What if I'm too anxious to share my faith?

"You should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you." —2 Timothy 4:5 (NLT)

If you feel anxious about sharing your faith, please know that you're not alone in that. Most Christians don't share the gospel easily. Sure, this could be the most important conversation in a person's life but that doesn't make it any easier to get the words out.

And yet, Jesus calls us to share our faith (2 Timothy 4:5)—even if we're introverts, self-conscious, or shy. It's OK though. Moses admitted he was tongue-tied, and the Lord accommodated him (Exodus 4). He'll be there for you too.

Truths to Remember

"To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God." —John 1:12

The Bible gives us many important truths that God wants us to remember. The first is that, if you're saved, you belong to Him. Yes, He calls you to join in His work, but He first called you as His child (John 1:12). He's not going to leave you flailing by yourself.

Anxious Feelings

If you're anxious about talking to people, ask the Lord to give you peace (John 14:27). Jesus never abandons His own. If you do what you are called to do, He'll do what He has promised to do (2 Timothy 2:13). If you fail to do what you're called to do, He's willing to forgive and help you succeed next time (Hebrews 4:16).

Lacking Confidence

If you lack confidence, rely upon His confidence (Hebrews 13:6). Jesus isn't afraid of anything or anyone. The voice that whispers, "Keep quiet, or you'll embarrass yourself," belongs to the devil and he is a liar (John 8:44).

Even if you stumble over your words, God will be pleased by your obedience. Remember, you're doing His will and that's always the right thing (John 14:15).

It's About Jesus

Try not to focus on yourself too much. You're Christ's ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20), so this is about Him—not you. It's OK to be a little weird or awkward. Your responsibility is to share the gospel truthfully—not to save souls. The end results are God's responsibility (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Dealing with Rejection

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." —John 16:33 (NLT)

If you're mocked for sharing your faith, remember, they mocked Jesus too (Matthew 27:39-41). Try not to take a rejection of your faith personally. They are rejecting Him—not you (John 15:18). What they believe is their choice.

If you can't see immediate results or if someone rejects Jesus after you've shared the gospel, it's not your fault. The seeds you plant today may not grow until later, and that's a totally normal part of people's spiritual journeys (John 4:37). The growth of faith takes time.

Let the Spirit Guide You

Finally, allow yourself to be guided by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14). The Spirit of the true and living God lives inside all believers—including you! Even if the "results" seem confusing or disappointing, remember that He'll never lead you in the wrong direction. God is still at work—often in ways we can't see or imagine (Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 2:10).

God may call us to serve in challenging, stressful, or uncomfortable ways. And in the end, no one regrets having done what is right—even if done "imperfectly." Obedience has its rewards (1 Corinthians 3:12-14). Trust the Lord enough to do what He asks of you. God will take care of you.

"God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." —Philippians 2:13

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