We talked Wednesday about why it sometimes feels creepy to talk about Jesus, and we asked God to make us more bold, finding that place between creepy and cowardly. So, here’s what this looks like for me:
Jeff and I are headed back to the airport from a recent conference, and we happen (ha!) to arrive early for the shuttle, and strike up a conversation with another couple. They’re in their mid-40s, boyfriend and girlfriend. There are several clear indicators they are likely not Christ-followers at this point. As we’re headed to the airport, the guy mentions he’s from the city where my brother Kris lives, and I get this inward thought, “Get his number so Kris can connect with him and tell him about Jesus.”
Yeah. Right.
That’s creepy. You don’t just ask a random guy on a shuttle for his information because your brother might want to meet him. Way creepy. How on earth would I even say that? No. Nope. Can’t do that.
The feeling gets stronger. By now we’re pulling up at the airport. There isn’t time or space to even prep Jeff that I’m about to act like a weirdo. But I remember it: There’s a place somewhere between creepy and cowardly.
Ok, fine! I’ll open my mouth and trust that what I say doesn’t sound creepy.
“Hey, we’d love to get your info; maybe you and my brother could go snowboarding sometime!”
Ack! My weird-meter is going wild inside. BEEP BEEP BEEP! I sound so creepy!!!
“Hey, yeah, that’s cool. Ok.” Jeff takes it from there and gives the guy his business card as we step off the shuttle. The guy looks down at the business card and back up to Jeff.
“Are you really a pastor?”
I hold my breath. Now he knows we’re not just weird, we’re religious-weird. Way worse.
Long story short, Jeff says yes, and it’s time for us to catch our plane.
End of story, I thought.
The next day, he texts Jeff:
“If I have done horrible things is there any forgiveness or absolution?”
And so begins a several-day dialogue with a man who is convinced he should be dead, in hell, for all the horrible things he has done. And so begins a dialogue where Jeff is sharing the gospel. The hope. The truth. The life.
JESUS.
This man was (and is) on the brink.
And I was concerned about sounding creepy?
O Lord, have mercy.
I’m writing this post, not because I’ve gotten oh-so-bold and am now knocking on doors left and right. I share because this is what God currently is ministering to my heart. I need accountability. I need to write it down so I can’t pretend He’s not saying it: Kari, at some point the gospel gets aggressive.
And it’s not as if we have to start strangely spouting about Jesus everywhere we go, but perhaps we need to go one step further than what feels comfortable.
One step beyond what’s natural. Because boldness in proclaiming the gospel isn’t natural, it’s supernatural.
Meaning this: If we wait around for it to “naturally come up in conversation” we probably won’t get very many opportunities to talk about Jesus (which is exactly what some of us want, if we’re honest. Right?). If we just try to live a good life in front of people and hope that someday they will ask us about God, we might never get the chance. If we just try to be a silent witness but do not speak the name of Jesus we just simply are not living out our true identity–as loved, forgiven, set-free sons and daughters of God who are already approved and who have been given the honor of telling the rest of the world about the love, joy, forgiveness, and freedom of walking with the Creator of the universe.
My prayer is that God would help me–us–to just be more brave in sharing His love, His truth, His name. That we’d overcome creepy. That we’d be willing to look weird. Perhaps even this weekend, as you recreate with friends and neighbors for Memorial Day: Remember Him. Speak of Him. Ask others about Him. Bring up the name of Jesus and embrace whatever awkwardness may come, to the glory of God. He is so good! He is worth it. Trusting Him for this, in my life and in yours. Bless you, sisters and brothers! Thanks for reading.
*PS Still waiting to see how this conversation will end up–it’s still ongoing. Trusting it will end in salvation and a redeemed life following Christ. Will you please pray for Darren? Thank you.
17 thoughts on “One step beyond what's comfortable…”
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Thank you for sharing. God’s will is that all know His love. Keep ministering. Keep loving. Praying for the Truth to penetrate souls and that they will receive Salvation and the Gift of Jesus!
Thank you for the encouragement, Gayla!
Thanks Kari for sharing that. Will continue to pray for Darren. I have had the opportunity just last night to speak to someone directly about Jesus. Looking forward to continuing dialogue with them as they seek to know who is this Jesus.
Ooh awesome! Can’t wait to hear!
This one of my favorites Kari!!! Love it. A much needed reminder that risking the creep factor to possibly gain ones salvation-well worth it!!! All for His glory. Love you.
Thank you dear one!
Amazing! Love what comes from turning your ear to the Holy Spirit! Praise God and praying!
Thanks, friend.
Amen!!!! This post weighed heavy on my heart, the Holy Spirit was speaking through you and squeezing tight. I love His conviction, and thank you for spurring us on towards boldness. More then ever I’m feeling like we need to deliberately pray and ask God to give us boldness (just like the early church did in Acts), and then obediently step out in faith and risk looking foolish in the eyes of the world. It’s scary and vulnerable, but Jesus is worth every moment of awkwardness and rejection that may come! More importantly still, when we listen to His promptings, precious souls WILL be introduced to the King and brought into the Kingdom to spend eternity with Him. Souls are saved, and God is glorified. What could be greater?
Amen, Christine! It was YOUR sharing that one night that has really been working in my heart, too. Love how God uses each of us in each other’s lives! Love you so!
Amazing post! This is something that I struggle with myself, even though it seems like every time (which aren’t nearly as often as they should be) I go out on a limb and make myself uncomfortable and share about God, I have never gotten a bad reaction. In fact, people usually seem appreciative of the fact that I cared enough to say something, even when they have no interest in what I am talking about. Or at worst, they just roll their eyes and say they don’t care. Maybe that is what bothers me the most- that something that means so much to me can be so easily dismissed by others. But what excuse is that for not sharing? And who am I to decide who will or will not be receptive? Anyway, thanks for these posts and for making me think!
Kari….Thank you so much for posting this. I just recently came across your blog through a friend who has been posting some of your posts on her facebook wall.
You have ministered to me in ways that I have needed so badly. Thank you for being so real. I have shared some of your posts with a few of my dear friends and I hope that they are as blessed as I have been.
Thank you!
Praise God! Oh I love how He works, and how He connects us. SO glad you are here, Lori–I’m excited to grow together!! Love, Kari
What a wonderful (and convicting!) post. Brought tears to my eyes. It really is amazing how the Lord works when we put ourselves out there. Something I really need to do more of. Honestly, I really try to build relationships with people to bring them to Christ, but I’m not very good at “being creepy” about it. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this!
🙂 Well then we have that in common because I’m not very good at it either! We’ll both grow, deal? Thanks, Catie!
Thanks for sharing! This was both encouraging and convicting =)
Praise God. Thanks for commenting!