Share JesusSýnishorn

Overcoming Fear and Rejection

Read and meditate on 2 Timothy 1:7-8.

Talking about Jesus can be daunting. I know. Not everyone wants to know about Jesus and not everyone will accept Him into their lives. This makes conversations about Him occasionally awkward — sometimes volatile.

Some common fears and anxieties associated with sharing our faith are:

• What if I share my faith in Jesus and they reject me as a person?
• What if I lose the relationship once I’ve shared that I am a Christian and who Jesus is to me?
• What if I get into trouble for sharing my faith? (A very real reality for some of our brothers and sisters in certain parts of the world.)
• What if I mess it up and say something silly/wrong?

All of these thoughts and standpoints are valid. They might reject you along with your faith. You might lose them as a result of sharing Jesus with them. You might get into trouble and, yes, you may say something wrong or silly.

But my friends, what is the alternative when you are presented with an opportunity to tell someone about the One who can save their souls?

Self-preservation is natural, no one wants to suffer or be ostracized because of their faith. But we must come to terms with the fact that even suffering and ostracization are possibilities in our pursuit of telling people about the hope found in Jesus Christ.

I do not say this glibly or lightly. I am very aware that in certain parts of our world, our very lives are at risk for simply confessing faith in the One true God, Jesus Christ.

But I say it again, what is the alternative?

God promises in scripture to give us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline — not of fear. My encouragement to you today is to throw yourself wholeheartedly onto the strength of our God and remember that rejection is part of the process.

If people rejected Jesus, who was in His very nature and being the Truth, they will reject us.

But the good news is that we never go alone.

Jesus is our solid and consistent friend, comfort, and God.

Father God,

I ask you to remove any fear or hesitation I might have about sharing my faith in You; and to give me boldness in sharing the Good News of the Gospel.

When I face opposition, as I likely will, give me the courage to keep going, knowing what is at stake.

I love You Lord.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Action Step: Identify specific fears or obstacles you face in sharing your faith and pray for God’s help to overcome them.