Every Christian is a Witness
By: Thad Debuhr – Your Jesus Journey
Hey Friend!
Ever feel that little knot in your stomach when the idea of sharing your faith comes up? Maybe you’ve even thought, “That’s for the ‘spiritual giants,’ not someone like me, just trying to figure things out.”
Trust me, I get it. Over the years, walking alongside so many of you, I’ve heard that same whisper in
different ways – “Pastor, I just don’t have that gift of evangelism.” It’s such a common feeling, that hesitation to open up about something so close to our hearts. We might feel like we don’t have the right words, worry about messing it up, or even fear being pushed away. But today, can we lean into something truly freeing? The Bible tells us that every single one of us who follows Jesus is called and equipped to be a witness, no matter how we see ourselves or what our personality is like.
Now, it’s true that the Bible talks about a special gift of evangelism in places like Ephesians 4:11. Think of it like teaching – some people just have a natural knack for it, but all of us have learned things that have changed us. In the same way, when Jesus gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 – that call to “go and make disciples” – it wasn’t just for a select few. It was for all of us who call Him Lord.
Listen to this powerful verse in Acts 1:8: “You will be my witnesses…” Did you catch that? Witnesses. We are all called to simply share what we’ve seen and experienced with Jesus. Peter echoes this beautifully in 1 Peter 3:15, encouraging us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who
asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” This isn’t about having a specific talent; it’s a heartfelt responsibility we all share.
Often, the biggest thing holding us back is that feeling of not being good enough, of not knowing enough. We might think, “I just don’t have the knowledge.” But can I share something that has always encouraged me? God doesn’t call those who are already perfectly equipped; He equips those who are called. Think about Moses’ doubts, young David’s courage, or the ordinary backgrounds of Jesus’ first followers. Their impact didn’t come from their own amazing abilities, but from God’s power working through them.
And you know what? Your most powerful tool is often your own story.
You don’t need a seminary degree to talk about how Jesus has touched your life. What challenges has He walked you through? What kind of hope and peace has He brought you? Your genuine experience, shared from the heart, carries so much weight. Being a witness isn’t always about giving formal presentations or having all the answers.
More often than not, it’s about living a life that reflects Jesus’ love in the everyday (think about those beautiful fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23). Our actions can spark curiosity in others. It’s about planting little seeds through simple, kind words or acts of service. Ultimately, it’s about pointing people to Jesus – who He is and what He’s done for us.
So, please take heart. Let’s gently shift our thinking from “I’m not gifted” to “I am called.” Start small.
Pray for those little nudges, those open doors in your conversations. Be ready to share a piece of your journey. Maybe invite someone to church. Let’s focus on being faithful, not fearless. Equip yourself in simple ways – through reading God’s Word and spending time in prayer. And always remember the “why” – the incredible, eternal significance of the Gospel and the deep love of Christ that moves us. You have a beautiful and vital role to play in God’s story.