“It sounds so easy on the mission field to share the gospel! It is harder here,” said a young woman attending one of our talks. She went on to explain. The people around her didn’t want to hear the gospel. She was afraid of offending them. So, she kept quiet. Inside, she longed to share the good news of Jesus. Outwardly, she found it difficult. The key issue was her belief that the people around her really didn’t want to hear the message she had to share. This false belief can paralyze us in evangelism.
Why should we overcome our own fears and inhibitions, give up our precious time? If they won’t listen anyhow?
It may be true that some do not show interest or even resist your message. That doesn’t mean everyone will feel that way. In fact, sometimes those who reject you are actually hearing more than you realize. Evangelism and faith must work together.
Start From a Position of Faith
We can assume that God is working in people’s lives around us. As we share the gospel, we begin from a place of faith, believing that He is already at work in this person’s life. He loves them. He created them. He has been preparing them to hear what we have to say.
Jesus said, “The fields are ripe for harvest, but the laborers are few.” There is nothing wrong with the harvest, the problem is there are not enough people bringing it in.
One of the ways the enemy prevents evangelism is to convince us that people don’t want to hear. Instead, we must choose to believe the truth: God is working. He is preparing people to receive Him, and what we share is truly good news.
Surprised by Repentance
I love the story of Jonah. It’s got to be one of my favorite Bible stories. The rebellious prophet is so relatable and real. God tells him to go to Ninevah. Instead, he runs away. Jonah really doesn’t like the people God is calling him to preach to.
Finally, after ending up in the belly of a whale, he surrenders to God. He goes to Ninevah. He declares judgment on them. Then, he waits for God’s fire to fall. The prophet is sincerely hoping God will burn them up.
But God doesn’t. To Jonah’s great chagrin, the King of Ninevah repents and leads his people in repentance. They turn to God.
Not what Jonah was expecting.
Are you ever like Jonah? Do you assume people won’t repent and turn to God? Believe that they are too hard, too cold, too lost, to listen to God’s message and call when you share it?
“When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.”
Jonah 3:6 NIV
3 Things We Need to Believe When We Evangelize
1) God is already working in our target area and people group.
You are not the first one with the idea to reach these people. God has been actively working to bring them into His Kingdom for a long time before you thought of it!
His heart is burning to see them restored and redeemed. He has been setting the stage, preparing things for this day when you go out to share Jesus.
Think about it. Why wouldn’t God have already made things ready for someone to receive your message? As we listen to the Holy Spirit and simply obey by sowing abundantly and training others to do the same, the fruit will come. It’s part of God’s plan. Our job is to join Him in what He is already doing there.
2) He has prepared the Person of Peace, our job is to find them.
How do we find the Person of Peace? We have to look for them. They are there.
God is not inactive or failing to do His job in preparing them. We as the harvesters, need to do our part.
The parable of the lost coin in Luke 15 tells of the passionate searching the woman did to find the coin. She wouldn’t give up until she found it. She knew it was there somewhere and that if she searched enough, it could be found. Then, when she did find it…oh what a party she had!
Don’t give up and don’t give in. The Person of Peace is there. They might be the next one you share your testimony with, the next person you offer to pray for, the next person you approach. Don’t let the enemy convince you to stop your sowing because you haven’t found them yet.
3) The gospel we are sharing is indeed good news.
Why do we hesitate to share something that has so radically transformed our lives? We easily believe the enemy’s lies that say we are being pushy. “You are imposing your beliefs on others. That is wrong,” whispers the devil into our thoughts. Resist him and he will flee from you!
Declare the truth to your mind and soul. “Jesus’ love and goodness completely changed me! I want everyone to know this incredible truth and find the hope He has given me!”
You are not a salesperson trying to convince people to buy your overpriced product. You are an ambassador for the King of Kings offering wholeness, love, and a way of life that leads to freedom. It truly is good news we share with a broken world full of hurting people. Don’t be hesitant. Let’s be bold in sharing this wonderful good news.
Identify Your Belief Struggle
Which of these three beliefs is the biggest struggle for you? Take a moment to pray. Ask God to help you to adjust your beliefs to fit the truth of His Word and character. Pray that God will renew your faith today in His power to work through you.
I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences related to this topic. Please share in the comments section below or on the DMMs Facebook group.
