When I think about all Jesus has done for me, I want to shout it from the rooftops! Of course, desiring to shout it from the rooftops and actually doing so, can be quite intimidating, especially when you have never done it before. It can be difficult to strike up a conversation with an unbeliever, but it is one of those things in life the more you practice and do it, the more comfortable you feel.
The first time I shared my faith was in Thailand with a girl who did not understand much English. She had many questions and though our conversation was broken and slow, I was surprised at how eager she was to learn of Jesus. It was quite eye opening for me to learn how many people do not know who Jesus is. It was also surprising to know how many are excited to do so. We as Christians hold the single most exciting piece of news in all the world and when we share it, people listen. Do not buy into the lies of the enemy, people need to know the good news of Jesus Christ.
There are three things we must do when sharing our faith; ask, obey and pray.
Let’s take a look at these one at a time.
Ask. God will open amazing doors if we are willing to be aware and ready. We must ask Him to lead the right people into our paths or us to the right people. Life is very spontaneous. We cannot always plan out what is going to happen day to day and minute by minute. If we are willing and open to sit back and be ready to feel His pull to this person or that situation, we will see Him lead us to the right people.
Obey. We may feel God’s leading to a specific person, but if we are not responsive, we are disobedient. Delayed obedience is disobedience. When you feel anxiety creep in where God has made clear an open door for you, consider His words.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
AND
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Pray. It is so crucial that we understand the power of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus leads our hearts to touch others with His words, we have fulfilled His calling in our lives. Absolutely nothing you or I say or do will convince someone to follow Jesus. Only the Holy Spirit has the power to truly prick the hearts of lost sinners and transform their lives into a beautiful gracious story. All we are called to do is follow in obedience and step back as God takes care of the rest. Pray without ceasing for the Holy Spirit to melt the hearts of stone even if you never see the fruit of those you share His glorious gospel with.
1 Chronicles 16:8
“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!”
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
Do not allow fear, excuses or rejections to keep you from completing the work He has asked you to do. Remember if He has asked you, He will guide you. He alone can melt hearts of stone. Be willing to cast aside fear and leave your bubble of comfort so others may not spend an eternity separated from the beautiful God who created you and I.
Luke 12:11-12
“Do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”