Bold Faith in a Fearful World

I have often hesitated to share my faith, afraid I'd say the wrong thing or offend someone. Even though I grew up in church, witnessing to others was not something I was taught and so it wasn't something I was comfortable with. I'd think, "What if they ask me a question I can't answer?" or worse, "What if they mock me or laugh?" I told myself I just needed to study the Bible more or become more grounded in my faith before I could share it with others. But in light of recent events, I've been reminded: the Gospel is too important to keep quiet.

I know I'm not alone in this. Many times we want to talk about Jesus but fear, pride, or uncertainty hold us back. How do we move through those feelings? The only way I have found is by looking to God's Word.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, and love, and a sound mind." (2 Tim 1:7) The fear I have comes from the enemy, but when I lean on God I can overcome it. The boldness we need doesn't come from ourselves but from the Holy Spirit working through us, and just as the early believers did we can ask for the strength to speak our faith boldly: "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak Your Word with all boldness." (Acts 4:29) We can also ask others to pray for us as well, "Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." (Eph. 6:19)

Having boldness in speaking your faith doesn't mean preaching on a street corner. Small steps of faith can open big doors.

Maybe it means:

• offering to pray with someone who is in a hard place

• sharing your testimony

• simply speaking Jesus' name in everyday conversation

  
  

The more you do it, the easier it becomes. The truth is every one of us has fallen short of God's standard. Sin separates us from Him, but God, in His love, made a way. Jesus Christ came to earth setting aside His deity, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again so that we could have forgiveness and eternal life. This is the Good News, the hope we cling to and the hope the world desperately needs.

Will someone be offended? Maybe, but the news about Jesus and what He offers is too good to keep to ourselves. If you already know Him, my challenge is simple: pray for boldness. Ask God to give you the courage to speak His name when He opens the door. Someone in your life may be waiting for the word of hope only you can share.

And if you don't yet know Him, this invitation is for you. Jesus gave His life for you. He offers forgiveness, peace, and new life starting today. All He asks is that you turn to Him in faith. You can pray a simple prayer, right where you are: "Lord Jesus, I know I'm a sinner in need of Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. Today, I turn away from my old life and I put my trust in You as my Savior and Lord. Take my life and make it Yours."

If you prayed that, welcome into the family of God. And for all of us, let's not keep this hope to ourselves. Let's be bold and let His light shine through us into a dark world.

What step of bold faith is God nudging you to take this week? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.