Overcoming Fear and Rejection: Trusting God with the Good News
Sharing your faith can feel overwhelming. What if they don’t want to listen? What if I say the wrong thing? These are questions we’ve all wrestled with. Overcoming Fear and rejection often hold us back, whispering lies that keep us silent. But God calls us to a greater mission. He’s not asking for perfection—He’s asking for obedience.
The truth is, sharing the gospel isn’t about how eloquent we are or how many people say “yes.” It’s about trusting God to use our willingness, even when we feel afraid. Let’s explore how we can overcome fear and rejection as we boldly live out our calling.
What Is Fear, Really?
Fear is sneaky. It disguises itself as logic, caution, or even self-preservation. But when fear keeps us from sharing Christ, it becomes a barrier to the very mission God has given us. A helpful reminder is the acronym FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear often makes things seem worse than they are, blowing up our “what-ifs” into mountains we’re too afraid to climb.
The Bible speaks directly to this:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
God has equipped us with everything we need to step out in faith. Fear doesn’t come from Him—it’s a tactic of the enemy to keep us silent. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
A Story of Courage
Let me tell you about Sarah. She’s a quiet, reserved woman who never saw herself as the “bold” type. But Sarah felt a nudge to share her faith with a neighbor who was going through a divorce. Fear told her, “What if she doesn’t want to hear it? What if I offend her?” But Sarah prayed for courage and trusted God with the outcome. She invited her neighbor over for coffee, listened to her struggles, and shared how Jesus had given her peace during hard times.
Her neighbor didn’t immediately accept Christ, but she did start asking questions. That’s the power of obedience—God can use even the smallest acts of faith to plant seeds.
As Wayne Gretzky famously said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Sarah’s story reminds us that stepping out in faith is never wasted.
Facing Rejection: Planting and Watering
Rejection hurts. It’s hard not to take it personally when someone dismisses or mocks your faith. But here’s the thing: our job is not to “close the deal.” Our job is to plant and water the seeds; God is the one who gives the increase.
“It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.” — 1 Corinthians 3:7 (NLT)
Even Christ experienced rejection:
“He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.” — Isaiah 53:3 (NLT).
If the Son of God was rejected, we should expect the same. But rejection doesn’t mean failure. It simply means the person isn’t ready yet—or perhaps that God is working through someone else.
A helpful perspective: “Rejection is not someone wanting you out of their life; it’s God setting you apart for a better path.” Our role is to be faithful in sharing, knowing that the results are in His hands.
Practical Steps for Overcoming Fear and Rejection
- Pray for Courage Daily
Before your day begins, ask God to give you boldness and to open doors for conversations about Him. Something as simple as, “Lord, give me courage and opportunities to share Your love today,” can make a difference. - Say a Quick Prayer Before You Speak
When an opportunity arises, pray silently: “Holy Spirit, speak through me. Let my words reflect Your love.” It’s a reminder that you’re not doing this alone. - Focus on Love, Not Results
People may not remember every word you say, but they will remember how you made them feel. Let your actions speak loudly, and when the time is right, your words will follow. - Learn from Rejection
Rejection is part of the process. Don’t let it discourage you; let it refine you. Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience and move forward. - Share Your Story
Your testimony is one of the most powerful tools you have. It’s relatable, genuine, and uniquely yours. Use it to point others to Christ.
A Final Thought on Overcoming Fear and Rejection
Jesus tells us:
Matthew 10:32-33, “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”
Let’s not let fear or rejection keep us from acknowledging Him. Instead, let’s be His ambassadors, shining His light in a world that desperately needs hope.
Links to Previous Blogs in This Series
- Sharing Christ: A Journey of Evangelism and Discipleship
- Embracing the Great Commission: Answering Jesus’ Call
- The Call to Evangelism: How We All Share Christ in Unique Ways
- Sharing Your Personal Testimony: Why It Matters
- Praying for Opportunities and Boldness
- Living as a Witness
Supplment Posts for this Series
- The Call to Evangelism: How We All Share Christ in Unique Ways
- Explaining the Gospel: Methods to Share the Good News
- How to Write Your Testimony
Poems for this Series
- The Call to Battle: A Mission for Christ
- 6 Ways to Share Christ
- The Call to Proclaim
- Testimony Time: A Time to Share
- Love Thy Neighbor: A Fenceline Tale
- Praying Boldly for Connections
- Living as a Witness
Call to Action
💬 What fears or rejections have you faced when sharing your faith? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
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Remember, fear and rejection are temporary, but the seeds you plant in obedience can lead to eternal change. 🌟
