May 1, 2026
Helping Her Encounter Jesus
LYNN COWELL
Lee en español
“‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked. ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,’ Jesus answered.” John 1:48 (CSB)
I asked a new friend to come with me to church. When she said yes, I was thrilled! She hadn’t yet begun a relationship with Jesus. She had questions, and we’d discussed them together. But this was an opportunity for her to encounter Jesus on her own.
Like me, you may have a loved one who you desperately want to meet and know Jesus. Maybe this person doesn’t need more information but instead more exposure to God — to experience Jesus for themselves.
In John 1, Philip invited his friend Nathanael to meet Jesus. Nathanael was skeptical; he doubted this man was the Messiah. Yet he still agreed to go see Jesus. That reluctant “yes” was the beginning of Nathanael’s beautiful encounter with the Savior.
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, He greeted him in a way that revealed Jesus already knew him — even though they had never met before in person. Jesus’ words must have stunned Nathanael:
“‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked. ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,’ Jesus answered” (John 1:48).
Though Nathanael had yet to see a miracle or any other physical evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, he became convinced after this encounter. “’Rabbi,’ Nathanael replied, ‘You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!’” (John 1:49, CSB). Nathanael’s experience with Jesus made a way for him to believe in Jesus.
Scripture records other testimonies like this as well: Paul believed Jesus was the Son of God after Christ appeared to him in a blinding encounter (Acts 9). Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon also seemingly believed in God after being humbled by His miraculous signs (Daniel 4).
An encounter with the Savior may be just what your loved one needs to accept the Savior.
So, like Philip, let’s extend invitations to our loved ones and create atmospheres for encountering Jesus. Going to dinner or coffee with friends who are walking with Jesus may allow an unbeliever to see the love, joy, and peace they crave. An opportunity to come to your home can create space for longer conversations. Perhaps volunteering together could give someone the chance to see Jesus’ love in action. Inviting someone to a worship service may open the door for them to experience His presence.
Along with your prayers, the Holy Spirit can use many different means to draw your loved one closer to Jesus. Ask the Lord how He might use you to create space for your friend to encounter Him. You might be surprised how simple it can be to help someone on their journey to meet Jesus.
Jesus, I pray now for my loved ones who need to experience and believe in You. Thank You for Your willingness to meet them just as You did Nathanael. Thank You for Your willingness and desire to draw all people to Yourself in whatever way You choose! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
When life feels out of control and she doesn’t know what to believe or do next, what reaches her matters. Because of you, she’s not left guessing — she’s met with the unchanging Truth of God’s Word, right in the moment she needs it most. That’s the heart of this midyear season. We’ve set a $760,000 goal to keep delivering biblical clarity into real-life moments like hers, and a group of generous donors has already given $213,000, inviting you to be part of what carries this forward. Your gift helps ensure truth meets her before fear shapes her next step. Give now and help one more woman be met with God’s Word right when it matters most.
ENGAGE
Learning of God’s love through Scripture may be just what you or a loved one needs in order to experience Jesus. That’s why Lynn wrote Never Too Far: 5 Days of Trusting God’s Love for You, No Matter What. Through these devotions, you’ll learn how to trust in His love more fully and realize you are never too far for His grace to reach you. It’s also a great resource for the young women in your life. Click here to download today!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Acts 9:3-6, “As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul said. ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do’” (CSB).
Daniel 4:2, “I am pleased to tell you about the miracles and wonders the Most High God has done for me” (CSB).
What experiences have you had with Jesus that have strengthened your faith and trust in Him? Thank Him for those encounters now. We can also share testimonies to encourage each other in the comments!
© 2026 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.
Photo credit: ©The Chosen
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
