Courage

A week "in the mission field" has taught me many things about myself and my Father in Heaven.  I guess everyone thinks working with teenagers is crazy because I am told that all the time. There were times that my feelings toward them were not so Christlike, however I thoroughly enjoy working with teenagers.  I was amazed at their boldness to share the gospel with complete strangers on a day to day basis.  This was my first encounter with doing door to door evangelism.  I grew up in the Methodist church and our mission trips consisted of helping people with working on their house and sometimes sharing the gospel with them.  I know that we were sharing God's love in what we were doing, but looking back on it I feel like we missed the mark.  This mission was all about God and sharing the love of Jesus Christ.  Weeks before the trip I was very nervous about what to expect on the trip.  You see I had never just shared my faith with other people who I did not know let alone even know their name.   I grew up getting to know people and building relationships with those who I shared the Gospel with.   Door to Door evangelism is very challenging because you don't know what is going to show up at the door.  We encountered people drinking, using drugs, and even one couple enjoying the pleasures of the flesh.  Its a scary thing.  Who knows who you might upset or insult and who might even consider hurting us.  Even with all the uncertainties God gave me and unshakable courage to share my faith.  I loved it.  We were rejected numerous times and heard every excuse in the book, but we were faithful.  Even though God didn't have me lead anyone to Christ I feel like He used me to plant seeds that will hopefully one day flourish.  On the way back as I was pondering the trip I felt ashamed.  Ashamed that I do not live my life like the great commission.  I was reminded that God commanded us "As you go" to share the Gospel.  Why did I only view mission trips or church functions as a time to share the Gospel.  I know that the people at work know that I am a Christian by my actions and what I talk about, but like before I missed the mark.  What does it look like to them for me to have something that is so amazing and life changing and keep it to myself.  I know I have many strong relationships with those that I work with and know now what I need to do.  But how will they receive it.  If it is so great why are they just hearing about it now.  I feel that I have not been faithful to God, however I am thankful day by day for his grace.  I know that he will give me opportunities and I pray for courage that no matter what the consequences for my I actions that I will be faithful.   My prayer for everyone is for courage as they go out into the mission field that is called life to share the Gospel to the world.