"If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?  ~Mathew 18:12

Overwhelming anxiety

The panic, the anxiety, the sweaty palms, the adrenaline rush, I am pretty sure it happens to all of us when God asks us to do something outside of our comfort zone.

For me, these things always happen when God asks me to tell non-believers about Him.

Jesus entrusts us with the Great Commission, but how can we fulfill it if so many of us have a hard time even saying His name in public?

When I think about all the times I’ve said no to the Holy Spirit, 99.9% of the times have been in regards to evangelism.

For instance, this summer I was in the drive-thru at Wells Fargo and the bank teller started telling me about his upcoming trip to Los Angeles. As he talked, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to share Jesus with him.

All I could think about was telling him that Jesus loves him but I kept letting fear stop me. What if he thinks I am completely nuts?

This is super awkward timing Jesus. Really? The bank teller? Here? Now? Nope, not happenin'…

I reasoned my way out it.

I told myself I’d go home and pray about it and then the next time I saw him I would share Jesus with him.

I drove off that day but that young man left an imprint on my heart that still hasn't faded. I reasoned I would see him again and I reassured myself that the next time I saw him I would say something. The problem is, there never was a next time…

I go to that bank regularly but I’ve never seen him again. I can’t help but wonder what happened to him? Did he get fired? Did he move? Did something happen to him?

Is that why Jesus asked me to say something that day? What if he never made it back from his trip? What if he’s gone and no one ever told him about the King?

Those thoughts still haunt me.

As I walk with Jesus, I am learning that when God asks us to do something, even if it seems small and insignificant, it’s never insignificant to Him.

In fact, everything God asks us to do is important, regardless of what it looks like to us.

Our King leaves the 99 to find the 1. Looking back, I believe that boy was the 1.

Maybe you can relate? Maybe there have been times in your life that God has written something on your heart and fear crushed it? Maybe there’s something in your life now that God has asked you to do and you’re questioning whether to do it?

Friend, I encourage you to let your faith outweigh your fear. 

God has used those few moments with that young man to change me. Ever since that day I’ve prayed for God to help me with evangelism and through His grace and patience, He has.

He knows how shy I am and how much it scares me to even talk to strangers so He has helped me take baby steps towards sharing the Gospel.

Now I want to share what He has taught me with you!

Here are three simple ways to introduce people to Jesus. (I say introduce because it helps to get comfortable name-dropping before we move onto sharing the full Gospel).

1. Meet them where they are with LOVE!

I can't tell you how many fruitful conversations I've had with total strangers about Jesus simply by asking them, "Do you know that Jesus loves you?" You'd be surprised by how many people don't know this simple truth. Asking them this simple question is a loving way to tell people that Jesus loves them and it also opens the door for a deeper conversation about Him. The Holy Spirit has asked me to say this to complete strangers many times and every time I've listened, God has shown up and done wonderful things in their heart!

2. Plant seeds of His goodness everywhere you go!

When someone compliments you on something, always credit Jesus! For instance, the other day while shopping, the checkout clerk kindly said, "Wow, I can't believe you have two little kids and one on the way! You look so refreshed and glowy! How do you do it?" I cheerfully replied, "Jesus! It's all Jesus!" She stopped what she was doing when I said that and I could see her heart ponder, "Hmm, maybe I need what she has? Maybe I need Jesus?"

3. Testify about Him when people ask you for advice!

The other day I was shopping at a baby store and the owner and I started talking. As she opened up to me I found out that they’re starting their own family soon. Eventually, she asked me if I had any advice for new moms. I love helping new moms so I enthusiastically jumped in and gave her some essential new mom tips (purple Destin, rock n play, lots of sleep, a set schedule etc) but I wrapped it all up by pointing her to Jesus. I explained that at the end of the day, my relationship with Him gives me the patience, love, joy, and strength I need to be a good mom. The Holy Spirit anointed that conversation and she ended up wanting my number so we could be friends!

Sister, when God asks us to do something, anything, we don’t have to trust the process, we just need to trust Him in the process.

I promise, no matter how uncomfortable it is in the moment, God will always use our awkwardness to showcase His awesomeness!

Love you all!

Kristin