Are You Allergic?

These days people seem to have many food-related allergies. I can relate as I have a mild reaction to gluten. More often than not, I respond with digestive issues I would rather not talk about. It’s unfortunate because I love artisan breads, pasta, and donuts. Thankfully, there are more and more gluten-free alternatives available in grocery stores and in many mainstream restaurants. Some of these substitutions are quite tasty and some … are not.

Often, when I am in a restaurant and I order a gluten-free alternative, the waitress politely asks me, “Is this an allergy or just a preference?” I struggle to answer because I do not have celiac disease, (a true allergy or intolerance to gluten), but this pesky little wheat protein definitely affects me. 

“Preference, I guess?” I’m not sure if either answer is correct, or if it will produce a different result, but I smile and hope for the best.

Sometimes when I think of sharing my faith with someone, my body reacts in many of the same ways it does to gluten. Bear with me please, but evangelism can turn my insides to mush and make me want to run to the nearest bathroom! 

Can you relate? Does the thought of explaining the gospel make you a nervous wreck too? Evangelism does not come naturally for me, but God would like us as believers to do it whenever the opportunity arises.

  Scripture tells us, “to preach the Word of God urgently at all times, whenever you get the chance, in season and out, when it is convenient and when it is not” (2 Timothy 4:2 TLB). 

Even reading this command speeds my heart and turns my hands clammy! It makes me wonder, am I allergic to evangelism? I know I may sound silly, but just like the waitress asking me, “Is it an allergy or just a preference?” If I am honest with myself, it’s really a preference to not have to share my faith.

But, experiencing this fear is completely okay. 

I can be honest with God and ask Him to fill me with His Holy Spirit and give me boldness that can only come from Him. The apostle Paul asks believers in Ephesus to pray “also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20 ESV). 

Even the apostle Paul needed Spirit-filled boldness! We need not be afraid to ask God for it and for the words to speak when the time, season, and opportunity arises.

So. Are you allergic to evangelism? Or is it just a preference?

Feel free to pray along with me: 

Lord, I confess that I am terrified to share my faith. Thank you that you understand and do not shame me nor reject me. Thank you that you have given me Your Holy Spirit to make me bold in proclaiming the gospel. Help me to grow in this area and to trust You for words to speak at all times, whenever I get the chance, in season and out, when it’s convenient and even when it’s not. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.