Here are some reflections from NFL running back Matt Forte, about how God has empowered him to share Christ even when it’s uncomfortable.
Randy again:
Jesus did the hard work of redemption. He calls us to do our part: sharing the Good News with those who desperately need Him (which is everyone!).
I’ve shared Jesus with people on sidewalks, planes, and tennis courts. Some friends think I’m a natural-born evangelist. But I’m not! I relate to Matt’s honest confession that evangelism can be uncomfortable, but God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. My biggest challenge is choosing to open my mouth. Once I do, the Lord graciously gives me the words.
Even the Apostle Paul requested that the Ephesian believers “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Ephesians 6:19–20, NIV). If Paul needed prayer for boldness, who doesn’t?
Suppose your unbelieving friend has been diagnosed with cancer. He’s on your heart, and you feel God wants you to share Christ with him. Does it take courage to do that? Absolutely. But compare it to the courage of martyrs around the world who are killed for publicly affirming Jesus!
I’ve asked myself while sitting next to someone on a plane, “If I share the gospel with this person, what’s the worst that can happen? That they disapprove of me or think I’m strange? If they do, so what?”
What’s more important: my momentary discomfort or the possibility of their eternal comfort?
When you know you need to share your faith with your friend or family member, ask people to pray for courage for you and a soft heart for him, then seek an opportunity and actually open your mouth. Once you start speaking the Good News, it gets easier because you’re committed. It’s easier when you remember it’s not about you—it’s about Jesus and the other person’s desperate need to know Him.
To me, there aren’t many joys comparable to leading someone to Christ. It’s thrilling and exhilarating. It’s also great to sow seeds of Good News that may not bear fruit until later. May we say with Paul, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16 ESV). And may we daily ask the Lord to give us opportunities to share His “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10 ESV). Let’s prayerfully share that Good News, and trust God for the results!
Photo by Joshua Ness on Unsplash
