Welcome, friends! I want to remind you how much God loves you. He thinks of you constantly and waits for you to think of him. We're going to continue our conversation with him by moving into the second letter to Timothy (1:1-7). Taking in God's Word is like a Monster energy drink for your soul! Here's what I hear God impressing on my mind today:
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord.... (v. 7-8)
I find it much easier to preach to hundreds than to talk to my next door neighbor about Jesus. Somehow, the stakes seem higher. There is an important relationship at stake. And people expect to hear about Jesus at church. They aren't necessarily anticipating their neighbor telling them about him out in the yard. I'm pretty sure most believers can relate to these feelings of wanting to point their friends and neighbors and other acquainances towards Jesus, yet somehow holding back more often than not.
God is saying, "I see the lack of confidence in you when it comes to speaking of me. You're thinking of all the things that could go wrong. You need to dwell on all that could go right! Don't you know that I have called you to be my representative to other people? I can and will use you to bring others to a restored relationship with me. Your focus is too much on yourself. Of course you aren't adequate for such a high calling! That's why I sent the Holy Spirit to live within you. Rely on him for help.
"Here is what the Holy Spirit will bring into the scenario: He'll give you spiritual power. Yes, power. You have it within you! It's something that people will sense in you as you interact with them. They will be either drawn to it or repelled by it. You can't control them. But you have the power to lead those who are seeking something more.
"He will also fill you with my love. The most important part of helping others find me is authentically loving them. People can tell whether you do or don't, and it makes all the difference. Let me fill you with love for that neighbor, that lady at work. Bringing someone to faith in my Son is three parts love and one part explanation.
"Testifying about how I've touched your life is only compelling when it rings true. No one expects perfection out of you, but they will notice whether you are actually different than the average Joe or Josephine. If you are surrendering daily to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, he will bring self-discipline to your life in the best sort of way. You'll watch yourself and live compellingly, winning the admiration of those you want to influence.
"So receive my Spirit and embrace him! He will replace your timid approach to witnessing with a new sense of confidence. And you will discover a new level of joy and excitement about sharing your faith."
Father, I'm thinking right now about that person that I have been wanting to talk to about you. Please fill me now again with your Holy Spirit. I claim the power that you have put within me. By your grace, I will love that person and seize my next opportunity to put in a word for you. Fill me with the humble confidence of knowing you are working through me. Amen.
Very well stated, Chris! We all have someone or some group of people that we want to share with but we get scared at times. If we only utilize what is right inside of us more people may come to know Christ.
ReplyDeleteFather, I pray for all believers to tap into the power and love that you so freely give. I pray that we would step out in faith and share our love for you with those who have yet to experience you. Help us not to be fearful. This is a true life or death situation for many! Amen.
I often feel uneasy about talking about God or Jesus. Mainly because I am afraid I will be asked something I cannot answer. Also I have many doubts myself. Hard to lead if you are still learning to follow. I work in critical care taking care of very ill children and some who even die. it is hard for me to explain to families that God loves them when their child just died.
ReplyDeleteI really do appreciate your posts
Ruth
Sure, you may get a tough question. And people appreciate an honest response. "I don't know, but I do know that Jesus has made all the difference in my life, that he came for me and died for me and that he's coming back for me" is a perfectly legitimate answer to a tough question. It's better than shooting in the dark and possibly misrepresenting the truth. Ruth, when people have just suffered tragedy and heart-breaking loss in their lives, that's when they most need and usually want to hear that God does, in fact, love them and that he will be there for them through it. You don't have to explain why their child has died. No one can. What we need in those moments is hope and assurance. As one who has suffered great loss myself, I'm confident you can be a huge blessing to people if you will share that with them.
ReplyDeleteThanks chris. I never know what to say. It is easy for me if the family already expresses a belief in God because I can speak freely. I have mote trouble with those who dont believe and I don't knowwhay to say. I usually just hold the mom in my arms while she wails over the loss of her child. My heart breaks because I cNt take away her pain. Ruth
ReplyDelete