Are you ready with an answer when someone asks about the Gospel? Perhaps they don't ask, rather they give you their insight or opinion about spiritual matters. It might take the form of them validating a concept like evolution, or "mother nature". Those conversations are ripe for sharing the Truth.
We sometimes pass on that opportunity because we are not confident in our ability to share and defend the Gospel. Friends, that is not our job to defend it. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. We are to share our faith. Some might say, it is our responsibility to share our experience, strength and hope.
Our experiences really do paint our thoughts. I've read that your thoughts become your actions, your actions your character and so on. We ALL have something to share from our experience. How did God use you? How did you come to believe? What are you doing with that?
Our strength is dependent upon our daily walk. How are we fed? Physically, if we do not eat, we get weak. Spiritually, it is the same thing. Prayer and preparation are key. How will we know what God says about a subject if we never read His manual?
Hope.....that is the most important of all. That separates us. We have hope in things eternal, not things that will rust and ruin. Hope gets us up and motivates us. Why do you desire to get out of bed each day? Perhaps responsibilities direct your actions somewhat, but those responsibilities are a result of having hope in a better day, or future.
The disciples lived 3 intense years with Jesus. They were constantly learning and growing. You would think that after 3 years, they would be pretty bold and confident. When Jesus was arrested, they fled. For 40 days they hid. Then, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and these once shy, and scared men became living vessels for the Gospel. They preached openly and were persecuted for it. They did not have this until the Holy Spirit came upon them!!!!
God wants us to witness to others, that is part of the Great Commission that Jesus commanded his disciples. We are an extension of His disciples today. Go and make disciples of all nations. How can we do that without sharing Him boldly?
Do not worry about what to say, or how to say it. God will lead. Do not worry about being right or being able to defend the Gospel. You will fail, and you will succeed. But it is God working in you to succeed. We are all called in different ways and at different times. If you share and are rejected, they are not rejecting you, rather they are making a willful decision against God. Pray for them.
Sharing boldly is crucial in both talk and action.....don't forget to live how you preach. St. Francis of Assissi put it,"preach the Gospel at all times, when necessary, use words".
God is in control, allow Him to use you.
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