One of the first remarks the Lord made to His disciples was in Matthew 4:19, “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

One of the last remarks the Lord made to His disciples before His ascension back to Heaven was in Mark 16:15, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” 

Paul, the apostle admonishes all believers in 2 Timothy 4:5, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST, make full proof of thy ministry.”  While we do not all have the gift of evangelism, we all have the responsibility and privilege to share the Gospel with others who so desperately need to hear of the good news of salvation that is offered to all. 

I can remember years ago having a burning desire to share the Gospel with others but feeling so inadequate and shy to speak to anyone about their salvation. I began to learn that the Lord never asks us to do anything without empowering us to do it!  We have a great verse of encouragement in Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” 

Let’s listen in and hear the prayer of James and John in Acts 4:29, “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, THAT WITH ALL BOLDNESS THEY MAY SPEAK THY WORD.” Now, let’s look at the result of that simple heart-felt prayer in verse 31, “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and THEY SPAKE THE WORD OF GOD WITH BOLDNESS.”

The disciples, realizing their own inadequacies, asked the Lord to give them the boldness they needed to speak His Word to others.  I suggest you do the same thing.  Ask the Lord to help you get over your shyness to speak to others about their salvation.  I have learned over the years that the Lord is always moving you OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE in service to Him.  As He directs you, He will embolden you to do things you have never done before or do things that make you uncomfortable.  We must not be so concerned about feeling comfortable with sharing the Gospel.  We need to be much, much more concerned about the poor sinner who needs to hear about the free gift of grace the Lord has for them. 

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 6:19 was that “…utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.”  Ask the Lord to give you the right words to say to others about their need of salvation.  Ask Him to give you the boldness you need to speak when He directs you to speak.  People need to hear the Gospel.  Romans 10:14-15 says, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”  My friend, if you have been saved, you have been sent!  May the Lord be with you as you go forth telling others about God’s gift of eternal life to all who believe on Him.  (CC)  (521.2)