Innovate AgainSample

Overcoming Fear and Hesitation

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God."

(2 Timothy 1:7-8 NIV)

Many of us feel nervous or hesitant about sharing the Gospel, whether in person or otherwise.

Yet, God has given us His Spirit of boldness.

It’s normal to feel fear, but we can overcome it by trusting in God’s power working through us. Remember that sharing your faith is an act of love - by doing so, you may be giving someone the opportunity to know Christ.

Today’s scripture is often shared when discussing personal timidity and fear. However, what about when this timidity and fear is applied to ideas and innovation?

What if we allowed insecurity to creep into our creativity and see it shut down before it is even given the chance to grow wings?

This cannot happen.

Something I tell myself as a writer is that I should never edit as I write. Rather, I prefer to write freely and openly. Only then do I go back and edit or chop that which does not align with what I am trying to communicate.

In a similar vein, we mustn’t stifle the creativity we develop in innovating new ways to share the sacred message of the Gospel.

If you are only used to overhead projectors and a tambourine, maybe now is the time to consider computers and guitars to communicate worship in your expression of church?

If you have only ever shared your teaching with those in your congregation, maybe God would have you invest in a camera and share your teaching wider?

All of this is obviously subject to the calling and mantle placed upon you and your church, as led by the Holy Spirit, but my point is to not withdraw when you are begin called to violently advance the Gospel.

Application:

• Pray for courage and wisdom to speak about your faith boldly, whether in conversations with friends or through your online presence.
• Share a meaningful Bible verse or encouraging message with someone today - either in person or via text, social media, or email.
• Consider some next steps that you or your church could take in developing new ways to share the Gospel.