Yes, it’s true. When you step out in faith to share the Gospel you will occasionally encounter fearful thoughts that threaten to dilute your witness. That’s the bad news. But the good news is this: God is more than sufficient to free you from your fears and provide strength and boldness in its place. Because He is right there with you and will help you if you trust Him, with grace and power you can greatly diminish the fear factor. Following are verses that will steady your approach and calm your nerves!
- “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
- “The Lord is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6)
- “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. (Proverbs 29:25)
- “We are fools for Christ’s sake.” (1 Corinthians 4:10)
- “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”(1 Corinthians 9)
- “But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach what you shall speak.” But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses. (Exodus 4: 10-14) (By the way, Moses was later used in a mighty way to proclaim God’s words and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. He certainly dealt with his fear with God’s help!)
- “Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” (Psalm 81:10)
- “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” (Matthew 10:28)