by Toni Birdsong
A question I get a lot on the topic of evangelism (the “e” word) is this: Do you ever get scared when you share your faith?
It’s a great question to which I answer: not as much as I used to.
My personal evangelism story begins with going to Ft. Lauderdale during Spring Break with InterVarsity to share the gospel with other college kids fixed on partying (pretty extreme, right? And yes, s-c-a-r-y). Since then, I’ve shared my faith with countless neighbors, co-workers, and strangers that God has put in my path. I’ve shared with large and small groups. I’ve seen God move in both subtle and dramatic ways. Sometimes I’d give myself a 7 in ability. Other times, I’d be exaggerating to give myself a 2. Each time I was faithful.
My fear dramatically decreased when I understood 3 Key Things:
- The need (and want) of those around me for hope and healing is greater than my need to layout the gospel perfectly.
- While salvation is a big deal, it’s God’s deal. Salvation is the work of the supernatural Holy Spirit.
- Experiencing God daily and sharing that testimony is evangelism.
Understanding this verse changed everything for me.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony;
and they loved not their lives unto the death. Rev. 12:11
When we understand that huge Truth, our evangelism shifts from communicating doctrine to talking freely about life lived out in the presence of Jesus Christ.
No one can take my testimony. There’s not an atheist on the planet that can reason away or argue with the miracles in my life that come from walking faithfully with my God. Jesus is, at this very moment, working His supernatural power in me and through me. He’s changing me for the better—not because He can—but just because He loves me. Each day I wake up it’s that one deep truth of the gospel that continues to blow my mind.
I am the walking, talking, laughing, singing, stumbling, breathing evidence of Jesus Christ in this world. And so are you.
I don’t know that you can ever take all the fear out of evangelism and if someone wrote a book promising that, I wouldn’t buy it. You see, I like depending on God. I like going heart-first into situations where I’m surprised by His mercy and fraught for His power. Fear can be healthy and is often the invitation to “the more” with God; the more amazing prayer; the more amazing revelation of His character; the more amazing peace.
I think we can reduce and control our “e” apprehension by keeping focused more on others and less on self; on God’s skill set and not ours; and sharing the love He has poured out on us personally.
The Apostle Paul reminds us we’re all in this together: I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God grew it. 1 Cor. 3:6
You are never alone. You walk in the presence of The Creator of the universe. God is for you and has anointed you. Let God do the heavy lifting—He’s SO good at it! Your call is simply to tip your hat to the fear and carry on in faithfulness.
What’s your biggest fear in sharing your faith?
Tweet/post this today:
You are never alone in sharing your faith. Let God do the heavy lifting. #LiveSticky
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Tags: evangelism, experiencing God, InterVarsity, Jesus Christ, salvation, sharing your faith
