Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Matthew 28:19-20

Not Naturally Gifted

I know God gives gifts to certain people, evangelism being one of them. Some people open their mouth and the power of God speaks flawlessly through them. I on the other hand am very uncomfortable talking in new surroundings. I can’t just throw my words together and make it come out all pretty. I order the same thing every time I go out to eat because I hate thinking on the spot. If I could replay some of my conversations I would probably just laugh at myself for being so awkward.

However, although it isn’t easy to evangelize for me, I feel it is our responsibility, not only as an act of obedience, but also out of love for others (Matthew 28:19-20). There are people searching for hope all around us. We have that answer, so why wouldn’t we want to share it. Initially you may be uncomfortable and the first reason for evangelizing may be only of obedience, yet when we obey, we experience joy and peace. It solidifies the hope we have and reminds us of Christ’s love for us as we see the life changing impact of Christ working through someone elses life.

Through God’s Strength

When we are obedient to God, mighty things happen, not because we have so many skills, but because God has so many skills. Only God can change hearts. Even if you could say all the right words, if God’s power wasn’t behind the conversation, their heart will not be open to receive. Whenever something positive comes from my words, or if the conversation flows, I know it was from God because it is so contrary to my very personality.

My hope is that the more I step out in faith the easier it will become. It is a daily journey of  humbling ourselves to allow God to work through us, despite our natural abilities or inabilities.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Your sphere of Influence

We all have people in our life we are close to, start by telling them about the love of Jesus Christ. Thankfully, these relationships will already know that you care and love them, so hopefully this will open the door even if they don’t agree with you at first they will at least respect the source enough to listen. This will set a good foundation for building the confidence to evangelize to others. Hopefully they will come to repentance, and you not only have a friend on earth, but also someone in Heaven to celebrate with.

Evangelism is an easy target to shuffle off to pastors; however, if you start evangelizing, not only will you be blessed when you step out in faith but also more people will be reached than just those within the church walls. If everyone started talking about their love for Jesus, it won’t be confined to Sunday or the pulpit. People will start to realize this is for the every day person. It is for you and me. It is not just about being “churchy”, it is about caring enough about someone to share the means how to get to Heaven. Who do you love enough to step out of your comfort zone?

People disagree on what kind of ice cream flavor, let alone their in-depth belief system and core religious beliefs. So how can you share with others the hope you have?

Steps towards Evangelism

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

1 Peter 3:15

Prepare your heart

Pray for opportunities. We can’t fake it, you wouldn’t want to go into a boxing match without preparing. Pray. Read your Bible. Ask God to be with you. We can’t do this in our own strength. (Eph 6:11; John 15:5)

Live with Intention

Go, immediately, at hand these are just some of the words and phrases God used to help us understand the importance of living with focus and intention rather than just an afterthought.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.

Luke 9:62

Practice

Grow your faith by sharing and speaking about it. The more we share, the more we grow. We start to see God working, and we gain confidence knowing that God is with us.

Trust God

The Holy Spirit will give you the words (Luke 21:15). We need to start opening up our mouth when God presents an opportunity. This is so hard, because we fear messing up. From the outside perspective, it may look like we are fumbling, but, if God wants to touch that person’s heart, it is going to be despite us not because of us.

Be obedient

Listen to God and walk in faith. There are opportunities all around, but we tend to second guess ourselves or question if God is really leading. We need to be prepared before the opportunity arises so we will be able to walk in faith at the opportune time.

May God be with you and bless you as you step out of your comfort zone

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Share Jesus Without Fear

Photo credit: by Kismoslek