The Simplicity of Sharing the GospelSample

Fear is a phantom

Zig Ziglar said, “Fear is often false evidence appearing real.” Many times you will discover that those you were worried about offending have been waiting (or even praying) for someone to talk to them about their souls. Often the most intimidating people are the most open to the gospel.

Begin to share your faith and soon you will discover that your fear was but a phantom. As you confront it, like a mirage, it will fade away until it completely disappears. I have heard countless stories illustrating this.

My mentor, Reinhard Bonnke, told me the amazing story of his brother’s salvation. Many years ago Reinhard had a dream. He saw his unsaved brother, Jürgen, walking on a treacherous footbridge stretched above a deep, rocky chasm. Suddenly a cloud of fog came over the bridge, and he heard his brother crying for help as he fell to his death. Reinhard awoke with his heart pounding and his bed soaked in sweat. Then the Holy Spirit spoke clearly and specifically. “Jürgen is on the bridge to eternity. If you don’t warn the godless man, I will hold you accountable for his death… Write him a letter and tell him what you have seen in this dream.”

Reinhard struggled, knowing this could make Jürgen and his other brothers turn against him. Besides, Jürgen grew up in a pastor’s home and was very familiar with the gospel. What could Evangelist Bonnke tell him that he didn’t already know? But the next day, when the Holy Spirit prompted him again, he decided to obey no matter the cost. He wrote the letter and mailed it right away.

Weeks passed. Finally, the long-awaited reply came from Jürgen. Emotion overcame Evangelist Bonnke as he read it. Jürgen said that his wife had just left him and his best friend had just died. Drowning in depression, he had decided to take his own life when he had a dream – the exact same dream as Reinhard’s! When he awoke, he fell at his bedside and prayed, “Almighty God, you know that I don’t even believe in you, but I have a brother who serves you. If you have spoken to me through this dream, speak to me through Reinhard.” A few days later, Evangelist Bonnke’s letter arrived like a word from Heaven at just the right moment. “Your dream was my dream,” Jürgen said. “I have given my life to Jesus. He has forgiven my sins.”

Imagine if Evangelist Bonnke had allowed fear to stop him from writing the letter that saved Jürgen’s life (physically and spiritually). He would have lived with the regret that Jürgen’s blood was on his hands.