What Does the Bible Say About Sharing Jesus Without Fear? By Aleena Denison At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Have you ever thought that as a Christian you ought to be able to share Jesus without fear? For years I struggled with that idea. In my mind, I wasn't a good enough Christian if I had such fear. I talked to individuals about it, and was encouraged to try different approaches, but when it came down to it, I was simply afraid to strike up a conversation with someone. Of course, there were exceptions to that, mostly times when I already knew a little about someone, but when I would think about talking to a total stranger, I desired nothing more than to turn into a turtle so that I could retreat into the safety of my home. This type of fear can be crippling, and I knew that the Bible said that all believers were to go out with the gospel, so I'd pray repeatedly for God to give me courage like the men of the Bible. Recently, God made me aware of some very interesting things concerning some Bible men: Even some of those great heroes of the faith had tendencies to fear when going out to share their faith!

• The first man, found in Exodus 3-4 & 16 is one of my favorite Bible characters. He actually argued with God over whether he should go to talk to Pharaoh about the Israelites being released from slavery. Moses didn’t stop after presenting his case just once; the Bible records a chapter and a half of objections, and this was after God had showed him some incredible signs to prove that He would be with Moses. Here are some of his arguments, "Who am I to go to Pharaoh and take the children of Israel out of Egypt?" "When I come…what am I to say to them?" "They will not believe me or listen to my voice," "O Lord, I am not a man of words; I have never been so, and am not now, even after what you have said to your servant: for talking is hard for me, and I am slow of tongue." "Oh, my Lord, send, I pray, some other person." Yet God chose Moses and told him to go. He was used despite his fear.

• Jeremiah was told by God that he was chosen since before he was born to be a prophet of God. Jeremiah argued that he was too young, "O Lord God! see, I have no power of words, for I am a child." God promised to be with Jeremiah and give him the exact words He wanted him to say, and nothing more is recorded in Scripture specifically about his fear, but I imagine that it was something that he struggled with for at least a time.

• Paul willingly states his fear in I Corinthians 2:3, "And I was with you in weakness and in much fear and trembling." This was an interesting statement by Paul, because when he visited the Corinthians, he was well into his second missionary journey. He also asks for prayer of the Ephesians, "And pray for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth... Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should." Ephesians 6:19,20 This was a most intriguing discovery for me since I had always thought Paul to be the fearless man, never afraid to confront anyone. That opinion has changed! After seeing how Paul allowed God to use him in spite of his fear, I've realized that it's not a matter of having no fear, but allowing God to work through those fears and bring Himself even more glory.

• Timothy is often used as an example for those with timid personalities. His fear shows up often, maybe not in admittance like Paul, Jeremiah and Moses, but we can see it through the encouragement of Paul. Paul tells the Corinthians to show him kindness because of his timid nature, and then he writes Timothy letters with the same encouragement. He tells him to remain faithful to that which he's been called and not to be fearful (I Timothy 4:12-15; II Timothy 1:6-8)

If you have that same fear as I, or the men of the Bible, I hope this encourages you to be faithful to what God has called you to do. Look at your fear as a way for God to get even more glory!

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