Uncomfortable? You’re Not Alone

Sometimes, the hardest part of sharing your faith is just starting the conversation.

Joey and I both worked at a department store. We had been talking about sharing our faith at work. I knew Joey hadn’t shared with Doug because he was nervous. I had felt similar about asking Tasha from my department about her faith.

So when I saw Joey and Doug together the next day, I decided to help. I saw an opportunity where it seemed natural to help Joey start the conversation. The two of them were alone when I approached and asked Doug if Joey had ever shared his faith with him. Doug said no, he hadn’t but he would be interested to hear more.

“Joey would love to tell you!” I said with a grin, stepping back as Joey gave me a look like he might have a heart attack.

I talked to Doug not because it was easy, but because I wanted to support Joey. I hoped that by starting the conversation, I could take some pressure off him. With Tasha, though, I didn’t have that kind of help. I had to step into the moment alone, and that made it feel much harder.

Those conversations were years ago. I have since sensed God calling me to share my faith or ask spiritual questions with specific people in my life. Feeling nervous, I want to turn to God and say, “Why me?” What if I can’t answer their questions or handle their objections? What if they don’t want to talk to me anymore, or it becomes awkward? I might ruin a better opportunity to share the Gospel in the future.

Some conversations feel personal and risky.I saw Doug only when I went into his area, but I worked with Tasha all day in our section of the store. It’s often easier to talk about faith with someone you rarely see than with someone you interact with every day.

When God calls us to do something, it can be tempting to make excuses. For example, In Exodus, God calls Moses to rescue His people. But Moses is afraid of his circumstances and tells God to pick someone else.

How often do we respond to God with our circumstances instead of who He is or what He has called us to? When we look to Him, we can say “Yes, Lord” because He reminds us in His Word, that in Him all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

In John 6, Jesus asks Peter to step out of the boat onto the water. Peter obeyed and stepped out of the boat. But when he looked at the water instead of Jesus, he started to sink.

How often do we look at the circumstances around us instead of asking God for help?

Halfway through my summer job, I had asked God for courage to talk with Tasha about Jesus. Even though I was nervous, I shared the gospel with her. I trusted the Holy Spirit would help me no matter how she responded.

The conversation reminded me how simple it is to try. It was then that I went to help Joey share the Gospel with Doug.

Application Questions:

• What circumstances in your life are you telling God are bigger than what he has called you to? Where can you look to God for help instead?
• How can you ask Him for courage to face what’s in front of you?

Prayer:

"Lord, thank You for giving me chances to share Your love with others. Sometimes I feel nervous or afraid, but I know You are with me. Help me keep my eyes on You instead of my circumstances. Give me courage to speak when You open the door and wisdom to listen when it’s time to be quiet. Remind me that the results are in Your hands, not mine. Use my words and actions to point people to You. Amen."

Samm Ellingson
North Carolina, USA
GodTools, Global Digital Strategies