Overcoming Our Excuses
OPENING PRAYER:
Father, thank You for not giving me a spirit of fear. Replace any hesitation in me today with Your confidence and love. Amen.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.” 2 Timothy 1:7-8 (NLT)
REFLECT:
"It's just not my gift." "I don't know enough about the Bible." "I'm afraid I'll push them further from God." "Isn't that my pastor's job?" Sound familiar? Most of us have said—or at least thought—something like this. These excuses feel reasonable. But what if our hesitation says more about our spiritual insecurities than our actual ability?
Behind almost every excuse is a common thread: fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of not having the right words. Fear of looking foolish. And Scripture cuts through the noise: "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity." (2 Timothy 1:7) That voice telling you to shrink back? That's not God.
Let's be honest about the four most common excuses. "It's not my gift"—but sharing the Good News is a command for every follower of Jesus, not just the spiritually elite. "I don't know enough"—but you don't need to be a Bible scholar to share what Jesus has done in your life. The man born blind simply said, "I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!" "I'm afraid of being rejected"—but surveys consistently show that many non-Christians are more open to spiritual conversations than we assume. "That's the pastor's job"—but the early church exploded with growth because everyday believers shared their faith wherever they went.
The most powerful evangelism happens through relationships—and you have access to people your pastor may never meet. That makes you the most strategically placed messenger in your One’s life.
Here's one of the great spiritual surprises: what we fear most—sharing our faith—often becomes a source of deep joy. When we push past our reluctance and open our mouths for Jesus, our own faith comes alive. We start praying with greater urgency. We dig into Scripture with fresh eyes. Our worship deepens. This is not a duty—it's a divine adventure.
APPLY:
Pray for Your One
- 1. Ask God to help you name the specific excuse or fear that most often keeps you from sharing your faith with your One. Bring it honestly before Him.
- 2. Pray against any spiritual resistance that uses fear, discouragement, or inadequacy to keep you silent. Ask God to displace fear with love.
- 3. Ask for one small act of obedience this week—not a full gospel presentation, just one step toward your One.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will pray and share my life with my One
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, I confess the excuses I've used to stay silent. Forgive me for letting fear overrule love—for treating my comfort as more important than my One’s eternity. Remind me that You don't call the equipped; You equip the called. Give me Your boldness—not loud or aggressive, but full of love and conviction. I choose to trust You with the outcome. I just ask for the courage to take the next step. In Jesus' name, amen.
PRAYER REQUEST:
Share your prayer request and pray for others.