Joining Jesus’ mission can be difficult.
In the Great Commission, Jesus left us with a significant task. We’ve been sent into the world to make disciples of all the nations through sharing the good news about who Jesus is and what He’s done. Honestly, it can be a bit overwhelming.
The world can be resistant to our message. Sometimes, it’s even hostile to the announcement of the gospel. Romans 8.7 NLT says, “For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.”
Beyond that, Satan is a formidable opponent. He is referred to as the “god of this age” 2 Corinthians 4.4 NIV and the “commander of the powers in the unseen world” Ephesians 2.2 NLT. According to 1 John 5.19 NLT, “the world around us is under the control of the evil one.”
We shouldn’t be surprised, then, that joining Jesus’ mission and sharing Jesus’ message can be difficult. Fortunately, God hasn’t left you to do it on your own. Just before His ascension to heaven, Jesus told His disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” Acts 1.8 NLT.
The gift of the Holy Spirit
The Greek word for power is dunamis. It refers to an explosive power, like dynamite. According to Jesus, His followers will receive divine power through the Holy Spirit, and that power will enable them to be bold and effective witnesses for Him. The book of Acts reports story after story of the early disciples being filled with that divine power and many people coming to put their faith in Christ.
The same Holy Spirit that filled and empowered them is available to you today. When you put your faith in Jesus, you were sealed and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8.11 NLT says, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
One of the main reasons that Jesus gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit is to empower you to share the gospel with the people around you. He told His disciples to start where they were, in Jerusalem. The strategy is the same today. You don’t have to travel to distant places to be a witness for Jesus; you can start with the people closest to you.
Start to pray for the people you know who are far from God. The more you pray, the more you’ll see answers to your prayers. You’ll recognize opportunities to talk about Jesus with people who have never been interested in Jesus before. Their hearts will become ready to hear what you have to say.
With God’s power working in you and through you, you don’t have to be afraid. You can be bold, knowing that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” 1 John 4.4 NIV.
This blog features an excerpt from the book, Reach Your World Student Series.
Good words CRaig! Probably the most underated and least known help being a Christian is the holy spirit. We have met before, keep giving us truth and nuggets of encouragement!