"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)
Are you timid in your faith? I think that if most Christians were honest with themselves they would have to answer yes. I know that if I really examine myself I would have to answer yes. My idea of being bold in my faith extends about as far as praying over our food in a restaurant in front of other people. Sad, but true.
Yesterday my dad, who is a missionary in Mexico along with my mom, posted a video from a Youth Evangelism Outreach that he was recently a part of. The video shows him on a bus in Mexico preaching the word of God to the passengers. Talk about bold!
Could you ever imagine yourself doing something like that? I watch this video and while I am filled with awe and pride, it makes me terrified to think of myself in my dad's shoes. Why is that? Psalm 118:6 reminds me that "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" I know this in my heart yet I don't live like I do. Why? Because I allow lies to creep in and replace those truths. Lies that tell me that being embarrassed and losing respect or losing friends is the worst thing that could happen to me. But if I am living for God, serving his purpose of reaching lost souls, I should be willing to do that at any cost. Look at the price Jesus paid so that we wouldn't be lost. He was stripped down, beaten, jeered, hung to die on a cross and yet he continued to preach the word of God so that each one of us could be saved. I long to have a boldness like my dad, a boldness like Jesus. I want my heart to ache for the those who don't know Him in a way that makes me shout it from the rooftops. I want to one day kneel before the thrown of my Father and have him say, "You did good my child. You were bold in my name."
Are you bold or are you timid? What will the Father say to you when you meet him in heaven one day?
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”(Deuteronomy 31:6)
---If you want more information on my parent's ministry and non-profit organization Carry The Fire, you can check out their website: http://www.carrythefireministry.com/
Hi Chrystal! What a great post, and really is a thought that many of us have. About 5 months ago, the Lord started me on a journey of learning to share my faith in Him. Sounds like you are at the beginning of a similar journey. He is planting in my heart a brokenness and sadness for the lost - for those that are dying at this very moment and going to hell. Now, I know Salvation is unto the Lord. I can't save anyone. But I can plant seeds that the Lord will water and grow. I have found The Way of the Master to be very helpful in learning HOW to share the gospel. Every day is a growing step. I too want to hear from my Father when I am before Him one day in heaven "Well done my good and faithful servant, well done."
ReplyDeleteI love your heart and am glad I came upon your blog from the RLM Women's Ministry Facebook page.
God Bless!
LisaC
Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in talking more and hearing about the amazing things God has done in my journey.
Hi Lisa!! You know, I was actually in one of your discussion groups at the retreat and I remember you talking about that urgency to tell everyone about Jesus. I would love to hear more about your journey sometime:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my page and sharing your heart!
Chrystal,
ReplyDeleteYou are doing such an incredible job on your blog. I am humbled by the effect the video has had on you. I wish I could take credit for my boldness, but it is totally the anointing of Holy Spirit! As you know, the scripture for our ministry is Isaiah 61 - "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor...." It is the anointing of the Holy Spirit that gives us the boldness and power to preach wherever we are. Mom and I know that you and Jeremy are receiving more and more inspiration from the Holy Spirit and he will guide you on your journey. Keep seeking Him and he will guide your steps and light your path. We are very proud of you and your family!
Love - DAD