Reaching the Lost Means Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Reaching the Lost Means Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Reaching the lost is not an easy task for most believers. In fact, statistics show that over 99% of believers have never led a single person to faith in Jesus Christ. That’s heartbreaking considering the fact that we have the greatest news for mankind and that the message of salvation is the greatest message of hope for a lost world.
Why aren’t more Christians sharing their faith? Perhaps one of the greatest reasons is because you must step out of your comfort zone when sharing your faith with an unbeliever. To reach people for Christ, you (and your church) need to step outside of your comfort zone and learn to take some risks for the cause of Christ. Remember the words of Jesus in Luke 5:37, “People don’t pour new wine into old wineskins.” Too often, we try to do just that. Yet Jesus warns us not to do such a foolish thing.
Yes, taking a risk can be scary, uncertain, and frightful. But it can also lead to tremendous success and victory. With this in mind, let me share some principles that will help you to step out of your comfort zone this week and boldly share your faith with your lost family member, neighbor, or friend.
Don’t worry about failure
Understanding that failure is a part of life should help you to realize that it should never stop you from stepping out of your comfort zone and sharing your faith in Christ. Remember, we are not commissioned to win every person we witness to, we are just commissioned to share the message of hope and salvation. Not every person will adhere to your words and witness. That’s okay. Even Jesus shared numerous times with people that refused to listen or except the gospel. Jesus even told His disciples that when people refused to hear, “brush off the dust from your sandals and move on” to the next encounter. The truth is, you NEVER fail when you attempt to share your faith. Just mentioning the name Jesus and the hope of eternal life is success in itself.
Churches and church leaders are often afraid to take risks because they are fearful of the consequences. But failure from stepping out of your comfort zone is not the worst that can happen. The worst is not doing anything at all! We learn from our mistakes, improve our conversation, planning, and progress, and make ourselves better in the process. Remember when Jesus called for Simon Peter to step out of the boat and walk on water? All the other disciples were too afraid, but Simon stepped out and walked on water. Perhaps you’re thinking, “Yes, he did step out, but he sank after just a few steps!” He did sink, but remember two glorious truths; he did obey and walk on water; and, Jesus was there to rescue him when he failed. He will do the same for you, if you’re obedient and take a risk.
Hold on to what doesn’t change
Stepping out of your comfort zone means change, that’s a given. However, there are some things that do not change when you share your faith, namely, the word of God. Methodologies come and go, but the message is unchanging, remember that. What may work for one person may not necessarily work for you. That’s okay. Some people are very bold in their faith and share the gospel conversation with ease. Others may be timid and shy, even fearful to open their mouth and speak the message of Christ. However, that same shy person can carry a gospel tract and lovingly place it in the hand of a friend or colleague. That same fearful person can serve in an evangelistic servant project in their community and show the love of Christ by their humble actions of hospitality. Be committed to the word of God that never changes. Let your methods flow with what works for you and your church and leave the results to the Lord and His word, the message of salvation!
Remember that you are never alone
As believers we must remind ourselves that we are never alone. Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20, NIV) You never take a risk for Jesus by yourself. Jesus was there for Simon Peter when he stepped out of the boat, and Jesus will be with you when you step out of your comfort zone. Many times, I have tried to lead the churches where I served to do “out of the box” evangelistic endeavors that appeared on the outside to be risky. Some people in the church complained, “It cost too much to do that!” “We don’t have the manpower to do that!” “No body will show up for that event!” One such event was a city-wide evangelistic crusade. We raised over $75,000 to host the event, cover expenses for the guest speakers, and advertise the event throughout the city. Most of our people joined in and helped invite, pray, and serve before and during the crusade. Yes, some people complained, others refused to participate. You’ll always have some naysayers! But, when the time came for the crusade, thousands attended the 7-day event. Even more, dozens of people gave their hearts and lives to Jesus! When all was said and done, Jesus proved His presence with us every step of the way!
Job 8 reminds us of God’s presence and blessing when we are faithful to Him. “But if you look to God and plead with the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your rightful place. Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.” (Job 8:5-7, NIV). God blesses the work of His people. You may begin with lowly, humble steps, but God will not only honor those steps of faith, He will also increase them.
I dare you to step out of your comfort zone this week and attempt to be a witness for Christ. In your home, your neighborhood, workplace, or wherever the Lord leads your steps. Take a risk, step out of the boat, and start walking on water with your faith and witness for Christ. Let God bring the harvest of souls to you as you faithfully serve as a soul-winner for the cause of Christ!
