Do you ever feel unqualified to minister the Gospel of Jesus?
Do you ever feel intimidated when questioned about your faith?
Do you quiver at the thought of stepping out in faith to do the works of God before men?
You are not alone if you answered yes to any of these questions. Many Christians disqualify themselves from stepping out in ministry because they don't feel they are knowledgeable enough to boldly proclaim the Gospel. Others keep silent because of the fear of confrontation. In general most Christians live silent lives of faith doing everything they can to side step uncomfortable situations.
This is not the ministry God has called any of us to. In fact it is in direct opposition to His commission to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Yet knowing this truth does not seem to move people out of their comfort zones! So how do we break out of this cycle and become effective witnesses to a world in need of Jesus?
One way is to look to the Scriptures for examples of this kind of boldness and pray that God ignites a fire in us that burns away all fear, doubt, pride, and worry.
When the disciples were taken before the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin, they were interrogated about the healing of the crippled man. The Bible says that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit when he spoke to them. These were intimidating men he was speaking to! They were rulers, elders, scribes, and the high priest. Yet he spoke in boldness not regarding his own frailties or lack of education! He didn't recount how many times he denied Jesus or how many times he failed in life!
He disregarded his own imperfections and humbly allowed the Spirit of God to take over and as a result those intimidating rulers became intimidated and they marveled at what they heard and saw! Acts 4:13-14 says, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against them."
I love how it says, "And they realized that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against them." Imagine the intensity of that situation and how powerful the presence of God was in that room for those men to back down from their accusations and to silence themselves from being able to speak against them any longer!
- This same power lives and dwells inside of you!
- You don't need to be the most knowledgeable!
- You don't need to be educated!
- You don't need to be eloquent!
- You just need to submit yourself humbly to God and allow the Holy Spirit to take control of your mind and your tongue!
- As you step out in faith He will show Himself strong on your behalf!
- Don't live another day in silence!
Today is your day! Live it with purpose and watch what God does for you and those you minister to!
Written by: Holly True Verret
