“When we fish for fish, we take them out of a beautiful life into death. But when we fish for men, we take them out of death into a beautiful life.”
A guest speaker at our church provided this powerful contrast and motivation for witnessing.
In light of these statements and Jesus’ call to become fishers of men, several realities become apparent:
- All people need to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
- Most Christians can memorize Bible verses that outline how a person becomes a Christian.
- All Christians have a story to tell–how our lives were before we became Christians, how we came to know Jesus as our personal Savior, and how our lives have changed since that time.
- The greatest hindrance to witnessing for many of us, despite God’s clear call to share our faith, is absolute tongue-tying terror. Opening our mouths about the greatest event in our lives makes our palms sweat, our knees knock, our stomachs knot, and our mouths go as dry as Death Valley.
The following ideas should help us overcome this paralyzing panic.
- Pray for God’s clear leadership and courage to boldly cast our nets.
- Print our unique stories. Add supporting Bible verses. Mark our Bibles at the beginning verse with the reference and page number for the next verse. Repeat for each verse.
- Practice with fellow Christians until we feel comfortable and can present a clear message. Role-play various reactions and how to effectively respond.
- Pair with a mentor. Identify individuals with experience and enthusiasm. Ask if we can accompany them during a few contacts.
- Place the results in God’s hands. We’re commanded to go and tell—to fish. The results remain between the other person and God.
- Prepare for both chance and scheduled encounters. When we ask God to reveal witnessing opportunities, our eyes will open to needs all around us.
- Plan for a total life change. A witnessing lifestyle is contagious, with long-lasting effects.
In Salt from My Attic, John A. Shedd wrote, “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships were made for.”
Don’t’ play it safe. Rather, venture from your comfort zone. Cast your net. Speak love and truth to all you meet. Show them Jesus as the only way, truth, and life.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Diana Derringer is author of Beyond Bethlehem and Calvary: 12 Dramas for Christmas, Easter, and More! She writes for several publications and enjoys traveling with her husband and serving as a friendship family to international university students. She offers life lessons from English expressions at dianaderringer.com.