Fearlessly Making DisciplesSample

Overcoming Obstacles

Jon and Josiah were on a mission trip in a foreign country sitting across from the country’s wildlife commissioner. He had heard of Jesus but didn’t know much about him. 

“He was a good man, right? A prophet?” 

“He was much more,” said Jon. “He was God’s Son who came to save us from God’s wrath.”

The man’s eyes widened. “Tell me more. I know nothing of this wrath.”

Jon clammed up with angst, unprepared for how little the commissioner knew. Josiah prayed silently, knowing his friend was unsure how to respond. Both guys had assumed everyone knew why Christ died. 

With the Lord’s help, Jon and Josiah led the man to Christ. They learned when meeting someone unfamiliar with the gospel, they could have a part in confidently moving him/her past two obstacles: unawareness and disbelief.

Whether you are explaining the gospel message or teaching a new believer, helping launch and equip others on their spiritual journey sometimes comes with obstacles. Let’s look at two mindsets that might be slight roadblocks when initially sharing the good news: 

Unawareness 

This is someone who is unfamiliar with Jesus or his message. Or they think they understand it better than they actually do. 

It’s common to freeze up here--not knowing where to start. But this is where we explain why all humanity desperately needs a Savior and how Jesus met that need on the cross. 

Disbelief

Sometimes, when someone hears about Jesus, they react with skepticism. Explaining things requires patience, diligence, and prayer. It may take months or years for them to accept the truth. 

As the Spirit continues to woo them, we can demonstrate love by answering their questions the best we can. Don’t overlook the importance of sharing your own story about how Jesus captured your heart.

Leave the Results to God

Praying silently is a great way to overcome feelings of helplessness. The basic gospel is simple and easy to understand. Complicating it with unrelated doctrine only distracts from the message of salvation. All you need to communicate is your Bible and these four simple truths: 

1. God loves you and wants you to know him personally.
2. Mankind is sinful and separated from God.
3. Jesus made a way to bridge that gap, so we can enjoy a relationship with God.
4. Each person must individually believe/accept Jesus as the only way to God.   

Remember, it’s not up to you. Simply share your faith with the Holy Spirit’s courage and leave the results to God. 

For reflection: Why is it helpful to know where someone is spiritually? Do you know someone who might be struggling with unawareness or disbelief? Pray for them and look for ways to have spiritual conversations.    


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This reading plan includes clips from the following films: JESUS, © 1979 - 2021, Inspirational Films, Inc. All rights reserved. No unauthorized duplication, reproduction, distribution, broadcast or exhibition without written permission.  THE GOSPEL OF JOHN, © 2003-2021, Inspirational Films, LLC. All rights reserved. No unauthorized duplication, reproduction, distribution, broadcast or exhibition without written permission.  MAGDALENA: RELEASED FROM SHAME, Distributed by Nardine Productions, ©2006-2021 Inspirational Films, Inc. Content adapted from other Inspirational Films, Inc. works ©1979-2021.All Rights Reserved. No unauthorized duplication, reproduction, distribution, broadcast or exhibition without written permission.  “ACTS” Copyright © 1995, 1999, 2004 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.  THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, © 2014 Toy Gun Films Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. https://lumoproject.com ©2021 Jesus Film Project. All rights reserved. Written by Tez Brooks http://www.tezbrooks.com