So this year is all about stepping out of my comfort zone, right? Living in all of these different cultures, traveling around every month, meeting new people, experiencing so many different types of ministry. I agree that this has been a theme of the year so far. However, if I am honest, I never felt completely out of my comfort zone on a regular basis until this month.
Our ministry is door to door evangelism, something I have never done before. It is exactly what it sounds like- going to a community and walking from one house to another. We walk up to a random family sitting outside or person selling fruit on the side of the road or woman outside washing laundry and we tell them the Good News of Jesus Christ. We ask questions, we get to know them, we sit with them, we preach, we pray, we encourage, we see them.
I love people and I love building relationships. But evangelism like this just seemed so much more than that. At first I felt pressured to always know what to say or how to start the conversation. Many times I was at a loss of words. It led to lots of awkward pauses in conversations and feeling so uncomfortable. Some mornings I wouldn’t be thrilled about going out because I knew it would stretch me every time. But I went anyways, and each time I was SO glad that I stepped into the uncomfortable because I got to see the Holy Spirit move in mighty, undeniable ways. Withered spirits were encouraged, sicknesses were healed, and lives were changed for eternity.
Sometimes I think we are so afraid to have these conversations. We are afraid of going up to strangers and telling them about Jesus because maybe it will be “awkward”. Maybe it will make people feel uncomfortable or even make them mad. We are afraid that we won’t have the answers or know what to say.
Fear controls us.
And I honestly dare to say that fear is hindering the furthering of the Kingdom.
Yeah, that’s harsh. But I think it’s just the truth. Our excuses for not sharing the gospel are so minute compared to the possible rewards that come from taking that step of faith.
They say on average it takes a person hearing the gospel 7 separate times to actually make the decision to start a relationship with Christ. You never know what step the people around you are on. That person behind you in line, your neighbor, or your waitress could all be waiting for opportunity number 7. Our God is one of divine appointments. He places the people in our path for a reason. This isn’t something that we can take lightly.
But the good thing is the pressure isn’t on you. The Holy Spirit is the one who guides and gives you the words to say. He won’t fail you.
The other day we had an off-day. We decided to all go to a mall in order to find some wifi. My friend Vanessa and I found ourselves in a Christian bookstore and we began talking with the women who worked there. They were named Natasha and Mrs. Zimba. Natasha is a divorced, single mother. Mrs. Zimba is a mother of 4 who is HIV+. We heard their distress, offered them words of encouragement, and prayed a powerful prayer of provision and healing over them.
As we walked out of the store, Vanessa turned to me and said, “That is how I want to live my life!” If this year has taught me anything, it is the deep importance of intentionality with the people God has placed in our lives. Never being too busy to stop and talk with people that God puts in my path. I want to actively be the hands and feet of Jesus to every person I meet. Not just this year because I am on a missions trip. It has nothing to do with where I am or what season I am in. I want to live that way everyday- intentional and unashamed.
I don’t share this with you to bring me any glory, because it is 100% all the Holy Spirit. I share this with you to challenge you to adapt that mindset, too. Don’t stay in the mindset of “Well, that’s just not for me.” because last time I checked Jesus died for everyone. Once you accept and believe this, the Holy Spirit lives within you. Walk in that empowerment because everyone deserves a chance to hear the Good News.
People’s eternities are at stake, and I don’t know about you, but to me that is worth the risk of a little awkwardness.
