What do I do if I am afraid or intimidated by ministry?

Matthew 28:18-20Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

When afraid or intimidated by ministry, we should remember that Jesus has complete authority over the earth and all spiritual powers, and he has promised to exercise it on our behalf. As we serve him, we have the promise of his presence and power.

2 Timothy 1:7God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Fear comes when we believe the deceptions and distortions of the evil one. Faith and empowerment come from believing the promises of God.

Matthew 5:15-16“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

John 11:10“But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.”

Galatians 1:10Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Many live in the darkness, blind to Christ’s love for them. So when afraid or intimidated by ministry, we should remember that we have the power to shine that light into the lives of others. Some may ignore us. Some may make fun of us. Some may even be angry at us. But whatever people think of us, seeing a brother or sister find his or her way into the loving arms of Christ will always be worth it.

Ephesians 6:10-11A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

1 John 4:4You belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

When afraid or intimidated by ministry, we should remember that evil cannot intimidate us if we truly trust in the Lord and make use of his provisions for us.