Fear

[Raynbowz]

Whenever I witness, I get this horrible, irrational fear. I don't know what I think people are going to do to me, (the worst that could happen is that someone says they don't want the tract I'm handing out), but it happens every time. Does anyone else have this happen to them? Any suggestions?

Thank you,
Rayn

[Wally]

Pray, move closer to Jesus, consider the effect if the person you reach out to is moved by the Spirit and seeks Jesus.

Perfect Love casts out all fear.

[Acts5:41]

Well, we don't live in the Middle East. They're not going to kill you.

The worst I had wasn't that bad, in retrospect.

I think I need to address an important fact: you are not working alone. If you are in God's will, doing what He has told you to do, than you will be fine. Even if the worst happens, someone kills you, Revelation 21:4 covers that.

If you are praying and studying God's word every day (I do so before turning on the computer), seeking God's will, asking Him to use you, and being obedient to Holy Spirit promptings, than you have nothing to fear.

However, if you just decide "I'm going to go show those sinners a thing or two" and go out there on your own, without seeking or heeding God's guidance, no prayer, no Bible study, you are likely to have problems.

I do a lot of evangelism, and NONE of it is in "my" strength. I am, really, the last person I would use. I have severe mental illness. When my thoughts aren't eating me alive, I am sick and exhausted from my medication. I battle horrific depressions AT least every month. I have brain damage, and I can't even drive.

YET - God chooses to use me. I believe He does so because I am obedient and willing to be used, and also commit to my God Time (pray, Bible study, seek His will) every day.

I read a good line in one of my devotions today: "Be faithful in the small tasks God gives you to do". That may be leaving ONE tract on the commuter train. Then, years later, He has you doing much more. Or, it might be leaving that ONE tract every day, for the rest of your life. If it's His will, He will bless it and use it to draw people to Him.

[Raynbowz]

Thank you very much for the suggestions and encouragement.
Rayn

[Serene]

Rayn, I do know what your saying. When I have fear I like to pray aloud, "I was not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1:7.

This really helps me out with fear or negative thoughts. Good Luck and keep moving forward!!!

[savedatcamp]

Well, we don't live in the Middle East. They're not going to kill you.

The worst I had wasn't that bad, in retrospect.

I think I need to address an important fact: you are not working alone. If you are in God's will, doing what He has told you to do, than you will be fine. Even if the worst happens, someone kills you, Revelation 21:4 covers that.

If you are praying and studying God's word every day (I do so before turning on the computer), seeking God's will, asking Him to use you, and being obedient to Holy Spirit promptings, than you have nothing to fear.

However, if you just decide "I'm going to go show those sinners a thing or two" and go out there on your own, without seeking or heeding God's guidance, no prayer, no Bible study, you are likely to have problems.

I do a lot of evangelism, and NONE of it is in "my" strength. I am, really, the last person I would use. I have severe mental illness. When my thoughts aren't eating me alive, I am sick and exhausted from my medication. I battle horrific depressions AT least every month. I have brain damage, and I can't even drive.

YET - God chooses to use me. I believe He does so because I am obedient and willing to be used, and also commit to my God Time (pray, Bible study, seek His will) every day.

I read a good line in one of my devotions today: "Be faithful in the small tasks God gives you to do". That may be leaving ONE tract on the commuter train. Then, years later, He has you doing much more. Or, it might be leaving that ONE tract every day, for the rest of your life. If it's His will, He will bless it and use it to draw people to Him.

I just want to give ya a hug when I read your posts!! Houston is not a easy place to stand on the streets and evangelize....
(Born and raised there)
Can't wait to meet you all in the clouds!!
Come soon Lord Jesus!!

[BarbT]

Ryan, remember that we're all different. Some people can go up to strangers and begin witnessing while other believers find passing out tracts to be very difficult.

You can still reach people for Christ by inserting tracts into the free {liberal} newspapers/magazines found in stores, cafes, and street corner racks. Make it your new ministry!