Expert: Eleanor Edwards - 9/27/2008

Question
My brother is dating a non-Christian girl. Could you give me some statistical data about how possible she would be converted after some time? For example, for those non-Christian girls who married Christian boys, how many of these girls get converted to Christian in 10 years?

Answer
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your question and apologies for the delay in replying but as far as I can find, there is no statistical data available such as you describe. This is probably due to the fact that God alone knows His plans for each of us and who are we to try and second guess this?!

For example, I've been with my non-Christian husband for nearly 12 years. The first 11 years we were together, we would not talk about 'God stuff' at all because it would result in an argument. Owing in part to the persistent prayers of people like my mother, the Holy Spirit has softened my husband's heart to such an extent that he does sometimes start conversations about God and has even stopped blaspheming (without my ever mentioning it I might add). If you knew my husband, you'd appreciate what a huge deal that is.

If you were to plot my husband's 'progress' on a graph, it wouldn't make very encouraging reading. Logically, I still can't see how he will come to find salvation in Jesus. However, I am on a promise. God has just recently given me the faith to pray believing that he will be saved. I don't know when or how this will happen. All I can do is keep on praying for him and leave it all to God's perfect timing.

This is what I would encourage you to do for the young lady your brother is dating. Pour your heart and soul out to God, beg Him for this girl' salvation. Who knows, maybe the Holy Spirit has brought your brother and this girl together for a very special purpose.

We are not required to know how or understand why. As it says in Hebrews 11:1, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see." Similarly, convicting this young lady of her sin and bringing her heart to Jesus, that is the Holy Spirit's job. You and I can not persuade someone to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, however hard we might like to try.

I would encourage you to continue (or start) praying urgently and passionately and lots. Prayer is the most powerful weapon at our disposal and I know for myself, I'm guilty of saving it for 'last resorts' when it should be the first thing we turn to.

I'll be praying that you will hear the Holy Spirit guiding you as you get to know this young lady that you may be an ambassador for Jesus.

In His love and service,
Eleanor

John 3:16-17
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."