A Little Further

Scripture:

“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the LORD. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God— there never has been, and there never will be.” (Isaiah 43:10)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Reading:

“Please don’t call on me. Please don’t call on me. Please don’t call on me.”

Have you ever sat in a classroom or meeting hoping not to be called on? Likely, you know that same thought can creep into opportunities to share your faith.

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Whatever the setting, if you trust Christ and serve God, people will ask about your hope. It may sound more like an observation such as, “I don’t know how you do it,” or, “You’re so peaceful.” However someone notices the Spirit in your life, consider it a divine appointment to give a gentle answer.

Remember, Jesus came to seek and to save the lost; to reconcile people to God the Father. You have been given the same mission, and there is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends. Sharing your faith is about loving God and loving people.

It is encouraging to remember that when we share our faith, the rest is God’s work. We are not to judge or save, just simply to witness. And talking about what you have experienced or what you know of Jesus is a natural expression of spending time with Him.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Living with Christ as Lord of your life, you are equipped to move someone a little closer to God. Go about your day listening to be “called on.” God will reward you with the gift of faith and joy confirming that He is moving through you to reach others.

Your Turn:

1. Ask God for His love for people. Trust Him to give you words that reveal Christ.

2. Try referring to your faith in Christ during a conversation today.

3. Point out God in something good. For example: a blessing, a good work, something beautiful.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for those who told me about Jesus and Your love. I ask for boldness to share the gospel and trust You for words that reveal Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.