For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Fear. It’s a small word with enormous power. When it comes to sharing our faith, fear often looms like Goliath before David, threatening to silence our witness and paralyze our efforts. But just as David faced his giant with courage and faith, we too are called to confront our fears in evangelism.
The Apostle Paul, writing to his protégé Timothy, reminds us that fear is not from God. The Greek word used here for fear is ‘deilia’, which implies cowardice or timidity. This isn’t just any fear, but a paralyzing dread that keeps us from fulfilling our divine calling. Yet, Paul assures us that God has given us something far more powerful: a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
Let’s examine some common fears in evangelism. Perhaps you fear rejection, worried that friends might distance themselves if you share your faith. Or maybe you feel inadequate, convinced that you don’t know enough to answer tough questions. Some of us fear offending others in our diverse society, while others dread the possibility of failure or even persecution.
C.S. Lewis, the renowned Christian author and apologist, once wrote, “Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” This profound statement reminds us that our faith is truly tested when we step out of our comfort zones to share the gospel.
Remember, these fears are not unique to you. Christians throughout history have faced similar challenges, yet the gospel has continued to spread. The enemy often uses fear as a tactic to silence us, making worst-case scenarios seem inevitable. But we must recognize these fears for what they are – obstacles to be overcome with God’s help.
God’s word offers us powerful antidotes to these fears. For rejection, we have the assurance of Christ’s acceptance. For inadequacy, we have the promise of the Holy Spirit’s guidance. For the fear of offending, we have the truth of the gospel’s power to save. And for the fear of failure, we have the knowledge that God is responsible for the results, not us.
Godseekers, today I challenge you to identify your Goliath in evangelism. What fear towers over you, threatening to silence your witness? Name it, face it, and then arm yourself with the promises of God. You are not alone in this battle. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you, empowering you to be a bold witness for His kingdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we confess our fears in sharing Your good news. We ask for Your spirit of power, love, and sound mind to overcome these fears. Fill us with courage and wisdom as we step out in faith to be Your witnesses. Help us to see opportunities to share Your love and to seize them boldly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- What is the primary fear holding you back from sharing your faith more openly?
- How might your witness change if you fully embraced God’s spirit of power, love, and sound mind?
Step of Faith
This week, identify one person in your life with whom you’ve been hesitant to share your faith due to fear. Commit to praying for them daily and for an opportunity to have a spiritual conversation with them. When the opportunity arises, take a deep breath, remember God’s promises, and step out in faith to share your story or extend an invitation to church.
