Sharing Our Faith
Scripture Reading — Psalm 145
One generation commends your works to another… They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds.
—Psalm 145:4-6
As we grow in faith, it’s only natural to want to share it with others. Most of us have at least several people in our lives with whom we would love to share God’s grace.
That’s a normal response when we experience something that makes our lives better. Think of the last time you discovered a delightful new restaurant or a new TV show or an Internet video that made you laugh. It’s a joy to share those discoveries with others.
Unfortunately, sharing the good news of Jesus may not be so easy. Even though it’s good news about being saved from sin and death, people resist the idea that they need a Savior, and some find it offensive to be invited to talk about faith. And with so many religions in the world, many people are skeptical about having faith in anything.
Ultimately we can’t force someone to listen to our faith stories. When people listen, it’s because God has been at work in their hearts, moving them to a place in their life where they are ready to start doing some squinting of their own.
That’s why it’s so important to be praying about people with whom we’d like to share our faith. In prayer, we can ask God to work in people’s lives and to help us be open to his prompting as to when and how to share the good news that brings new life.
Lord, as you lead us, draw us into the saving work you are doing in the lives of people all around us. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Ron Vanderwell
Ron Vanderwell recently became the senior pastor of New Life Church in New Lenox, Illinois. He has been a pastor for 22 years, serving as a church planter for the previous 12 years at The Gathering in Sacramento, California, and before that as a pastor in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ron and his wife, Deb, have three sons: John, Adam, and Jake. Ron shares more of his reflections on “squinting” for God in his blog at www.squintforgod.com.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!