By Linda Hargis

War in Afghanistan has introduced us to a garment worn by women in that country, to hide their face, and cover who they are. They are intimidated without it.

God has shown me, that we, the body of Christ in our private worlds, have an invisible burqua over us. It’s time for the veil to come off!

My grandfather was a Baptist pastor for 50 years and my upbringing was evangelism. At eight years of age, I led my neighbor friend to Christ . I also witnessed to her mother and aunt. I had a heart for souls to be saved, and still do.

For many years as a “stay home mom”, I shared Christ with others when opportunities came. I didn’t have a lot of exposure on a day to day basis except with neighbors.

Not until 16 years ago when I entered the marketplace as a business woman and owner with my husband did I realize the tremendous opportunities we have to share Christ. Our society is skeptical of Christianity if they’ve been offended or “turned off” by media exposing those who have fallen or inconsistencies in the Body of Christ. The enemy has used that to embarrass us and intimidate us into believing that people won’t listen if we share Christ. But, it is “not by our might or power, but by the Spirit of God” living in us and desiring to use us as a vessel for Him to touch others.

My husband Jim, and I, are business people. Years ago we discussed how that, in hiring any new employee, we cannot legally ask them if they’re married, have children, or anything about their religious faith . We can’t even put a Christian fish in an employment ad to attract Christians (that has turned out to be a God thing). All those “cants” made me feel intimidated about sharing my faith....use wisdom...you don’t want to turn someone off you know, being pushy or sounding strange. All intimidation by the enemy to keep our mouth closed. The veil was over me and I didn’t know it.

So, for many years, when employees would share their personal problems with me I would peek out from under my veil and say “can I put you at the top of my prayer list? Would you like to go to church with us? It’s a great church and know it would help you.” I wanted to share more but I was intimidated.

Not until several years ago at a church Presbytery, the Prophet said to me, “God is waiting for you to open your mouth”. At first I wasn’t sure what that meant, but back in the marketplace I was convinced I knew.

We have all been seeking more of God in renewal, feeling the presence of God more and more. The Holy Spirit in me and my gifts to be shared with the lost were under my veil . Jim and I have often said.. “An angel of God, or God Himself may probably never directly reveal himself to the lost...we are it.” Weak, human vessels.....but, powerful with the Holy Spirit flowing through us. His people are the vessels God has chosen to reveal Himself to the world.

Something happened. If you were to come to our office you would see a professional setting. Desks and computers, phones, headsets and smiling people, ordinary nice people, looking very professional. One by one God let us see beneath their veil and into the lives Christ so desperately wanted to touch.

For years, and even yet now, my husband and I would pray, “Lord, business is hard but make our lives count.. let it be business with a Kingdom purpose.”

Then it happened, one by one they came into our offices. My husband would pray and share Christ with men under his authority. Women would share with me the crisis in their life; “my daughter is threatening to commit suicide”; “my husband abuses me and is threatening to kill me”; “diabetes is turning my toe black and it may have to be amputated”; “my husband can’t get out of bed because of anxiety attacks”, on and on they came.

At first I thought these are serious situations, I better call our District Pastor. Then I heard the words, “God is waiting for you to open your mouth.” I got up from behind my desk and sat down next to them.. one by one as I prayed for the Holy Spirit to touch them...it happened. Each situation is different.. but God had prepared their hearts...some wanted to know how to fill the void in their life...some needed a quiet prayer, others just to know someone cares.

We’ve seen God move in mighty ways......salvation’s, even healings. It’s so exciting to know you are filling God’s purposes for your life. God has removed my veil. When there is a need I plant a seed. Just love them, quietly, listening to the Holy Spirit and responding.

The Body of Christ is fully prepared for the next move of God in the marketplace. This corporate gathering has equipped us in every way. People in the marketplace are watching everything we do. It’s a very big responsibility to walk before them as we deal with life’s problems, integrity and character issues; fairness and excellence. They will only share and respond if we have earned their trust.

Our society is looking for real people with real answers to life’s very serious problems. They are wounded and broken. Shut down with anxiety and taking tranquilizers to cope.

We have the answers to bring them and their loved ones to wholeness, mentoring them and changing their opinion about the importance of God and the corporate gathering of believers (the church); but especially revealing to them the love of God through us.

We , the Body of Christ, can change the world which God has placed us in. Each of our lives touch a whole sphere of people no one else will touch. As we make ourselves available and move in obedience, we will see fruit come from the seeds we’ve planted in others, watering it, nurturing it and finally....fruit. Each of us, partnering with the Holy Spirit, can make a difference in the marketplace.

We have all been prepared and equipped for such a time as this. Not one week passes now but what my husband and I have a chance to share in someone’s life. God just keeps bringing them. My VEIL HAS BEEN LIFTED. The Spirit of Intimidation has been revealed.