"How to Be a Fruitful Witness"
"Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19).
A recent study revealed that 73 percent of born again Christians believe they have a personal responsibility to share their faith. However, only half reported sharing the Gospel at least once in the last year to an unsaved person. Why is there so much reluctance among Christians to witness to others?
Many Christians believe they must take a stand for Christ in their own strength -- and so they become discouraged. Others are crippled by their fear of rejection. As followers of Christ, we must overcome these hindrances, trusting that Christ within us will give us the words to say.
What's the key to being a fruitful witness? Obedience. When we obey God's leading, our work will bear fruit -- even if we don't see it -- because we are doing His work.
In Haggai 1:1-14, because of opposition and discouragement, the Israelites had halted their mission to rebuild God's temple for 16 years. Through the prophet Haggai, God revealed something that was holding them back. "This people says, 'The time has not come, the time that the Lord's house should be built'" (Haggai 1:2).
How many of us have used the same age-old excuse? "It's not the right time." God's convicting response to the Israelites' excuse in Haggai 1:4 would probably sound like this to us today: "You have time for entertainment and you have time for your career, but do you have time for My service?"
In Haggai 1:12-14, after God revealed the state of their hearts, the Israelites did not want to remain apathetic any longer. By God's mercy and grace, they returned to the Lord. God can always redirect us when we have forgotten our purpose.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for forgetting the urgency and beauty of the call to share Your Gospel. Redirect my heart to be centered on You and to do the work You have called me to. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
