I've learned that the ministry to unbelievers is not only in evangelism, as so many people appear to think, but also in preparing the heart of the unbeliever to receive the message God has for them. The Holy Spirit is involved in the three major stages - Plowing, Sowing and Reaping and orchestrates situations which bring the right people to the right place and at the right time. Something else to remember is that although it may appear that we are the one who has 'lead someone to the Lord, there are often many other people who have also been involved in the process. Praying with someone to receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour is a wonderful thing, but we must not become proud that 'we were the one that lead them' It is the Holy Spirit who ultimately did the work, but we can be are His vessels when we choose to listen to Him and follow His leading. (John 4:35-38) Similarly, do not be disappointed if, after many years of praying for someone, plowing up their hearts, and sowing seeds into their life, you are not the one who also reaps the harvest. Instead be ready to give God the glory for what He has done. The Bible says that Angels rejoice over one person who abandons his ways and chooses to follow Jesus, ought we not to be the same? (1 Corinthians 3:5-9)

Reaping is not the only stage nor is it necessarily the most important - though it can be the most rewarding. Plowing is just as important, for without it, the unbelievers heart will not be made ready. Gods word has been likened to a hammer, shattering people out of their complacency. (Jeremiah 23:29) God's word can also be used with a much more gentle approach, stirring up someone and having a life-changing effect on them. (Proverbs 25:15) Plowing involves preparing the heart to receive what the Holy Spirit wants to be made known. Sowing involves planting seeds of hope into the unbelievers heart, which, because of plowing, ought now to be receptive to what you (through the Holy Spirit) have to offer. But much more than that, it involves showing people the love of God not only in word, but in deed. Actions speak louder than words, and your hypocrisy could be what is holding someone back from entering the kingdom. (1 Peter 3:1-6)

As Christians we are always being closely observed by unbelievers. We ought to become transparent - others will find it difficult to open themselves up to us, if we won't do the same for them. (2 Corinthians 6:11-13) People do not trust liars, therefor we must be reliable and consistent. (2 Corinthians 7:2) If our words don't match our actions people will become disillusioned by what we are saying, and rather than wanting what we have, they will decide that what they have is just as good, if not better. We do need to keep in mind however, that they aren't seeking perfection, but sincerety. (Luke 14:28-30) If you do something for someone and it comes from the heart, rather than from a sense of gritting the teeth and doing it because it's the "right thing", your works can impact someones life. A simple act of kindess can change a life. (1 Peter 3:1-6) Sometimes God will bring in a new person to do the work of the harvest, simply because they will see the situation from a different perspective, and the Holy Spirit will show them a new or different angle from which to approach your friend or relative.

If you have been praying for a friend or family member for many years, and things do not appear to be changing, and they do not appear to be receptive, do not be discouraged. Continue to pray earnestly. We need to remember that the unbeliever is spiritually blind (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) and weak (Matthew 26:41) and may need to be guarded spiritually against the enemy's plans and attacks (1 Peter 5:8) Satan doesn't want to lose people to God's kingdom. Satan is being threatened by the influence you have over their lives. He will throw all sorts of spanners into the works in order to prevent people from coming to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 speaks of a spiritual battle going on in ways we often don't realise. The Holy Spirit is at work, waging war against Satan. As a believer in the life of an unbeliever we are often key players in that war, whether we realise it or not - so get praying for that person and interceding on their behalf fr their salvation!