Empowerment

Here are a couple of the most common responses when folks are sent to witness to others or to share the Gospel message:

• "I feel so unqualified to talk about the Bible, even though I read my Bible and study all the time!"
• "I know what the Bible says, but I can never remember the Scriptures when I'm talking to people about Jesus!"
• "I get so nervous; I'm afraid I'll get confused or say something dumb!"

While there are any number of reasons people may give for not sharing the Word with others, it seems many have forgotten something – it's not up to us to use our words to pierce the hearts of our listeners with the Light and Life of Jesus Christ.

Look at John 14, beginning with verse 25, within this context:

These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid ... I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here. (John 14:25-31 ESV) 

Jesus is talking to his disciples, reminding them that his time on earth is soon to come to an end. He tells them they have no reason to be afraid to be sent into the world, carrying everything they've learned while He was with them. Even in times of great persecution against Christians, the Holy Spirit gave them peace, empowering them to teach, preach, and spread the Gospel.

"Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you..." (John 20:21 ESV)

Jesus' disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit of God to carry on His mission, not only to the Jews but to the Gentiles. It was the Spirit's empowerment that gave them the courage and determination to walk in peace and authority as the bearers of the Word of Life into the darkness of this world.

It is the Spirit of God who empowers us to share the Good News. When we go in our own strength, when we speak from our own reasoning, when we testify for our own glory, we are likely to feel inadequate, nervous, and afraid of not being effective. This type of fear comes from our dependency on our ability. Whereas, peace is the result of being empowered by the Spirit to achieve His purposes through us – spreading the Good News.

Our effectiveness in witnessing comes not from our strength, but the strength of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us liberates the Word sown in our hearts, to spring forth with life, power, and anointing. Our testimony, witnessing, and sharing are then guaranteed to point to Jesus as the ONLY Way to the Father! And, He alone receives the glory!

Make a promise to yourself to stop focusing on your abilities and trust the Holy Spirit within for empowerment to fulfill Jesus' command: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every living creature..." Amen!!