Motivated by guilt for too long

“I should try to talk about Jesus with that person over there. Ugh. Here goes.”

For most of my life, I have been motivated by guilt. Sharing the Gospel is what we’re supposed to do. Ought to. And moving overseas three years ago to serve an un-reached people group hasn’t supernaturally changed the thoughts that go through my head.

But recently, something has changed. Last year, we went through a training in chronological Bible storytelling, and learned to tell the story of Creation. Afterwards, as I worked on learning the story in different languages, chewing it over and over, it became more and more beautiful to me.

“God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.”

He is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all! He is a good God! He makes beautiful things! God’s Word has become more precious to me, and God Himself more lovely. And I’m more excited (and more equipped!) to share Him with the people around me than I have been before.

I’ve honestly been able to say to people next to me on airplanes, a friend in the hospital, a friend across the table in a cafe, “This is one of my favorite stories about God. Can I tell it to you?”

I still face a battle with my laziness, fears, doubts and lies from the enemy every time I get ready to tell a story, or even just to learn a new story. But it’s not just about guilt any more. I have something beautiful and precious to share, that I long for people to hear!

Used with permission