Adventures In Witnessing Vol. 14 - Overcoming Fear & Handling Difficult Questions

​While sharing our faith with others, we all have moments of fear or times of doubt. These are great reminders that we need to rely on God’s power through prayer.

The fear of being mocked, rejected or persecuted is common but take comfort in knowing that God rewards those who are reviled and persecuted.

If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of God and of glory rests on you. Truly according to them, He is blasphemed, but according to you He is glorified. 1Peter 4:14   

Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your reward in Heaven is great. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12

No matter what happens while witnessing, know that something good will take place; the person could get saved or they could have a seed of truth planted or watered within them. Even if they insult or persecute you, rejoice because of the heavenly reward you will receive.
 
It’s very rare that I have negative encounters while witnessing to strangers, but when it happens just keep in mind that their issue is with God and not with you. I’ve even had someone, within 20 minutes, go from cussing me out to thanking me for taking the time to speak with them. Don’t give up to quickly if the conversation gets off to a bad start.
         
Another obstacle to overcome in evangelism is the fear of not being able to answer a difficult question. These situations are easily handled by being honest. Just say, “That’s a good question, I don’t have an answer for that, can I get back in touch with you, what’s your email?" No one really expects you to know everything so relax and see it as a chance to grow in your faith as you look for the answer.

You will hear people proclaim many false ideas about God, Jesus and the Bible. Here are some great questions to put the burden of proof on them.

What do you mean by that?      
How do you know that to be true?
Where did you get your information from?
What if you’re wrong?

While witnessing to a man who was strongly criticizing me for believing in the Bible, which he claimed was just a book written by men, I asked him “what city are we in?” He answered and I said “How do you know that to be true?” to which I answered for him, “because you have seen it written down by men on signs and maps” to which he quickly realized that his argument was not as strong as he thought.

Frequently you will hear the assertion that "there are many paths to God" or that "there are so many different beliefs, how can only one be right?" I will ask them "How many right answers are there for 2+2? How many wrong answers for 2+2? Just because there is a multitude of wrong beliefs about God doesn't mean that there can't be one absolute right answer.            
 
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."  John 14:6

No matter what outlandish or ridiculous assertion someone throws your way, remember that you are on the side of Truth. 

Blessings,
​Scott