Day 3: Unashamed

Unashamed

It was my freshman year in college at a state university. I didn’t see how missions applied to me, someone who did not feel called to be a missionary and was afraid of talking to new people. I thought that missions work was reserved for missionaries. I knew as Christians, we are told to tell people about how much Jesus loves them and died for them to give them eternal life with God. Yet, I did not have the confidence to witness to someone. I didn’t feel prepared.

At my college, I was a part of a campus ministry called Cru. There, I learned how to share Jesus with others, even if I was uncomfortable. I kept thinking about people who are out there without the hope of God in their lives, and here I was, someone who could do something about that. I knew I needed to share my faith unashamedly. I then started to learn how to boldly share my faith with others.

In Romans 1:13-17, Paul is letting the Romans know that he has planned to come to visit them several times, but has not been able to. Like Paul, I am obligated to share my faith with all people, not just brothers, and sisters in Christ. This passage also talks about how Paul is eager to preach because he is not ashamed of the gospel. It is not always easy to live out the Gospel, because we are human and we fail. But, by the power of God who lives in us, we can be unashamed of the Gospel and eager to preach to all people. Christ is in Whom we find our confidence, our source of strength, and wisdom to preach.

Later that year, Cru announced that they were sending students on mission trips to different locations in the states and in other countries. I had heard about these trips several times before, but this time was different. I felt something in my gut was telling me to pursue this opportunity. So, I applied to the Miami Summer Mission trip with Cru, and I was accepted. It was a step of faith.

I knew my identity was in Christ, and I knew He had rescued me from myself. Because of that, I was called to share the good news of Jesus so that they might also come to believe in Him, and have the hope of Jesus Christ who lives in us. God made me realize the importance of taking action for the sake of saving lives, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

As Romans 1:16 says, “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

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I encourage you, whoever is reading this, to take a step of faith, and share the good news of Jesus. It may look like sharing your life story, how you came to know Him, and how your life has been changed because of Him. Your story is powerful and a reflection of just how good the news of Jesus is.