Where and when do I start sharing the gospel? Do I wait until I hit a certain point in life and become more spiritual? Do I need to be in a vocation like pastor or spiritual teacher to become effective in discipling others about who Jesus is?
When I first truly encountered Jesus back in a high school chapel, I knew I wanted to tell everyone about who this loving God was. I was brimming with awe and excitement of Christ’s saving grace. I promised that I would become a missionary some day and serve in the inner cities, because I really enjoyed the sense of community that could be made in the city.
I had it all planned out. I grew up spending a lot of time with my grandparents in Philadelphia. I’d work with youth groups in a church setting in Kensington and imagined sharing my passion for sports with all the students.
Fast forward many years later: I do not work for a church, nor do I live in Philadelphia, and I have learned that students love doing way more than sports! I do volunteer in youth ministry which I love, but I have slowly learned through time that God wants us to proclaim the gospel not in isolated scenarios, but exactly where He placed you. I believe what He wants is an intertwining of the everyday relationships, activities, and communities just where you’re planted. The calling God puts in your heart is just the place to serve and disciple. In fact, He wants to use that vocation — a student, stay-at-home mom, educator, business professional, or retiree — to live out the gifts He's given you to spread this amazing message of love, grace, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Let’s take the New Testament Paul. He was a tentmaker. He could have only been supported by churches to encourage others and use his testimony to draw others to Christ. But, instead, Paul used his job as a tentmaker to enable him to meet communities where he and they were at. His journeys and trips that take place all over the world were still missionally focused. To the church in Rome, he starts by saying, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16) In Philippians, he tells the church that his imprisonment was only meant to advance the cause of the gospel (Philippians 1:12). As the writer of most of the New Testament letters, Paul sets an example of how we can live this out.
Even better, what about Jesus’ example? As the King and Savior, He could have easily come to earth sitting on a throne, like prior kings dictating worship however He wanted to because He is God. But there has never been a more humble, loving human to walk in our shoes, fully God and fully man, sharing about the message of grace and eternity. Jesus lived out his days as a carpenter, but everywhere He went was an opportunity to share about eternity with his Father in heaven. You see Him do this in the marketplace, temple, and the list goes on through your favorite books in the gospels.
For those of you who, like me, have encountered our Father and friend, Jesus, how blessed we are. What is holding you back from using your everyday moments to share your faith and what He means to you? I encourage you to intertwine your life in such a way that your heart overflows to your family, friends, children, and those that need this message. I need the encouragement to do the same so I seek out accountability. Practice your faith story. Let’s share about Jesus like we did when we first met Him.
“Return home and tell how
much God has done for you.”
So the man went away
and told all over the town
how much Jesus had done for him.
Luke 8:39
ABOUT OUR BLOGGER
Susan Veenema and her husband, Jeremy, love exploring Chester County with their two older biological daughters and three adopted children.
Susan has been in education for almost 20 years supporting children with disabilities and their families. She currently works at the Department of Education. One of her greatest joys is leading Thursday night women's Bible study and her couples community group.
People are her passion. She loves to read, write and study everything from history to social sciences to the early church. You'll always find her trusty German Shorthaired Pointer by her side.
The IF:Gathering is quickly approaching on March 3-4. It's Friday night and Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm, two days full of inspiring teaching, amazing worship music, and encouragement to live your life with great purpose for Jesus Christ.
Registration deadline is this Friday, February 24.
For more information and to register, click HERE. We hope you can join us!