October 5, 2012 ~ Be Prepared to Share your Faith

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 

But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

I Peter 3:15-16

Thoughts~

One of most believers’ biggest fears is not having the right answer when someone asks them about the Lord. In case you are among the majority, let me share two things that will help.

First, the Holy Spirit is responsible for a person’s salvation, not me and not you.  We need to be ready to share our faith at all times, but, we do not save anyone, God alone does. However, we are a marvelous tool that He loves to use. When I was part of a team with Campus Crusade for Christ (in the 70’s) we were taught to share our faith and leave the results to God. What wisdom!

Second, the enemy of God wants you to believe a lie: that we are not qualified to share because we are not pastors or missionaries. His lies tell us that we need to know the Bible completely before we share our faith. And that we will ruin someone’s chance of getting saved because we are not qualified. This is why he is called “the father of lies.”

When you buy a new pair of shoes and you love the way they make your feet feel, you want to share with all of your friends how terrific they are. But, do you know how the shoes were made? Do you know the exact materials used to make them or where in the world they were produced? Not at all. That lack of knowledge does not stop you for sharing, does it?

Please understand that when someone asks you where your hope comes from, simply tell them that it comes from God. That will either open or close a door.  If it opens one, then share your faith, how you came to know Jesus.  It really is that simple.  Often, the way to capture someone’s attention, Just offer your own story. It’s always nice to have a few verses in mind like John 3:16 and Romans 6:23 in case someone wants to hear from the Bible.  But in the beginning of a transformation from lost to saved, a person usually just wants your story. Isn't that what we all wanted in the beginning?

Action~

For those people in your life that do not know the Lord, start praying for them. Ask God to open a door to conversation so that you are able to share your faith. I have a list in my Bible of the names of people I am praying for and what a joy it is to mark names off and list the date they trusted the Lord. And remember this: sometimes it isn’t the words we use but our actions and demeanor that brings someone to know the Lord. Share your hope in Him.

Pray~

God I am sorry for all the times I missed an opportunity to share my faith because I was afraid I would bumble around with my words. Give me a brave heart and bring people to ask me about my hope in You. Arm me with Your confidence.

Trusting in the Lord,

Becky