Person of Peace - Empowered to Goનમૂનો

3. Overcoming Fear and Excuses

“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3, NIV).

Jesus told His disciples - and by inference, you and me - that sharing our faith would feel like we’re lambs walking among vicious wolves. Not exactly an encouraging pep talk, is it?! Yet Jesus was being candidly honest about what evangelism can sometimes be like.

Paul once reflected, “I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3-5, NIV). It’s normal to feel a bit anxious about sharing about Jesus. You might feel intimidated when conversations turn toward spiritual things. This fear is normal and expected. Jesus predicted it would happen.

But here's what Jesus didn’t do. He did not say, “Wait until you feel more confident,” or, “Well, if you don’t feel like it today, don’t worry about it.” He didn’t suggest that they needed more training or better resources before moving forward. Instead, essentially, He said, “Get over yourself, and get on with it!”

Fear becomes sin when we let it stop us from obedience. We tell ourselves we need the perfect words, the right training, or better circumstances. We convince ourselves that other people are more gifted for evangelism. But none of those things are reasons not to share our faith.

Jesus addresses this by telling them to travel light: “Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road” (Luke 10:4, NIV). That instruction was a call not to be distracted by needing the perfect setup or ideal resources. Most evangelism happens life on life, not person to crowds. You don't need special equipment, a stage, or formal permission to share God's love.

The Holy Spirit is more powerful than any resource you could gather. He fills in every gap in your knowledge or ability. He speaks through your weakness more clearly than through your strength. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV).

Social conventions often become another excuse. When I was growing up in England, I was told that polite people don't discuss religion! But Jesus warns against letting cultural expectations control our conversations about Him.

Your fear may be real, but it's not an excuse. Your inadequacy might be genuine, but it's not disqualifying. Jesus sends imperfect people with His perfect message. He uses ordinary conversations to accomplish extraordinary things.

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas find themselves locked in chains in the inner dungeon of a cruel prison, after being beaten up and falsely arrested. They stir themselves to pray and worship - and encounter their next Person of Peace. “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’” (Acts 16:29-30, NIV).

Most of us would have totally missed that opportunity by excusing ourselves from mission after such a horrible experience! But instead of focusing on their fears, Paul and Silas leaned into faith and saw remarkable miracles occur, the highlight of which was the salvation of another household.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13, NIV).

Your Next Steps

1. What specific fears do you have about sharing your faith? Write them down and pray through each one.
2. What 'equipment' or resources do you think you need before sharing Jesus? How might you be over-complicating things?
3. Which social conventions or cultural expectations make it harder for you to talk about Jesus naturally?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You know that I sometimes feel like a lamb among wolves when I think about sharing my faith. Thank You for being honest about the reality of fear and intimidation. Help me not to let these feelings become excuses for disobedience. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I rely on Your power rather than my own resources or abilities. Give me the courage to overcome social pressures that discourage spiritual conversations. Make me faithful to go even when I feel afraid, trusting that You will provide everything I need. In Your strong name I pray, Amen.