Before We're Ready

Today's reading: Luke 8:4-21

'And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.' - Luke 8:14 ESV

It seems that the biggest reason most people do not share their faith in Jesus is due to a fear of not doing it right. Below are three ways this fear seems to manifest inside of us:

1) An unanswerable question >> I may be asked a question I won't be able to answer.

2) My hypocritical life >> My life isn't near where I want it to be. How can I be sharing with others if I haven't fully experienced it myself?

3) Coming across too strong >> I don't want to burn any bridges. What if they dislike what I say and end up disliking me?

Yet, one thing that stood out to me today in reading the sower's parable was how much is outside the control of the sower. The soils' responses had more to do with their current condition than with the technique used by the sower. This means that we can share the message of Jesus' love and forgiveness before we think we are ready.

There will always be questions we can't fully answer. Our lives will never become flawless enough for us to feel completely worthy. We will risk relational loss by calling people to a new life.

Even so, Jesus has promised to be with us, and He will be all we'll need to share His message with others.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20)