Advance: Bringing the Gospel Wherever You GoSample

# Day 4: Do Not Be Afraid Has there ever been a time when you have been paralyzed by fear? Think of that one little kid at the pool with his little arm floaties on. He’s running around next to the pool but is terrified to jump in. Maybe you were that little kid all those years ago! Maybe you’re that kid right now when it comes to sharing your faith. If you are, don’t worry . . . you’re not alone. Sometimes, sharing our faith can be scary, like learning to swim. We’re scared to step out of our comfort zone. The unknown waters can be intimidating, especially when we think about all the unknowns of sharing our faith. Questions race through our minds: * "What will my friends think of me?" * "Will I say the right thing?" * "How do I even begin this conversation?" All these thoughts are normal thoughts, but they all come from a place of fear in our hearts. Now, did you know that there is a difference between fear and fearfulness? Fear is the visceral, raw, instinctual, and natural emotional reaction we feel when threatened or under stressful situations. It’s a reaction to perceived danger. Everyone feels fear; it’s completely natural and unavoidable, and it’s something that comes in a moment and can be overcome and dispelled. Fearfulness is different, though. Fearfulness is the state in which we linger in fear and allow fear to dominate and consume our lives. It takes the natural, emotional response and turns it into a lifestyle. Fear is a feeling; fearfulness is a mindset. Fearfulness is powerful, and the devil will use our feelings of fear as a weapon against us in the fight for the salvation of others, creating in us a fearful spirit. But, there should be no place for fearfulness in the hearts of the children of God, because we have the Almighty God on our side who strengthens us and gives us courage! (Joshua 1:9; Romans 8:31–39; 2 Timothy 1:7) Will it be uncomfortable sometimes? Yes. Will it be scary? For sure. Will we always be fully prepared for these moments? Definitely not. But Hebrews 13:20–21 says that He will “equip you with all you need for doing his will” and “produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.” Isn’t that amazing? And in case you were wondering, to “equip” is just a fancy way of saying “to make ready.” God makes us ready to share His Word and the gospel with our friends, family, and neighbors. God gives you the little arm floaties so you don’t need to be held back by fearfulness when you jump into the pool. God will give you all the tools you will ever need to share His Word, walk in good works, and live for Him. Take a minute right now and ask God to equip you. Pray that He will give you strength, knowledge, courage, and wisdom when He wants you to share the gospel.