They rejected Jesus

Do you find it hard to talk to others about Jesus? I struggle with this because I want acceptance, but Jesus was also rejected. This reminds me that following him means facing rejection, too.

I was reading 1 Peter 4, and verses 15 and 16 made me think about what we expect as followers of Jesus.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (KJV)

It made me think: Jesus doesn't want us to be suffering for anything that isn't for glorifying his name. As Christians, we are not supposed to be ashamed or suffer for Christ. We are supposed to be glorifying him in our suffering.

They rejected Jesus

I often hesitate to tell others about Christ because I'm worried they will ask questions I can't answer. This discomfort makes me doubt my ability to share my faith clearly.

Also, I struggle with sharing about him, because I feel like I want to convince people that the Jesus I'm following is the real thing, not your God. Because I believe that there is only one God, and that is my God. That made me think about how I will show others about God, without telling them all the theological stuff.

I'm not strong in theology or feel confident in my knowledge. My hope is that loving God deeply will eventually help me overcome my fear and shame in sharing about Him.

Experience with God

In my life, I can recall many occasions when God has done great things for me. Even though I got through so many waiting seasons, I struggled with my faith and trust in God, but in the end, I know that this was God's doing.

Example 1: Going to China in 2016. I felt like my whole world was crumbling. I thought I would do this minor 'immunology', then I would start my internship and finish school. No, no did God say. My plan didn't work out; it all collapsed. I remember that day, sitting in the restroom on the floor, crying because I couldn't understand why. The teacher told me, " You need to be 100% in this immunology class, or else you need to stop with this minor.” And so did I, because I couldn't be 100% present for it. Now, thinking about this, did the Lord orchestrate all this because he had another plan for me?

I was convinced the Lord wanted me to apply for the minor ' Chinese Language'. Until today, I can't tell you why this was, but I believe that one day I will understand. Going to China for 5 months with no money was about faith in what He told me I needed to do and trust in Him. The rest was history. Best decision ever, and still my most memorable.

Example 2: Finding a real job in the laboratory. After I finished school, my internship ( provided by God) left me with trust issues. I found it very difficult to apply for jobs because I felt I needed to convince them of how good I am or what I have to offer. When deep down, I didn't think I had anything to offer.

I prayed and struggled with this for 6 years, until the Lord made it happen in a marvelous way. At that time, I just prayed for a job; it was not about my dream job. I just wanted to get a job and was willing to go wherever the Lord wanted me to go.

That job was my blessing, but now, 3 years later, it feels like a curse. I don't hate the job in itself. I don't see myself doing this for the rest of my life, and I hate the job because of that. That place just stresses me out. It was my blessing at that time, but not anymore.

Ways that God works

I have many other examples. Now, I'm trusting God with a new job with plants, something I would like. I'm trusting God for a new home that fits my future family. And so much more, but I needed to realize that I can't control the outcome of any of this. I need to surrender it all to God.

Moral of the story

I used to think sharing God meant explaining the Bible and doctrine. Now I see it's about sharing how I've experienced God. Living for Christ should naturally show others His impact, even if I'm imperfect.

My testimonies are the only way I have to tell who God is to me and what He has done for me. Because I experienced it. That requires boldness, courage, and a lot of faith and trust in the Lord. Because many times you will be praying and waiting for something that seems impossible to you, but not to God.

Do you also experience this? How do you share God with others?

In closing, I pray that we can trust the ways of the Lord more than our own understanding and not be ashamed about sharing his name. I'm still working through this myself. Hopefully, this realization can spark a new fire in my life for God's glory, and in your life as well.

Be blessed, and stay blessed.