Based on “Under HIS Influence—Changed Lives”
by Pastor Mark Balmer;
9/26-27/09, Message #MB390;
Daily Devotional #7 -
“He’ll Take the Fear, You Keep the Change”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Pastor Mark asked us to think about the most unlikely person we know who would someday become a Christ Follower. Whether it is a relative, friend, co-worker, or neighbor, I’m sure we all know someone that we have doubts would ever be responsive to the Gospel. That doubt feeds our fear of witnessing, and we may miss golden opportunities to tell them of their need for Jesus.
We need to ask ourselves why we doubt, and why we fear this most important work we have as Christ followers. When we doubt that anyone would ever receive Christ, we actually doubt God’s ability to change their heart. We must remember that it is the Holy Spirit who convicts the heart, and that no one is beyond the reach of God. We may doubt our own ability to witness effectively to someone that is close to us. Again, as we seek to live under HIS influence, we must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to work through us.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Fear is another factor that prevents us from even taking the first step in witnessing to others. We must ask ourselves what it is that we fear. Are we afraid of offending someone? If you knew someone had an illness that could be cured, would you risk offending them by telling them of the cure? When we consider the lost state of one who does not have Jesus as Savior, do we dare not to tell them of their eternal fate without Christ? Again, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome our fear of witnessing. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): We have been commissioned by Christ (Matthew 28:19-20), empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), and inspired by the example of the disciples in the book of Acts. Jesus has promised never to leave us or forsake us. We can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
As you seek to change lives in the world around you, start with your own.
Ask God to show you what it is that is keeping you from sharing the Good News with others. Ask Him to fill you with more of His Spirit and the boldness to allow the Spirit to work through you to change lives, including your own.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Romans 10
