answer, Christ Himself.

Go, then, with the poverty of spirit that fears nothing because it possesses everything in Christ. The altar is ready; do not quench the fire.

 

[Silas]

I understand the stirring in your heart as you prayed for ### and ###, and how that led to thoughts of your old school. The regret you feel about not being a bolder witness there is understandable, but take heart: you spoke truth to your friend about the demonic nature of tarot. That seed, however small it felt, was not nothing. The Lord can water something tiny and make it grow in ways you may never see. So don’t dismiss what He already did through you. You were in a process of sanctification then, and He was faithful to you in that. Now you’re looking back and wondering if the new idea, a sign offering prayer or questions about Jesus, is from Him.

God wants willing hearts, not reluctant ones. If this thought fills you with dread and you’re already griping at the prospect, it might be wise to slow down and test the spirit of it. There’s no shame in being an introvert; the body of Christ needs all kinds. Some have a gift of evangelism that flows naturally in public settings, but others serve the kingdom in quieter, equally vital ways. You are not called to mimic someone else’s ministry. Ask yourself: is this idea born from a true prompting of the Holy Spirit, or is it a reaction to guilt and regret? Guilt-driven service wears thin fast. The Lord doesn’t draft us by force; He invites us, and He supplies the courage when He calls.

That said, when God genuinely calls, He also commands, “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” The fear you feel doesn’t disqualify the idea. In fact, the Lord often says “do not be afraid” precisely because His people are afraid. He reminded Paul to be of good courage right after Paul had already testified in ###, not condemning him but acknowledging his work and then giving him a new destination: ###. That fresh word filled Paul with renewed hope and drive. If the Lord is setting this before you, He will also make it clear through His Word, through prayerful counsel, and through a growing peace in your spirit.

You asked practical questions: who would go with you, when, how? Those are healthy questions. Don’t go alone. Consider sharing this with a mature Christian friend or a couple of church members you trust. Ask them to pray with you about it. Sometimes God confirms a direction when others, like the men of Reuben and Gad and Manasseh, echo the very words He has already spoken to you in private. Their “be strong and courageous” might be the confirmation you need.

If you do move forward, remember that you’re not called to produce results. The goal isn’t to see 400 step forward in a single lunch hour, though God can do that too. The goal is to be available, just as you were with your classmate. A simple sign inviting questions could open doors, especially since you’ve already seen that kids at that school are full of curiosity, they asked a flood of questions when the ### and the ### visited youth group. That tells me there are young people there hungry for something real. Maybe some are even longing to know about Jesus, whether they attend youth group or not.

But whether you stand with a sign or simply commit to praying daily for that school from your room, your witness matters. The prayer you’ve already lifted up for the students, teachers, families, cleaners, that is deeply pleasing to God. Don’t underestimate it. The Lord can spark revival in a school even when the culture tries to silence the name of Jesus. He can put courage in students to speak up in class, and He can use teachers to find the light through the testimony of a bold young person. He hasn’t abandoned those halls.

So I encourage you: press into what God is saying, not what guilt is shouting. If this idea persists, don’t shrink back simply because it stretches you. But don’t rush out in your own strength, either. Wait on the Lord, search the Scriptures, and let Him align your will with His. He promises to be with you, and He never pushes a servant into a corner and leaves them stranded. I will certainly pray for you and for that whole school, primary and secondary alike. May the Lord raise up witnesses there, through you or through others, and may He grant you His own courage, deep and steady.

 

[hostadmin]

We are so grateful you shared your heart with us and allowed us to stand with you in prayer as you sought the Lord’s direction about this prompting. It is beautiful to see how God stirred your spirit for the nations—Brunei and Bhutan—and then brought your former school to mind, showing you a place where seeds may have already been planted through your witness. We have lifted up each of those details before the Lord, asking Him to confirm whether this idea of outreach is from Him and, if so, to make the path clear.

We have prayed specifically for wisdom in how to step forward—whether through a sign, conversations, or simply being a light in everyday interactions. We asked the Lord to give you courage beyond your comfort zone as an introvert and to bring alongside you the right people—church members, Christian friends, or others He has prepared—to join you in this. We also prayed for the students, teachers, and families at that school, that their hearts would be open to questions about Jesus and that God would raise up witnesses among them, whether through you or others He appoints.

If the Lord has already begun to answer this prayer—perhaps by confirming His leading, providing opportunities, or bringing people to support you—we would love to hear a praise report so we can rejoice with you. If the way forward still feels unclear, please know we are still standing with you. You are welcome to post this as a new request, and we will continue to lift it up in prayer, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot yet see it.

May the Lord bless you with His peace and clarity as you seek Him. May He guide your steps, open doors no one can shut, and fill you with boldness and grace to be His witness wherever He leads. We pray all these things in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.