When it comes to reasons why people do not share their faith, one reason some might not share is that they do not feel qualified. They don't feel like they have the right words or experience to talk to someone about Christ. The truth is, we are all qualified because God works through each one of us in the areas where we feel weak and helps us as we seek to share our faith.
The writer of Psalm 71 was dedicated to making Christ known. In this passage of Scripture, he went to God for protection and hope. He was in a desperate situation, needing deliverance from his enemies. He called out to God to rescue him and then quickly recounted how God rescued him in the past. Because of the way God rescued him in the past, the Psalmist declared that his life was an example to others of God's power. Knowing this, he then stated that he would share with everyone the story of God's redemption in his life. He wrote, “I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim Your saving power” (verse 15)
There is a bit more to the Psalmist’s statement here, though, isn’t there? Look at the last phrase in verse 15: “though I am not skilled with words.” The Psalmist was saying that even though he might not fully understand the way God works or be able to explain God’s saving power in its full capacity, he would still share God's message, without holding back.
Can you relate to the Psalmist's statement at the end of this verse? Do you often feel that you are "not skilled with words"? Do you feel that you may not be able to explain God's redemption as eloquently and clearly as you would like? My friend, let me encourage you that even though you may feel these feelings of inadequacy, share your faith anyway. The Psalmist did not feel that he was always best prepared, and sometimes he felt that he was "not skilled with words," but he was determined to share anyway. He shared his story, confident that it would bring people to Christ. Will you choose to do the same? You do not need all the wisdom and understanding in the world; you just need to tell your story genuinely and authentically.
One way to share your faith is by inviting someone to church with you, where they can hear about the hope available to them through Christ. Invite someone today who is far from Christ to join you at church this weekend and for a meal before or after the service. You never know the impact your invitation might have!
1 O Lord, I have come to you for protection;
don’t let me be disgraced.
2 Save me and rescue me,
for you do what is right.
Turn your ear to listen to me,
and set me free.
3 Be my rock of safety
where I can always hide.
Give the order to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked,
from the clutches of cruel oppressors.
5 O Lord, you alone are my hope.
I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
6 Yes, you have been with me from birth;
from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.
No wonder I am always praising you!
7 My life is an example to many,
because you have been my strength and protection.
8 That is why I can never stop praising you;
I declare your glory all day long.
9 And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside.
Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.
10 For my enemies are whispering against me.
They are plotting together to kill me.
11 They say, “God has abandoned him.
Let’s go and get him,
for no one will help him now.”
12 O God, don’t stay away.
My God, please hurry to help me.
13 Bring disgrace and destruction on my accusers.
Humiliate and shame those who want to harm me.
14 But I will keep on hoping for your help;
I will praise you more and more.
15 I will tell everyone about your righteousness.
All day long I will proclaim your saving power,
though I am not skilled with words.
16 I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord.
I will tell everyone that you alone are just.
17 O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood,
and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
18 Now that I am old and gray,
do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
your mighty miracles to all who come after me.
19 Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens.
You have done such wonderful things.
Who can compare with you, O God?
20 You have allowed me to suffer much hardship,
but you will restore me to life again
and lift me up from the depths of the earth.
21 You will restore me to even greater honor
and comfort me once again.
22 Then I will praise you with music on the harp,
because you are faithful to your promises, O my God.
I will sing praises to you with a lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23 I will shout for joy and sing your praises,
for you have ransomed me.
24 I will tell about your righteous deeds
all day long,
for everyone who tried to hurt me
has been shamed and humiliated.
