“Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?”
Mark 4:21
These words of Jesus spoke to my flickering missionary heart.
As a missionary, I am always expected to boldly proclaim the Gospel at all times and in all places. It sounds courageous, selfless, and heroic even for others. But in reality, the call to proclaim the gospel in this generation is formidable especially in our “woke” generation. Often, I would feel so little to be used by God to speak in front of hundreds of people.
There were times when I prepare for my talks or wait for my session to begin that I would swiftly glance around the room and have a quick scan of my audience and imagine them often ready to throw an intimidating look at me and earnest to raise their hands and speak up while I was giving a talk, wishing to beat down all the points I have shared and presented. It would often lead me to unnecessary anxiety. But thankfully, all my negative thoughts would always end with God assuring me of His love and mercy. He would remind me again and again that the people who will hear what I will speak about in every session need the Gospel. They need the Good News so that they may live life according to God’s plan for them. But more so, I need to proclaim the Gospel because this is what I am called to. I would be selfish not to share the best gift in my life that I have received and that is knowing Jesus Christ. I need to proclaim the gospel so that more people would find the real meaning of life.
It’s always scary but the power of the Holy Spirit empowers me to speak with confidence because what I am speaking about marriage, family, and life is the truth. There’s nothing more that can give you confidence when you know you are on the side of the truth.
So the next time you are given the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel, say yes. Let the light of Christ shine brightly in your life so that others may see Him. Step in faith and our good Lord will help you accomplish what you must.