From Shame to Boldness

I’ve been a believer for most of my life so I know the importance of evangelism and sharing my faith. But for a long time I felt like I didn’t have the right words or that I would somehow mess it up. Then I would rely on the more bold or outspoken people around me to share the good news. My preferred place in ministry was helping behind the scenes or with kids, so I stuck to what I was good at.

Since I’ve been on the Race for a long time now, I felt the pressure of having to share my faith since I’m on a mission trip. That’s the expectation right? To share the good news with the people we meet? And yes, this has been happening all year. There are so many amazing stories from my squadmates about how God has been moving and opening opportunities for us to share Him, but in those times of sharing I usually found myself in the role of praying and interceding while someone else had the conversation. 

This was hard, and because of it I allowed room for shame to come into my life. Sure, I’d been able to share bits and pieces of my testimony or the gospel with people, but never to the extent of sharing the whole gospel. The shame whispered that I wasn’t important if I couldn’t share. Why was I even on a mission trip if I wasn’t bold enough to speak of my faith with unbelievers? 

Then my team came to Kyrgyzstan and our focus this month has been university students. We have been able to go to a few different universities to do seminars on getting better grades and on leadership. Through this we were able to build personal relationships with many students, the majority of whom are Muslim, who want to practice speaking in English. Each of us Americans were partnered with a local (who is a brother or sister in the faith) who would be our translators for meetings with students. 

During my first student meeting, I was prompted to share my faith. I nervously tried, but felt like it was inauthentic since I didn’t really know this student. But God spoke through me and the student was able to hear a little about the Gospel. She wasn’t very receptive so I didn’t push. 

The next meeting was with three students and my translator and I tag teamed telling them the Gospel. And they heard the whole thing! It was amazing seeing how God led the conversation, opening the right doors. And the students were curious for more. They want to “research” and study the Bible so they know more of the difference between Christianity and Islam. They didn’t give their lives to God yet, but they are open to learning more! Please pray that they are faithful to keep meeting to study the Word and that they do give their lives to Him.

The next two weeks were filled with student meetings for everyone on my team, and many heard the Gospel. Some for the first time! God gave me many opportunities to share my faith, and to hear/learn more about Islam. He isn’t leaving any room for shame to keep me on the sidelines anymore. 

And through this, God revealed an important truth to me. I am gifted in many areas, but evangelism has been a harder one for me. I used to think it was better to leave it to those who are gifted evangelists, but God wants ALL of us to share the good news and how He has changed our lives. He showed me that even though I might not be strong in the area of evangelism yet, He is growing me in it. He is filling me with a boldness to share when the Holy Spirit leads me to, and He is giving me many opportunities to practice. I want to walk in the Spirit and allow Him to speak through me. 

I used to feel shame at my “inability” to share, but God has reminded me it’s not about my ability or my words, but about being a willing vessel for Him to use. And He reminded me that whether I am praying and interceding, serving, teaching, or evangelizing, all are crucial in the Kingdom. We are the body of Christ and he wants to use all of us!

Have you shared your faith recently? We should be so passionate about the Gospel that it pours out of us onto everyone around us. Don’t let shame or inadequacy keep you quiet. God has given us each a unique testimony to share with people! Read your Bible so you have His word in you, and let it pour out into your life. Missions isn’t about going to another country or people group, it’s about sharing the good news with everyone around you!