Every Interaction is an Opportunity
As we go about our daily lives, let us remember that every interaction we have in the workplace is an opportunity God has given us to be His ambassador, to plant a seed of the Gospel, and to gently introduce others to Jesus. How, where, and when we do this may look different for each of us, but when we enter every conversation with intention and openness, we begin to see opportunities where we may not have noticed them before. I would like to share a testimony from my workplace, an experience where a simple interaction became a divine opportunity to represent Christ and plant a seed of faith.
A few months ago, a colleague of mine was preparing to leave the company after more than 15 years of service. They had made the courageous decision to return to university to pursue something they were deeply passionate about. As their final days approached, I felt prompted to arrange a one on one meeting with them before they left. Trusting that prompting, I scheduled a meeting a few days before their last day in the office. During our conversation, we spoke about many things, including their plans for university and the next chapter of their life. At one point, they shared a powerful observation that for many people, their work and what they do can become their identity, completely consuming their focus and sense of self. As soon as the word identity came up, I sensed that God was creating an opening.
This colleague knew that I am a Christian, so I shared honestly and gently. I told them that I understood what they meant, but that my faith helps me understand my true identity, that I am a child of God. Knowing who I am in Christ helps me avoid allowing my job, title, or achievements to define me. From there, the conversation naturally flowed into a deeper discussion about my faith, how it anchors me, and where my true identity and hope come from.
Nearly an hour passed, and eventually we had to wrap up the meeting as other commitments awaited us. Knowing this might be the last time I would see this person before they left the company, I felt a strong prompting to do one more thing. I asked if I could pray for them, saying something like, “I was thinking about what I could give you before you leave, and I realised the best thing I could give you is a word of prayer.
"Would it be okay if I prayed for you?”
They looked at me and replied, “Oh, Bently, I would very much appreciate that.”
So, I prayed for them. When I finished and opened my eyes, they were in tears. They looked at me and said, “Thank you, Bently. That was so special, and I really needed that.”
As we stood up to leave, they asked if they could give me a hug. Deeply moved, they gave me a hug before we left the room.
That evening, as I reflected on everything that had taken place, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity God had created for allowing me to share my faith and the source of my hope. Knowing I might not see this person again, and with only a few days left before they departed, I felt there was something more I could do.
At home, I came across The Best Gift (NIV Gospel of John). I wrapped it and brought it to the office the next day. When I gave it to them, I said, “As you’re heading back to university, I’m sure you’ll have more time to read. I hope this can be something you spend time with.” They smiled, accepted the gift, and thanked me.
I do not know if they have read or will read the Gospel of John I shared with them. But I pray that one day they will open it, encounter Jesus, and discover for themselves that they too are a child of God. I pray they will understand why I said that my identity is found in Him. It struck me that every interaction we have is an opportunity God has given us to be His ambassador and to plant a seed of the Gospel. As we continue through this year, let us all, including myself, boldly and wisely use every opportunity we are given to represent Christ in the workplaces where He has placed us. This is a privilege and a responsibility that we have been graciously entrusted with.
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