Courage to Share the Good News of Jesus - The Crosswalk Devotional - October 28
Courage to Share the Good News of Jesus
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
I can’t tell you how many times fear has attempted to overtake me and keep me off a stage. And particularly when it comes to sharing the word of God. Which is super frustrating, considering I gave my life to full-time ministry several years ago and I’ve had many opportunities to speak to groups and crowds about Jesus. My heart wants to be bold for Jesus' sake. My soul longs to point others to the grace, love, and freedom found in our Savior. But in a similar way, Moses thought he had a stutter and couldn’t effectively deliver on behalf of the God of the Universe; anxiety plagues me whenever I face a room full of still and staring eyes. My stomach turns and twists in knots of nausea, and sometimes my mind goes completely blank.
But even still, I feel called to speak up. I have a passion, I have words, and I have a deep desire to pour it out. And it all comes from the Lord. But here’s the trouble. Satan. He sees it. He knows I am on fire for his opponent, which fires him up with fury. And so he is hot after me. I can feel it. He is relentless. And I wonder if you’ve ever felt his vicious, angry attacks too. When you’ve had a desire to disciple the lost, a heart to help the hurting, a nudge to share your story, or an excitement to make a difference or walk into a calling, all for the name of Jesus. But there was fear, somehow, that held you back. Maybe you didn’t feel equipped, were afraid you wouldn’t have the right words, or worse, that you’d say something wrong and turn someone away from the faith. I have felt all these things. In fact, I still struggle with these doubts and fears. And when we listen to them, we are giving in to the schemes of Satan. But I know you’d never willingly do this. If the enemy said follow me, we’d say, “No way, I follow Jesus. He is the way and the truth and the life.”
So today, I boldly ask us both to consider living out what we believe. Boldly showing the world who we follow. Our God on the throne, who reminded the terrified Israelites in the book of Joshua, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Friends, God calls us to be courageous. And it is courage we must carry to advance the Kingdom of God. To help fill the earth with the truth of God’s power and love. To spread the word of Jesus, the only one who can save souls. The only real hope we have. Hope of forever in paradise with him and the ones we love. And I don’t know about you, but I want everyone I love there. I want to offer this hope to our entire hurting world. And I’m sure you do too.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Listen, I know it’s not easy to be courageous. Fear haunts me too. The enemy lurks around me, too. But God’s command to courage is followed by the promise that he will be with us. Wherever we go. So, whether it’s on a stage to testify on his behalf, serving in some uncomfortable capacity, or taking a step into any area of uncertainty—God is with us. And he is more mighty than any attack, stronger than any opposing force, and more powerful than any tactic the enemy will attempt to derail us with. We must hold tight to the truth that God goes before us and will never leave us. We must be bold, we must be courageous, we must speak up and speak out the truth about Jesus. In order to share the good news, save the lost, and spark a flame so massive that it will spread wild and wide. And stand solid against the darkness, trying to smother the living light—that is Jesus Christ.
So, I may feel fear, and Satan may try to stop me. But with God by my side, I will step out anyway. I will courageously speak the truth when given the chance. I will show the genuine, gentle love of Jesus every day. I will place my hope, faith, and all my trust in the one who made me and holds the whole universe in his hands. And I will pray that you will join me.
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Pixelheadphoto
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
