We always hear Christians say things like, “I have been doing everything right. I have been fasting and praying, giving, loving my neighbor, obeying the Lord, reading Scripture daily, and walking faithfully with the Lord. What did I do wrong? Why has God allowed me to go through such hard times? Does He not care about me? Am I saved?”
To be honest, we have all felt a little something like this. But there is another question many believers silently wrestle with:
“Why am I so afraid to tell others about Jesus?”
This fear can be paralyzing. Fear of rejection. Fear of looking foolish. Fear of messing it up. Shame. Awkwardness. Even fear of persecution. Yet Jesus calls us to boldly proclaim His name.
So how do we move from fear to faith? How can we overcome the weight of fear when telling others about Jesus?
1. Understanding the Root of Fear in Evangelism
Let’s face it. The moment you decide to share the Gospel, the enemy tries to convince you to keep quiet. He whispers:
- “You’re not qualified.”
- “They won’t listen.”
- “You’ll ruin the moment.”
- “People will laugh at you.”
It sounds so convincing when you’re in the moment. But that fear isn’t from God.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, *”For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
The fear we feel is spiritual warfare. It is Satan’s tactic to silence the very voice God wants to use.
“Don’t let the devil give you fear.”
Every time you choose silence over sharing Christ, the enemy wins a small battle. But you have the power to choose courage through Christ.
2. Look at How the Early Church Faced Fear
The early church had every reason to be afraid. They were hunted, imprisoned, tortured, and martyred. Yet they still spoke boldly.
Acts 4:13 says: *”When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
Fear did not stop them. Why?
Because they knew Jesus.
“Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of.” — Charles Spurgeon
When fear rises up in your spirit, ask: Have I been with Jesus?
Intimacy with Christ fuels courage.
3. Prayer as the Antidote to Fear
Whenever fear creeps in, pray.
“Prayer is the best armor against all trials.”
Before Jesus was arrested, what did He do? He prayed.
Luke 22:44 says, *”And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”
If Jesus needed prayer to endure suffering, how much more do we?
Pray:
- For boldness like the apostles (Acts 4:29)
- For divine appointments
- For the words to speak
- For courage when afraid
Sometimes we overcomplicate things. Sharing Jesus begins with asking God for help.
4. Speak Even When You Feel Inadequate
You don’t need a theology degree to share the Gospel. You need a testimony.
Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
Your story matters. Your struggles. Your redemption. Your journey with Jesus.
I remember a time I was afraid to speak up. I felt too broken. Too ashamed. But the Holy Spirit reminded me: “You were saved to speak.”
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be obedient.
“A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.”
5. Remember: It’s Not About You
Evangelism isn’t about our ability. It’s about God’s power.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5 says: *”I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling…so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”
If Paul could admit his fear, so can we.
We are merely vessels.
When you shift the focus off yourself and onto Jesus, fear loses its grip.
6. Trials Train Us to Rely on God
Maybe your fear is linked to a recent trial. You feel weak, exhausted, or spiritually dry. But God trains His people through suffering.
“Think of trials as training! God has to train His troops.”
Hebrews 10:35-36 reminds us: *”So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded…you will receive what He has promised.”
God has called you. He will equip you.
7. Sharing the Gospel Isn’t Always Comfortable
Let’s be honest. It might feel awkward.
But that’s okay. Obedience isn’t always comfortable. In fact, it rarely is.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to *”trust in the Lord with all your heart…and He will show you which path to take.”
Lean into discomfort. Push through fear.
You are planting seeds.
8. When You Fail, Try Again
Maybe you messed up. You stumbled over your words. You froze. That’s okay.
Learn. Grow. Try again.
Failure is not final.
Galatians 6:9 says: *”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
The Gospel is too powerful to stay silent.
9. God Is with You When You Speak
Matthew 10:19-20: *”Do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say…for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
You are not alone. God is right there.
The Holy Spirit will give you words, timing, and strength.
10. Final Encouragement: Be Faithful, Not Famous
Don’t worry about being impressive. Be faithful.
Isaiah 55:11 promises that God’s Word *”will not return void.”
Keep sowing. Keep trusting. Keep speaking.
Even if only one person hears, it’s worth it.
Reflection Questions:
- What is your greatest fear about sharing your faith?
- How has God shown up for you in the past when you were afraid?
- Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus right now?
- What step can you take this week to speak boldly?
Prayer for Boldness
Father, I admit I have been afraid. I’ve let fear and shame silence me when You’ve called me to speak. Fill me with boldness like the apostles. Help me to see people the way You do. Let me not be ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation. Use me, Lord. Speak through me. I trust You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Key Scriptures Recap:
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- Acts 4:13
- Luke 22:44
- Revelation 12:11
- 1 Corinthians 2:3-5
- Hebrews 10:35-36
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Galatians 6:9
- Matthew 10:19-20
- Isaiah 55:11
Final Word:
“Being on a spiritual path does not prevent you from facing the darkness, but it teaches you how to use the darkness as a tool to grow.”
Let God use your fear to deepen your faith. Let your testimony be the trumpet that announces His grace. Stand up. Speak out. And shine the light of Christ boldly, without fear or shame.
You were made for this.