Many of us feel strong in our faith. Like Peter, we say we will follow Jesus always and love him openly. And like Peter, we have a side of cowardice — a side that doesn’t know Jesus when it’s not acceptable.
Are we OK talking about how God has blessed us… as long as we’re around those who believe? Are we trying to live as part-time Christians?
It’s funny how we can be so brave when it comes to the things of the world — jumping into a fight, defending the underdog, etc. — but when the topic of faith comes up (or should come up) during a discussion with nonbelievers, many of the bravest of the brave cower.
We wonder what others will think of us, say about us… and worse yet, how they will judge us. We forget that there is only one true judge.
Confessing Cowardice
Welcome to part 3 of the Going By Faith series “Uncovering Sin and Finding Forgiveness.” For last week’s confession on selfishness, click here.
How it works: First pray with the Bible verse and then read the questions one by one. Answer truthfully.
Every “yes” means sin, so spend time confessing it and naming it to God. Refuse to make an excuse for the sin, but be willing to make it right.
Pray
Verse: Mark 16:15 (NLV)
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”
Confess
- Have you failed to seek the lost for Christ?
- Have you failed to witness consistently with your mouth for the Lord Jesus Christ?
- Has your life not shown to the lost the Lord Jesus?
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Let us remember that when we speak the good news, it never comes back void. Maybe it takes one thousand people (or situations) before the seed grows roots in the right soil, but every person or situation along the way counts.
We can find this message in Isaiah 55:11. Here are three different translations of the same verse:
It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. (NLV)
My word, which comes from my mouth, is like the rain and snow. It will not come back to me without results. It will accomplish whatever I want and achieve whatever I send it to do. (God’s Word Translation)
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. (King James)
Does it feel difficult to bring up faith in certain crowds? If so, we’re fearing what we see in the world over what we know to be true. Let’s confess our cowardice when it comes to sharing our faith and ask God to help us become better servants. We are probably all guilty of this to some degree. Would you agree?
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)
Thank you Christ Life Ministriesfor granting permission to use your content (concept and confession questions).
Photo Credit
David says
That’s a good post, thanks Jen.