How can we overcome fear of rejection when sharing God's message today? The Reality of Fear: Moses’ Question - “Then Moses answered, ‘What if they refuse to believe me and do not listen to my voice? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’ ” (Exodus 4:1) - The first great deliverer of Israel wrestled with the same “what-ifs” we feel when we consider sharing God’s message. Scripture does not minimize the emotion—fear is real—but it refuses to let fear be final. God’s Answers Then — and Now 1. A proving Word: God gave Moses three unmistakable signs (Exodus 4:2-9). Today He has given us the completed, living Word that authenticates the message (Hebrews 4:12; Romans 1:16). 2. A promised Presence: “I will surely be with you” (Exodus 3:12). Jesus echoes this: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). 3. A provided partner: Aaron was sent to stand beside Moses (Exodus 4:14-16). The church still pairs us with fellow believers for mutual courage (Philippians 1:27-28). Remember Who Sends You - “To everyone I send you, you must go… Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD (Jeremiah 1:7-8). - All authority belongs to Christ (Matthew 28:18). We go under His commission, not our own initiative. Knowing the Sender turns trembling messengers into bold ambassadors. Rely on What He Has Placed in Your Hand - God asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2). The ordinary staff became an instrument of divine power. - In our hands: • The gospel itself—“the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16) • Personal testimony of Christ’s work (Acts 26:22-23) • Spiritual gifts suited to our calling (1 Peter 4:10-11) Lean on His Presence and Promises - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). - “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking… for I am with you” (Acts 18:9-10). - “The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6). Focus on the Mission, Not the Outcome - Jesus prepared us: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18). Rejection is possible, even likely, yet obedience is measured by faithfulness, not response. - “So My word… will not return to Me empty” (Isaiah 55:11). God shoulders the results; we shoulder the message. Practical Steps for Today - Soak in Scripture daily to let truth outweigh feelings. - Pray specifically for one person and one open door each day. - Start conversations with your own story of God’s grace—it is uniquely yours and hard to dispute. - Pair up: share the gospel with a mature believer at your side until confidence grows. - Expect some resistance, but anticipate divine appointments more. - Celebrate obedience rather than counting visible responses. Encouraging Examples from Scripture - Moses returned to Egypt and saw an entire nation freed. - Jeremiah preached decades with little outward success yet fulfilled God’s call. - Esther risked her life and delivered her people. - The apostles, once locked behind doors for fear, “spoke the word of God boldly” after the Spirit filled them (Acts 4:31). A Closing Charge Take the next step, staff in hand, Word on tongue, and eyes fixed on the One who says, “I am with you.” Fear may knock, but it no longer commands. |
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