Read and Grow

Have you ever felt unsure about sharing Jesus, like you didn’t know what to say, or when to say it?

You’re not alone. Many of us feel hesitant, not because we don’t care, but because we’re unsure how to recognise the right moment—or whether God is leading us in it.

That’s where the Holy Spirit comes in.

You may have heard people talk about being led by the Spirit, but not really known what that means. The truth is, the Holy Spirit plays a key role in helping us share Jesus in a way that’s timely, authentic, and meaningful.

But if we don’t recognise His voice, it’s easy to second-guess ourselves—or miss the opportunity altogether. So how do we begin to hear Him more clearly?

The Holy Spirit often speaks in ways that are gentle, personal, and distinct. His voice carries certain characteristics: a loving tone, a quiet inner prompting, a sense of peace rather than pressure. And it always aligns with scripture. Let’s unpack what that looks like—and how you can begin to discern His voice with greater confidence.

Characteristics of the Holy Spirit's Voice

Think about when your mum, or your best friend call you on the phone. How often do you notice them introducing themselves. Often they can simply say, “Hey it’s me,” and you immediately know who’s speaking.  Why is that? It’s because you recognise them simply by the way that they speak.

In the same way, the Holy Spirit has particular characteristics that can help us recognise his voice when he’s speaking to us.

Let’s explore some of these characteristics:

1. His Tone

The story of Elijah at Horeb (1 Kings 19:11-12) shows that God’s voice often comes as a gentle whisper. This subtle, quiet tone requires us to create moments of stillness in our lives to hear Him.

2. His Pitch

Psalm 23:2 describes God’s guidance as leading us beside still waters, highlighting the peace and tranquillity of the Holy Spirit’s voice. When you feel a deep sense of peace, it’s a sign that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you.

3. His Resonance

Acts 2:1-4 illustrates the Holy Spirit’s resonance within a community during Pentecost. His presence brings unity and collective understanding. When the Holy Spirit speaks, His message often resonates deeply within our community.

4. His Rhythm

In Acts 16:6-10 Paul and his companions were guided by the Holy Spirit’s perfect timing. Recognising His rhythm means understanding that the Holy Spirit’s guidance includes the right moment to act.

5. The Spirit of Truth

John 16:13 promises the Spirit of Truth who aligns with scripture. The Holy Spirit’s guidance will always be consistent with biblical truth, providing a reliable foundation for our actions.

6. The Bible - The Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16-17 emphasises that all Scripture is God-breathed. The Holy Spirit’s voice will always align with biblical teachings, ensuring that His guidance is trustworthy.

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Moving Forward: Practical Steps

Try integrating these practical steps into your daily routine to help you effectively and confidently learn to discern the Holy Spirit’s voice and promptings:

Create Quiet Moments: Set aside time daily to be still and listen for the Holy Spirit’s gentle whisper.

Seek Peace: Look for the deep sense of peace that accompanies the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Engage with Community: Pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s resonance within your community and participate in collective discernment.

Trust His Timing: Be patient and wait for the right moment to act, trusting the Holy Spirit’s perfect rhythm.

Align with Scripture: Always verify that the guidance you receive is consistent with biblical truth.

Imagine the freedom and joy you could have sharing Jesus when you know you are guided by the Holy Spirit! It’s not just a possibility, it’s your reality when you learn to discern the Holy Spirit’s voice.

The more you practise, the clearer His voice will become, and the more confident you will be in sharing Jesus with those around you!

“I feel too nervous or unprepared to share Jesus because I don’t have all the right words or knowledge.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many Christians feel this way—worried they won’t know what to say, or that they won’t be able to answer difficult questions. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be an expert to share Jesus.

One of the easiest and most powerful ways to share your faith is by telling your own story.

Your story is your superpower.

Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” That verse tells us something incredible—your story matters. It’s part of how we overcome darkness. The story of how Jesus redeemed you is powerful because it’s honest, personal, and real. And no one can argue with that.

How to share your story

You don’t need a script or special training. You just need to reflect on three simple questions:

1. What was life like before you met Jesus?
Think about what you struggled with, or what was missing. What was your mindset about Jesus or faith at the time?

2. How did you meet Jesus?
Was it through a friend, a church, or a personal moment? Focus on what was happening in your heart, mind, or spirit—not just the events.

3. What is your life like now with Jesus?
What’s changed since then? Maybe you’ve experienced peace, purpose, or healing. Highlight the transformation, even if it feels subtle.

That’s it. You don’t need perfect words. Just be yourself.

Here’s an example of how that might sound:

What was life like before you met Jesus?
“I felt like something was missing in my life. I was always searching for meaning but never finding it.”

How did you meet Jesus?
“A friend invited me to church, and for the first time, I felt like the message of Jesus was speaking directly to my heart. I realised that following Him was the path to the meaning I had been looking for.”

What is your life like now with Jesus?
“Now, I have a peace I can’t explain. I’m not searching anymore because I’ve found my purpose in Him.”

It’s simple, clear, and relatable. And because it’s personal, it’s powerful.

Remember, sharing Jesus isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about sharing your heart. Your story, however simple it may seem, could be the very thing that helps someone else take a step closer to Jesus.

Take five minutes today to write your story down. Then ask God to show you who to share it with. You never know the impact it might have.

“I would share my faith, but the opportunity never comes up.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many of us have felt this way at some point.

We genuinely want to share Jesus—but in the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to stay in our routines, missing the opportunities God is placing right in front of us. Often, it’s not that the opportunities aren’t there. It’s that we’re not always open to being interrupted. Because here’s the truth: God often works in the interruptions.

So let me ask you—how do you go with interruptions? Are you interruptible?

Recently, someone in the yesHEis community shared a story about what happened when she chose to be interruptible:

She was on her way to meet her boyfriend when she noticed a homeless man nearby. At first, she didn’t want to stop—he seemed a bit out of it, and she was in a rush. But something tugged at her heart, and she sensed the Holy Spirit prompting her to pause.

“I felt to go all in—give him my time, show him God’s love, and share the gospel with him. So I did.”

What happened next was remarkable.

The man asked her, “What does freedom mean to you?”
She told him that real freedom comes from knowing Jesus.

As they spoke, she discovered he’d been raised Christian but had drifted away. He shared about the struggles he and his friends face—addiction to alcohol and speed. She gently repeated that true freedom, the kind he was searching for, is found in Jesus. And then she prayed for him. This wasn’t a moment of dramatic transformation. It was a moment of obedience. By simply being interruptible, she planted a seed.

So, how interruptible are you?

Here are three small but powerful ways to make room for God’s interruptions today:

1. Pray for Awareness

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you notice the people and moments around you. These opportunities might show up at work, in the grocery store, or during your morning commute. Start your day with: “God, help me see where You’re moving today.”

2. Pause Before You Dismiss

That tug in your heart? That name that comes to mind? Pause. Don’t rush past the nudge. Take a moment and ask, “God, is this You?” Sometimes all it takes is a willingness to stop and engage.

3. Reflect on Missed Moments

Have you experienced a nudge you ignored or an opportunity you passed up? Don’t sit in guilt—ask God to grow your sensitivity and boldness for the next time.

Real impact happens when we allow ourselves to be interruptible. God is always working—He’s just inviting us to join in.

Do you ever feel that tug to share your faith but hesitate, unsure if you’re really ready? Many of us feel this tension—we know we should be stepping out to share Jesus, but we hold back because of fear. It might be fear of saying the wrong thing, or not knowing enough, or worrying about how the other person might react. But what if God wants to use us as we are, fear and all?

Recently, a member of the yesHEis community, Bella* shared her story with us, how she faced her fear head-on. She joined our “Overcome Your Fear” challenge, praying for courage to be authentic, to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and to be bold enough to share the love of Jesus with someone new.

Here’s how God worked through that moment of vulnerability and faith…

At the start of the challenge, Bella’s biggest prayer request was to let Jesus’ love shine through her and to be led by the Holy Spirit in sharing her story. When she prayed, she asked God not just for boldness, but also to help her truly connect with someone who needed to hear about Jesus.

Then one morning as she was praying, Bella felt a nudge to reach out to a new neighbour she’d only spoken to in passing. She arranged to go out for coffee and decided to trust God with the conversation.

Following the nudge

Over coffee, she asked her neighbour if she believed in God. The neighbour stated that she did believe in God and had even started praying for help with a difficult situation. Her neighbour also shared that while she has a Bible, she wasn’t sure where to begin in her faith journey.

Taking a leap, Bella shared her own testimony, describing the peace she found in Jesus and through prayer. “I’d never spoken to someone about God before, but I’m so glad I followed the Holy Spirit’s guidance,” she said. She walked away from that coffee catch up feeling encouraged and committed to praying for her new friend’s journey to faith.

What could happen if you overcame your fear?

This story is a beautiful reminder of what happens when we trust God to guide us, even when we’re afraid. The Holy Spirit doesn’t ask us to have everything figured out; He just asks us to be available. 

Are you facing similar fears about sharing Jesus? Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Here's some things you can consider:

1. Pray for Courage and Sensitivity:

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the person in front of you as God does and to give you courage to follow His nudges.

2. Take a Small Step:

Evangelism doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking someone a question about their faith or offering to pray for them.

3. Trust the Outcome to God:

Your role is obedience; God takes care of the results. Remember, you don’t have to lead someone to faith on the spot. Just be a faithful presence and let God do the rest. When we step out, the Holy Spirit steps in!

Imagine the ripple effect your step of faith could have in someone’s story of coming home to Jesus! God is ready to work through your simple “yes”—take the step today and watch how He uses your story to draw others closer to Him.

Join the “Overcome Your Fear” challenge in the yesHEis app

If you’re ready to step out but don’t want to do it alone, the Overcome Your Fear challenge is a great place to start.

Here’s how to join:

1. Open the yesHEis app. (Download it for free from the App Store or Google Play if you don’t have it yet.)
2. Head to the “Challenges” tab.
3. Select “Overcome Your Fear” and tap Start Challenge.
4. Follow along at your own pace with practical, simple steps to build confidence in sharing Jesus — one action at a time.

Let your first step be a faithful “yes.” He’ll take care of the rest.

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*name changed for privacy

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We’ve all heard those slightly embellished stories about sharing Jesus before:

‍"I was on a plane and shared Jesus with the guy next to me. He immediately accepted Christ! Then, he told the flight attendant, who burst into tears of joy. She rushed to the cockpit to tell the pilots, and they were so moved that they started preaching over the intercom. By the time we landed, the entire plane had erupted in praise, and every passenger had found salvation in Jesus!"

Unfortunately, moments like this don’t happen everyday. Often, we’re looking for these spectacular, singular moments to lead people to Jesus. And, while those moments can exist, more often than not, the biggest impact we have on others is made over a much longer period of time. Put it this way… Impacting someone with the Gospel often isn’t the result of one perfect moment, but the result of many intentional moments, over the course of time.

When it comes to the people in our lives whom we believe will find faith in Jesus – friends, family, spouses – our relationship with them is really just an accumulation of moments. In some cases, a lifetime worth of them. So, how can we become more intentional with the time that we have with these people, so that they might come to know the goodness and grace of Jesus? Here’s three really practical things to consider:

1. Learn how you can bring up Jesus naturally in regular conversation‍

As a Christian, you’ve personally experienced the difference that Jesus has made in you. The impact that has been made is so profound, that it has a way of effecting every area of your life. If you want to share Jesus with someone in your world, think of ways that Jesus plays an active part in your everyday life, and just talk about it! Here are some examples:‍

“I had a great weekend! I went to Church which was amazing, then we went out for lunch together.”
“Before getting ready for work, I often read my bible. I’ve felt really challenged recently with what God has been teaching me through His word!”
“I’ve got to tell you, my life has been pretty chaotic lately. But, having Jesus with me has given me strength through it all, and hope for the future”

Look out for the areas of your life where your faith and your friendship intersect and learn how to gracefully bring that into the conversation. 

2. Share your experience with no strings attached

People can smell an agenda from a mile away. It’s important to learn how to bring up Jesus without feeling like you need to convert everyone you meet. You don’t! A healthier way to frame the way we see others in our lives, is not as projects to work on, but people to love. It’s a much more compelling example of the gospel to commit to the ‘ups and downs’ of a friendship, rather than just an outcome for your evangelistic efforts. Remember, Jesus knew that Peter would abandon Him in His time of need, but loved him regardless. (Luke 22:34-38). So what can we do in our relationships, to be more like Jesus? We can love people. Not for their pending salvation, but because Jesus loves them.

3. Recognize that it’s a long-haul – Be spiritually prepared

It takes more than one conversation for someone to care about Jesus, so there’s no need to feel pressure to get it “just right” every time.

Think of salvation as midnight on a clock, and the current ‘time’ in your relationship with this person as six o’clock. Every seemingly small moment becomes an opportunity to move the hands closer to midnight, closer to a revelation of Jesus. With all this time ahead, it’s important for you to stay connected to Jesus throughout the journey. It’s hard to speak fondly about someone you’ve grown distant from. Worship, Bible study, and prayer keep your connection with Jesus strong, making it easier to talk about Him naturally.

Sharing Jesus can feel overwhelming, but when we realise it's about the whole journey, not just one moment, the pressure lifts. Intentional moments help guide people toward encountering Jesus’ goodness and grace.

So, with all this said, who in your life can you be more intentional with in the moments you have together? How can you better steward those moments, to guide them towards a revelation of Jesus?

Do you ever get nervous about sharing Jesus?

You know that sharing Jesus is part of your calling as a Christian, but just thinking about it makes your heart race. Thoughts flood in, “What if I say the wrong thing? What if it gets awkward, or worse, offensive?” You might even worry that sharing Jesus means coming across as pushy or forceful. It’s as if you’re carrying the weight of someone else’s salvation on your shoulders.

But here’s the truth: sharing Jesus isn’t something you do alone. You’re not the hero of the story — the Holy Spirit is.

Evangelism isn’t about a single moment or decision. It’s about the transformation of someone’s heart, mind, and soul. And guess what? Transformation is the Holy Spirit’s work.

People don’t need your perfect words, they need a new heart.

The Holy Spirit is in the business of changing hearts. In Ezekiel 36:26–27, God promises to give people “a new heart and put a new spirit” within them.

That’s not something we can do on our own. But when you step out and share Jesus in partnership with the Holy Spirit, He moves in that person’s heart, doing what only He can do.

That means the responsibility for changing hearts doesn’t rest on you. Your role is simply to be obedient and share the message.

So, how can you learn to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than your own strength? Here are three simple ways:

1. Pray for a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:26 reminds us that “the Spirit helps us in our weakness.” Before you share Jesus with someone, ask the Holy Spirit to help you trust Him. Pray for guidance and confidence, not in yourself, but in His ability to work through you.

2. Step out in obedience

Share Jesus, even if it’s scary. Step out, not in your own confidence, but with faith that the Holy Spirit is sending you. John 14:26 tells us that “the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of everything we need to say.” Trust that He will equip you in the moment.

3. Pray over the seed

After you’ve shared, pray that the Holy Spirit will nurture the seed you’ve planted.
Pray that His words will stay in their heart and mind. Ask Him to keep moving in their life, drawing them closer to Jesus.

Imagine what sharing your faith could look like, knowing it’s not up to you to change hearts. Isn’t that a much more liberating approach to evangelism?

The weight of sharing Jesus doesn’t rest on your shoulders alone. The Holy Spirit is your Helper–guiding, equipping, and working through you. Your only job is to show up and let the Holy Spirit do His thing.

Inviting someone to church can feel intimidating. As a Christian, you understand the importance and value of an encouraging and supportive community of faith, so naturally you want your friends to have that too.

But what does it take to invite someone into that community? What does it mean to invite someone to church?

In today’s increasingly secular culture, inviting someone to church can feel like a big deal. In recent years, the rise of culture wars together with the public failure of prominent church leaders has heightened an already skeptical general cultural attitude towards the church. Plus, it’s a big deal for someone to visit an unfamiliar community, especially if they’re unsure if there’s any common ground. All this can seem too hard, and we end up putting it off and never even offering an invitation.

So let’s take a moment to remember why it’s an important and effective way to introduce someone to Jesus. Inviting someone to church opens an intentional space for the Holy Spirit to show up and do His work in people’s hearts. It welcomes people into a community where they can explore and grow in faith, serve and take their place in the body of Christ. It’s God’s design for us to live in life-giving Christian community.

So how can we make this process a little easier, and a little less intimidating—not just for you, but for the person you’re inviting to church? Here’s some practical steps that can help.

1. Recognise that church can be intimidating

If you’ve been a Christian for a long time, church will feel familiar and safe. But for many people, it’s a foreign concept, only influenced by what they’ve seen in media and entertainment.

Being mindful of the language you use is important. Rather than saying, “I’ll pick you up at 7pm for the worship night”, start by explaining what a worship night is, and share details—like who will be there, what the space will look like, and what they should wear.

By avoiding “Christian-ese” lingo and giving as many details as you can, you can help your friend make a more informed decision. They are less likely to feel overwhelmed, afraid or resentful of the situation they’re walking into. This leads us to point number two.

2. Start with something familiar

It’s way easier to invite someone to grab a coffee, or go for a walk, than to invite them to church! Take Sam, whose quick decision may have saved the relationship:

“I got my haircut recently, and when I mentioned my belief in God, the hairdresser said he’d been exploring faith more lately… I got to share a little with him about my faith story and he seemed really interested. I invited him along to church and he seemed hesitant, and I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to offer to grab a coffee with him before the service to help him feel more comfortable. He was really grateful for the offer and said he’d take me up on it.”

By meeting up in a neutral location, you can avoid the inevitable power imbalance that comes from inviting someone into an unfamiliar church environment that you are very familiar with.

Remember, there’s no need to rush this process. Meet them where they’re at, establish the relationship, then take the next step.

3. Invest time and energy

While it is up to the Holy Spirit to convict hearts and bring them to Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:6), we are responsible for sowing seeds of faith…and that requires investing time and energy!

Put simply, when you share Jesus, remember to care as well! Don’t tell someone about Jesus and then leave them stranded. Take them on a journey. This might look like:

• Spending an evening each week to do Bible studies
• Sacrificing time with your social group to make someone feel welcome
• Adding someone to your prayer list and praying for them each day
• Sending a message or calling regularly to check in

Remember, if you’re struggling to find time to care, you can always ask other Christians or people from your church to help you. Introduce them to your friends, and share the load (Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:24-25; Philippians 2:4).

4. Trust God with the outcome

If you take the risk and invite someone to church, remember: it’s okay if they say no. Declining your offer doesn’t mean that they’ve rejected you, or rejected God. Maybe they just need more time, or maybe they have baggage or biases that you’re not aware of.

Rather than giving up or taking it personally, pray about it. Ask God to give you clarity, discernment and comfort, and continue to pray for that person.

The important thing is that you tried. You strengthened those faith muscles and will be better prepared and more confident the next time the Holy Spirit prompts you to invite someone to church.

Inviting someone to church is an exciting opportunity. If you have a friend on your heart that you want to invite to church, be intentional about making a plan, take courage and jump in and do it. Imagine what it will be like when they say yes! The reward far outweighs the cost. Ultimately, their journey of faith rests in God’s hands. Your role is simply to offer the invitation.

Christians aren’t immune to struggles with mental health. It’s a fact. We might recognise we have hope, love and assurance that transcends any anxious thought. But we can’t escape the fact that we are mortal, imperfect, and the pressures of this world can consume us.

Even Godly people in the Bible struggled with their mental health. Consider the following statements:

“How long must I have sorrow in my heart?”
Psalm 13:2

“My tears have been my food day and night.”
Psalm 42:3

“I am a man who has no strength”
Psalm 88:4

Does it surprise you that these are the very thoughts and writings of faithful God followers?

The reality is that knowing and following Jesus does not safeguard you from mental health struggles. David, in the Old Testament, very clearly struggled with depressive and anxious thoughts – his psalms are filled with them. He was thrown into the limelight at a young age, His king/father-in-law attempted to murder him – that would probably come up in counselling – and his personal failings were made very public.

Despite all these things David had God’s favour and was still chosen to do His work. God himself called David ‘a man after my own heart’ 1 Samuel 13:14. David’s struggles with his mental health did not disqualify him, and neither do yours.

God doesn’t see you as ‘less than’ because of your struggles. You are in no way disqualified from sharing Jesus because of your mental health. The path to moving forward might be to see yourself from God’s perspective – and this could be your biggest challenge.

You are loved

Nothing you do or experience will keep you from the love of God.

You are forgiven

His grace covers all your fears and failures.

You are cared for

He cares about the details of your life.

You are not alone

He is with you, and He will never leave you.

How do we get God’s perspective?

1. Read your Bible.

Scripture dismantles lies and sets your eyes on Jesus.

2. Worship.

Placing Jesus as the King of your heart puts your anxieties into their right perspective.

3. Pray.

Share your struggle with the Holy Spirit and ask Him to give you revelation on who Jesus is.

4. Share.

When the opportunity comes, share about the inner transformation that Jesus is doing.

Overcome your mental health struggles by walking close with Jesus and witness your life from His perspective.

Lis is a passionate Brazilian, visual artist and mother. After losing her own mother, we spoke to her about the importance of empathy and how God can bring good things out of tragic circumstances...
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This Is Lis' Story
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I lost my Mum to cancer. Not long after that I found myself in a conversation with a woman who also had cancer. I was still grieving the death of my Mum, but I didn't want to let that pain get in the way of the Holy Spirit's prompt to pray for her. I also didn't want that woman to miss out on everything that God could do in her life.

The dilemma in that moment was how to be empathetic to what she was going through and not be insensitive just because I wanted to talk about Jesus. So I asked an open-ended question to gauge her response: “Do you believe in God?” This was a great question because it gave her the power to direct the conversation and gave me the opportunity to listen and hear things from her perspective.

The question opened up a great conversation. I was able to share about the tangible hope that Jesus had given to my Mum and family towards the end of her life and in the end I was able to pray for her!

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.
Romans 8:28

This experience reminded me how important it is to reflect on your past experiences, bad and good, because God can and does use both.

When you remember what God has done, you will be prepared to share when the opportunity comes.

Tayla is a former competitive surfer and self-confessed introvert. After an injury halted her surfing career, Tayla felt that God was prompting her to step outside her comfort zone and live life with a focus more on others than herself. She tells the story...
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‍This Is Tayla's Story
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I found that living for myself is actually quite comfortable. So when I felt challenged to step back and start looking for others, it was scary, but I found that that's actually what we are called to do.

When I was living in South Africa, I was surfing competitively for a while and I was just so focused on myself - until I had an injury that prevented me from competing. The day before a contest that I’d be training really hard for, I sliced my foot right open and I couldn't walk anymore.

And that's when I really felt God was like convicting me that I needed to step out.

I'm a super introverted person, which made it challenging for me to step out and share my faith. So it took a lot of courage, but it also brought a lot of fear when it came to actually doing something. So, I was praying for opportunities to come along where I could share my faith and one day I was in the water surfing and I came across these guys. I found out that they were ex street children and that one of my friends was going to start volunteering at the organization where these guys were from, called Surfers Not Street Children.

I just had the idea one day, you know, maybe I should start a Bible study. So a friend and I started one up with these guys which was really challenging because it was really out of my comfort zone. The first time we rocked up at Bible study, it was pretty scary as we didn't really know what to speak about or how to engage with them. They were late teens/young adults, and were pretty sceptical.
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I found their push back hard, but it was then I had to remember, you know, everyone comes from a different background, so just showing love towards them was the most important thing. Sometimes we have no idea where people have been or what they're going through, and sometimes they just need to be shown love. These guys were from the streets and they grew up on the streets. So we would try to choose topics that would relate to them.

There was this one really skeptical guy who came for the first few weeks. After a while he became a bit more engaged in the study and asked more questions. It was so cool to see him interested in wanting to know more. One day he came to Bible study and just showed us his chest… he had ‘God is good’ tattooed across his whole chest - just like the ‘No Ragrets’ meme - which was really cool to see.

That’s when I was like ‘this is so awesome’ and this is why I'm doing this. It was so encouraging because I had been so scared in starting the Bible study. It was so awesome being able to see how God can even use an introvert.

I realised it's so important to be obedient to God's calling even when it’s something that's scary and we have a lot of fear towards. It’s encouraging knowing that when we are obedient, God is with us and he has put the opportunity in front of us for a reason. He’ll always go before us and be with us through it all.

We live in a world full of restlessness, fear, and instability. Yet, as Christians, Jesus offers us peace amidst it all. As Christians, not only do we have access to this peace, but we are also called to reflect it to others who are longing for stability and hope in a chaotic world.

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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Peace is one of the greatest gifts God gave to mankind. And it’s a gift we can share with those around us who are searching for meaning and rest. Yet, often we can feel far from peace. So how do we as Christians live from the place of peace that Jesus describes? Erwin McManus illustrates it well when he speaks about worship, and how genuine worship can create a shift of responsibility in our thinking.

When we are feeling overwhelmed by life, feeling the stress, anxiety, and the despair, McManus says it’s because we have taken on responsibility for things that we do not have the power to carry. So how do we shift the burden and draw on the peace Jesus offers?

Let it Go

Erwin explains when we take on the stressors it’s like we pitch a horizontal roof over our life. When the rain falls, it gets heavy and our roof collapses. Yet, if we shift our roof to be more vertical, aka, connect with God. It causes the rain to pour off to the side and water all the fields around it, growing a harvest that eventually bears fruit. When we live from a place of peace, it becomes evident to those around us. Our lives can spark curiosity and open doors for conversations about the source of our peace—Jesus.

Re-align

Worshipping God teaches our soul to shift our roof vertically. This helps us to re-align our internal narrative too, “This is bigger than me. This is not mine to bear. I’m going to give it to God.” which can provide a sense of peace even in the chaos. As you re-align and experience God’s peace, consider how you can gently point others to Him through your own example and words.

Practice

When the stressors of life start to take over your peace, practice the art of refining your soul worship so that when the rain comes, you can continue to be peacemakers who create fruit within the storm.

In practicing the art of resting in God's peace, we not only nurture our own souls but also demonstrate to others the hope and security found in Jesus. Who in your life might benefit from hearing about the peace that Jesus offers?

How are you practicing the art of resting in God's peace in this season?

Brian is a regular guy who loves Jesus and has a heart to share him with the people he meets every day. A chance encounter at a gas station became an opportunity to share Jesus in a miraculous way. Brian was ready for that opportunity because he made one simple life choice…

The other day I was at a gas station. I noticed a dude who seemed to be limping, he looked like he was in pain. So I went up to him and I said “Hey man, can I pray for you?” he replied, “Sure, yeah, you can pray for me.”

It turned out he was a Muslim so he wasn’t bothered by me praying for him at all. I prayed that all his pain would go away. At first, nothing happened but after a few moments, he turned back to me and said that his pain had gone away! I said “That’s because Jesus loves you and cares for you.”

It was a super quick moment. He didn’t trust in Jesus at that moment but it planted a seed. And maybe further down the road, he’ll be open to hearing the Gospel.

An easy way I’ve found to start talking to people about Jesus is to ask “Hey, does that hurt?”because there are people everywhere who are in pain. I don’t always have the right words to say but I just try to build their connection to Jesus.

There is one decision I’ve made that has been super helpful in sharing the Gospel, when I go out into the world I simply keep my eyes open. Too often we’re so focused on ourselves we miss opportunities that are right in front of us. Sometimes there are things going on around you that the Lord wants you to see. He might want you to move in on someone else’s life. Right there at that moment. We need to learn to take our blinders off and ask God “What are you doing in this place around me?”

Pretty soon when you do this, you’ll start to see the needs of those around you. Everywhere you go, there’s somebody who needs a word of encouragement, kindness, an act of charity or healing through the gospel.

Anyone can do this.

You’ll be amazed at what comes across your path as you simply begin to move about your world with your eyes open.