This week’s Halloween episode on Dirt Road Believer YouTube channel explored the number one thing that terrifies most Christians. It’s not being persecuted, tortured or even killed for their faith, it’s simply talking about their faith. Not terrified by speaking to large groups of people, just the people we see on a day-to-day basis.
I know a lot of people who are worried that God might send them around the globe to share the gospel. But honestly, talking to the person in the next cubicle or the house next door might as well be a foreign land because many struggle to cross that distance. Why does it feel like talking to a complete stranger about our faith is easier than talking those familiar acquaintances?
To answer that, let me take you to a random Walmart somewhere in Virginia. It was the last stop before my husband and I made it to our remote cabin for a week. We split up to find the last few items when something caught my eye on a nearby aisle. A middle-aged man dressed like Richard Simmons was well into his workout routine using Walmart’s equipment.
Forehead sweat soaking into his sweatband, his breath was quick and rhythmic as he briskly lifted the free weights overhead. His determined stare never moved from directly in front of him. After I realized this guy was for real, I scrambled to retrieve my husband so we could watch the show together. From the endcap where we were mostly concealed, we looked on in awe as he went through the remainder of his routine. Once finished, he took a towel out of his bag to wipe off the sweat and put Walmart’s equipment neatly back in place and left the store. Now, back to terrified to testify.
This guy in Walmart…that is how we are afraid we will look when we share our faith. We are fully convinced that our belief in Jesus is real and wonderful, so why do we conceal the greatest gift ever given to mankind? Fear of looking foolish. Because once it’s out there, the impression is made. Once we share our faith, we have a standard to live up to.
And I must confirm your fears…you will look foolish. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18. The wisdom of God is folly to a lost and dying world and that is precisely why we testify to the saving grace of the cross.
God promises in Isaiah 55 that His word will not return to Him empty. It will accomplish the purpose for which he sent it. He uses us to deliver His word so that he can draw all men to him. Take a note from the guy in Walmart. It’s ok to look foolish. In fact, it makes quite an impression when someone is willing to go that far because of their belief and commitment to something.
The words of your testimony are powerful, and they may not seem to have any effect whatsoever, but God in His sovereignty is using it. Perhaps only to plant a seed, but it is accomplishing its purpose. Step out of your safety net and be willing to be a fool for God. Trust that no matter the delivery, God will use it to make an impression for his Kingdom.
