(dah-KAR) – Workers must always be in prayer about everything, and then proceed in faith. They must constantly ask the Lord for direction in relating to each lost individual they meet because rarely is the path obvious. People may tell you what they think you want to hear, in hopes of having some sort of personal gain, but not have a seeking heart. Being aware of this, a worker must balance the lost person’s behavior with the knowledge that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17 ESV), that “the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV), and that “the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV). So prayer, discernment, and wisdom must guide the worker in every encounter so as not to “throw your pearls before pigs” (Matthew 7:6 ESV). Please ask the Holy Spirit will reveal to workers when to persevere and when to shake off the dust and go on.