"I'm not very good at talking about my faith," or "I can't talk about my faith 'cause I don't know very much." Whenever I hear someone tell me that I'm always reminded of Moses at the burning bush. When God called him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, Moses was quick to explain how he was slow of speech. When it comes to making excuses for not being able to share their faith, some people can get real descriptive.
I love this passage from 1 Corinthians that Apostle Paul writes about how he came and shared the Gospel message with the people of Corinth. He tells them that he didn't come to them with eloquent speech or superior wisdom. He simply shared his testimony. He says he came to them in weakness and fear and "with much trembling." Sounds like most of us. He goes on to say he didn't use wise and persuasive words, he just relied on the Holy Spirit. He wasn't interested in drawing people to him, but to God.
I confess that it can be intimidating to share your faith in some circles. Paul obviously felt that way sometimes. Yet, Paul quickly learned that it wasn't about putting on a show or saying the perfect words or convincing people by your sharp wit and insight and clever speech. To be honest, I've never led anyone to Christ through some elaborate formula of words or my super intelligence or powerful arguments. Most of the time, people simply want to know why I came to Christ.
Jesus said that one of the reasons He gave us the Holy Spirit was to give us the words to say when we needed them. He told His disciple that they would be His witnesses. What does a witness do? A witness simply tells what they know, what they've seen or experienced. That's all Jesus really asks us to do. There are no magical words or fancy presentations. God doesn't call us to "wow" people. All he wants us to do is share what we know and rest in the Spirit.
God, I don't want people to be impressed with me. I want people to experience you. Give me the courage to simply share you and what you've done in my life with others outside of Christ.
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