Christ4Ever, thanks so much for the encouragement....I hear the Spirit calling me to do exactly what you said, and I'm trying...but I'm new to this. I haven't given my testimony here yet...but part of it resonates with what you said about the Apostles. When I read in Acts how Paul (then Saul) watched over the coats as Stephen was being stoned, that was me some years back. When I was about 17 I walked away from Christ....thankfully He didn't walk away from me. But for a long time when shows like South Park or the Simpsons mocked Jesus....I would share it, repeat it. I myself mocked the faith that I have come to cling to....so I understand where these guys (and yes there are gals too) are coming from.....back then it wasn't God's world, it was MY world....my world and everyone else was just living in it. Rather than craving God's love I craved acceptance and approval from others...and I have to admit that's a part of my old self that is holding me back...there's a part of me that is still worried about what others think and how I'm perceived....
This forum is a blessing, and the encouragement helps....
Hello Brother,
One step at a time. Each one that you take forward is gain, and draws you closer to who God wants you to be in Him.
The slings and arrows will come to greet you through the Adversary who is the enemy and the fact that you used to be like them (who hasn't?), will also be used as ammunition not only by the doubters, but the Adversary as well against you. What we have to remember is that we're not perfect, but our Lord and Savior is. So, when you hear that old line of "You Christians think you're so perfect." You can always respond in love that "I'm not perfect. Just forgiven.".
A good place to start building up your protection, and support to your witnessing is Ephesians 6:10-18 There are also threads here at Talk Jesus on the subject of the Armour of God that should be helpful to you. Remember this is a process of growth that you will be going through. Not all of it is easy, and some of it may even be painful to go through. Doubts crop up, just like weeds in a garden. And just like a garden. You pull them out, and continue to tend the garden that is you, your mind, your spirit, with the Word of God, and those things that are uplifting. All the while getting rid of those things that are not.
You may not always see the results of these labors right away, but trust me that others will. You'll also know when your actions/labors are done in love (Read 1 Corinthians 13 which is called the love chapter.) that people will begin to want to know why you have changed, or even as I've said before. Will desire for you to intervene with God for them when they are going through tough times in their lives. These are those opportunities to show them what Jesus has done for you! There will be times when we feel that we're not doing enough, or we stumble in our walk. Don't let it stop you from getting back up, brushing yourself off and keep walking forward. We can be our worst critics, but I must tell you don't be. Even the Apostles had their tough times, and didn't always walk perfectly.
Don't hold on to the past, but you can learn from it, and thereby help others when God puts them into your life. Why? Because you've been there done that, it didn't stop God from wanting you as His and it didn't stop you from stepping out in faith through your belief in Jesus Christ. So, like the Apostles you know you have a forgiving God, an intercessor in Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in you to help guide you always!
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
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