Maybe my confession will shock you and maybe it won’t:
Telling others about Jesus does not come naturally or easy for me.
In contrast, my friend Kim turns every encounter into a conversation about Jesus with what seems like no effort at all. It simply oozes out of her pours. And another friend, Susan, purposefully and joyfully builds relationships with hurting people who need to know Jesus.
I could just forget about it and say I’m not “gifted” in evangelism and while true, that’s just an excuse. In reality, I haven’t had enough practice. That’s my fault.
God calls every believer to share Jesus with those who need Him. He wants us to show them what a life of faith looks like, go to places that need Jesus, and tell everyone about the eternal life found in Him.
Jesus’ last words to us before He ascended to heaven reminds us of this divine directive:
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20, NIV
Our February theme at Do Not Depart is “Show, Go, and Tell.” We’ll talk about the biblical basis of living “missional” lives, tell about some of the ways we share Jesus with others, and give you some tips and resources to “show, go, and tell!”
Right now, I’m preparing for a short-term mission trip to Bangladesh. Honestly, I’m a bit nervous, but I know God called me to go. One of my biggest prayers over the last few months is that God would give me a heart for the girls and women we will be ministering to. I want my heart to break for them. I want it to be burdened for their physical and their spiritual need.
God loves them. Jesus died for them. But unless they hear, unless they come to know Jesus, they’ll remain lost, condemned (John 3:16-18). This is true for every soul in the world. In Bangladesh. In Africa. In America. Next door. So Jesus sends us. Will we go?
What would you like to hear or learn during this month that could help you foster a “missional” life?
Excited for you that you are able to go to Bangladesh. I was born there and lived there until I was 12 – my parents were missionaries there. Haven’t been back since leaving in ’86. May your trip be a great growing experience for you!
Really?! Thanks for letting me know. I am really excited about going and anticipating God really changing me through the experience!