Why we should share the Gospel even in fear
“Can you get me out? I’m not OK. I didn’t know I was claustrophobic,” I anxiously said to the MRI Technician in the cold, stiff hospital room. He graciously gave me a minute to gather myself.
Why was I so rattled? My confidence and optimism seemed to shatter on the floor. Feeling weak, vulnerable, and stuck, I realized I had a problem.
Not only did I need to go through with this test, but there I lay feeling weak and anxious, all in front of another person. Embarrassing — definitely. Uncomfortable — double yes. To top it off, he was a stranger.
My problem looked bleak and blunt before me. But doesn’t every problem offer an opportunity? I felt my desperate need for peace, and Scripture was the solution. I gave the technician a heads up, “Scripture from the Bible brings me great peace and truth. So, if you don’t mind, I’m going to speak Scripture out loud while you take the MRI.” He replied, “Not a problem.”
The minutes seemed to move more quickly as the test took off. Proverbs 3:5-6 came off my tongue; later, the Romans Road verses poured out. Before I knew it, a loud beep erupted, and I departed from the burrito-tight space.
Breathing in what seemed like the freshest air on the planet, I sat up with peace in my heart and realized afresh the power of speaking Scripture aloud, not from a place of strength, but weakness. Not only did God’s Word have the power to transform my mind, but it also opened the door to sharing Jesus.
Before leaving, I asked the technician, “Have you ever heard the Gospel?” He replied, “No.” After asking if I could share it with him, he nodded. His curiosity-filled eyes locked into each word as he heard the Gospel for the first time. Not yet ready to place his faith in Jesus, he thanked me for sharing. Digging in my purse, I handed him a Jesus Changes Everything booklet, and he gladly received it with a smile.
God humbled me that day and taught me a few transforming lessons that I hope embolden you toward greater courage in your Gospel witness and walk with Christ.
Don’t hold back — remember Scripture is powerful
Do we believe God speaks powerfully through His Word? Yes, we know God’s Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb 4:12). Scripture lights up the darkness and is a lamp to our feet, providing clear direction (Psalm 119:105). Human words will fail at times, but God’s words are guaranteed to never return void (Isaiah 55:11). God’s word is true and worth proclaiming.
We believe all this, yet why do we still hold back from speaking Scripture sometimes? Maybe our eyes are more focused on ourselves than on God’s pages and presence? Maybe we’re clinging to fear and comfort? Maybe we’re concerned about what others will say if we choose to share?
Don’t hold back — share Scripture with strangers
Let me encourage you, God’s ability is more powerful than ours. When speaking Scripture, we leave the results to Him and breathe. It’s God’s job to impact hearts. The thing that is on us is obedience. Will we open our mouths and speak?
Spoken scripture never returns void. No matter if the ears that hear are your best friend, the grocery clerk, or a person at the gym. The power of God’s Word doesn’t decrease when sharing it with strangers compared to friends. Let us share freely with whoever God puts in our path.
Specifically, with people we meet for the first time, sharing Scripture can open the door to a Gospel conversation. Walk in the spirit, not of fear but of power and love and self-control that God has already given you (2 Tim 1:7). If you’re feeling unsure still or want to grow, be equipped with practical tips on initiating and leading Gospel conversations.
Don’t hold back — speak Scripture in your weakness
Take heart! God works regularly and powerfully in our weakness. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor 12:9).
When we feel weak and choose to share Scripture with friends and strangers alike, we are refusing to stay in the darkness of our troubles. We are proclaiming truth in the midst of difficulty. We are anchoring our hope to God’s unchanging Word, compared to our ever-fluctuating feelings and circumstances.
Bible passages to speak in weakness: Allow God to transform your mind and minister to others through speaking God’s promises in Scripture:
- God’s presence is real: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
- Things change, but God’s love and mercy remain: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases … his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23).
- Jesus invites you to find rest in Him today: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
May the Word of God dwell in us so richly that it can’t help but overflow. Speaking Scripture out loud is not only powerful for the one listening, but it transforms our own hearts too. Whether sharing with a stranger or friend, let’s get out of the way and let Scripture take center stage. Jesus is worth it.
Heather Barnes is a speaker, writer, wife and mom of three. As the Special Projects Director at Decision Point, she advances the mission by leading strategic projects across the organization, training leaders and recruiting staff.
