Day 13: Overcoming fear in evangelism.
2 Timothy 1: 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.
During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her family risked everything to hide Jews from the Nazi regime in the Netherlands. Their home became a secret refuge, with hidden rooms and careful routines to protect those fleeing persecution. The threat of discovery was constant: betrayal by neighbors, raids by the Gestapo, and the ever-present fear of arrest or death.
Corrie later wrote that every day was a battle between fear and faith. She could have chosen self-preservation, but instead, she prayed constantly for God’s strength and guidance. On one occasion, the Gestapo questioned her about the people hiding in her home. Corrie said she felt the Spirit’s presence like a shield over her words and actions. She could answer truthfully without fear, and the hidden rooms were never discovered that day.
This same courage and trust in God’s Spirit carried Corrie through imprisonment in Ravensbrück, one of the most brutal Nazi concentration camps. Even in the darkest moments, she testified that the Lord replaced fear with power, love, and self-control, enabling her to comfort others, pray boldly, and share hope with those around her. Later, when she spoke worldwide, telling her story and testifying about Christ’s faithfulness, countless lives were touched. Her obedience, fueled by God’s Spirit, became a ripple effect of courage and salvation.
Fear is one of the greatest barriers to sharing the Gospel. We worry about rejection, embarrassment, confrontation, or even being misunderstood. But 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that fear is not from God. God equips His children with:
Power – The Spirit empowers us to speak and act beyond our natural abilities. Like Corrie ten Boom, we can face intimidating circumstances knowing God is with us.
Love – Fear is replaced by concern for others’ souls. When we focus on God’s love for the person in front of us, courage rises naturally.
Self-control – God helps us remain calm, clear, and patient even when situations are tense or uncomfortable.
Remember: sharing the Gospel isn’t about winning arguments, it’s about being faithful. The Holy Spirit will guide our words and soften hearts. Courage is not the absence of fear but trusting God despite fear.
Right now, take a moment to reflect on these three questions:
What fears have kept me from sharing Christ in the past?
Do I rely on my own courage, or do I depend on God’s Spirit to speak through me?
How would my day look if I surrendered every fear about witnessing to the Lord?
Today, identify one person you’ve been hesitant to share the Gospel with. Pray for them, asking God to prepare their heart and to give you courage. Then, if an opportunity arises, speak, even briefly, about Christ. Start small if needed: a kind word, a testimony, or an invitation to pray together. But be determined to make an impact on someone’s eternity today in God’s power, your love, and the self-control to make it happen.