Sharing Your FaithSample

Overcoming the Fear of Sharing

Do you sometimes feel anxious about what others might think when it comes to sharing how God transformed your life from who you were to who you are now? Are you fearful of exposing yourself to gossip or ridicule? Up until about ten years ago, that was my fear.

Looking back, sharing my story in a way that could be truly impactful filled me with fear. Why? Shame, guilt, embarrassment. My life before Christ may not have been as bad as some, but it was definitely not anything to be proud of. So, I put on a front of being “the perfect Christian” who had all the answers. But that’s all it was, a front to cover up the insecurity I felt inside. Even though there was no question Christ had forgiven me, I pretended that the way I lived before knowing Him never existed.

God has a way of humbling us, though. He showed me how that is arrogant, self-serving, and not at all showing humility. How could I say my life was transformed by the power of the cross when I refused to share how it was transformed?

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith…we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
Romans 5:1-2 NLT

We don’t have to go into the sordid details, but when situations present themselves – and they will! – where God puts someone in your path who needs help with something you’ve experienced, it’s an opportunity to share your faith so that person knows they are not alone. When someone feels empathy, it cracks open a place in their heart that will, at some point, allow the saving power of Jesus to enter in.

Prayer:

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve thought only of myself, afraid of what others might think. Please open my heart wide so that when You present opportunities for me to share, I am willing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do you want to go the extra mile?

• Ask the Lord to reveal why you are fearful about sharing your faith. Sit before Him and listen to what He tells you. Write it down and ask Him to take away your fear.
• Pray for the Lord to open a door so you can share your story with someone who needs to hear it. Focus on the person’s need rather than your fear. Remember, there is a reason why they need to hear your story. When we focus on the other person, it takes the focus off ourselves, and that disables the control of fear over our hearts.