Reaching Into Reality

We've all been there. We're talking with a friend, co-worker, person on a plane or camping next to us, waiter, waitress, cashier, etc..... Gradually, the horrid thought creeps into our mind that we should witness to them. We appear calm and normal on the outside but in us rages a war. Jesus or no Jesus? We have a million reasons not to do it, but only one reason to do it. John Calvin said that our hearts are idol factories. I would add that our minds are rationalization factories. In less than a second we can come up with a multitude of rationalizations why God's call on our life does not apply in a given moment.

Behind it all is fear and unbelief. Fear that we might be rejected, that we don't know enough, that our life isn't good enough, that we won't say the right thing, etc..... The unbelief that God doesn't mean all He says about Himself, us and the universe around us. Our fear shapes our beliefs scaring us into inaction. We think reality is us with all our shortcomings vs. a heavily armed skeptic.

But, reality is different than our perception. Someone is much more afraid than us - demons.  Demons are real and they are terrified of one thing - Jesus Christ. When we share the truth of Jesus with someone who hasn't given their life to Him, demons are terrified. Why? Demons know something that many of us forget, the light is far more powerful than darkness. They know our weakness is overcome by the power of the Spirit if we will act despite our fear. So the demons tremble hoping we remain silent.

As the horrid thought of sharing our faith enters our mind and we feel weak remember where the real fear and weakness are and where the real power is, then speak. We only have one reason to do it - love. We do it because God loves them just as He loves us. Consequently, out of gratitude we love what God loves and bring His love to others. Pray - Act - Speak.