After walking into a sandwich shop, I sensed the Holy Spirit nudging me to reach out to the young man who took our order. Unsure of how to start, I gathered my food and followed my husband to the patio area. Shortly after we sat down, the same young man came outside to sweep the area. I set aside my fear and began an unscripted conversation. In this unexpected moment, God provided the opportunity for us to discuss how Jesus’ love and the power of the Holy Spirit could help the young man overcome the situations he was facing.

Sharing our faith in Christ has often been reduced to point-by-point methods or relegated to a particular church department. When Jesus told us, however, to be “dressed for service and keep [our] lamps burning” (Luke 12:35), He intended for us to make a connection between our readiness and His instruction to give testimony about who He is everywhere we go (Matthew 5:14-15, 28:19-20).

For some believers in Jesus, the threat of death or imprisonment for sharing Christ’s love is painfully real. For others, the fear of rejection alone drives us into hiding. We may well understand Jesus’ call to a living faith (Luke 12:2-3), but a relationship with Him that’s vibrant and healthy will eventually bring us to a place of risk—the place of sharing our love for Him in unexpected encounters with others. When we understand the strength of His love for us (Luke 12:7), we’re able to exchange fear for courage (Luke 12:4,11).

Being faithful stewards of God’s message begins with cherishing our own relationship with Jesus (Luke 12:42). May we overcome our fear of sharing our faith by leaning confidently on Him and the power of the Holy Spirit.

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 11:37-57