I was sitting in a doctor’s office with my husband, Joe, when fear gripped my heart. But it was not in the context you would expect.
I had nestled myself comfortably in a chair at the back of the exam room while Joe and his doctor chatted. I did not expect to do or say much during the appointment but just be there for moral support.
While looking down at my cell phone to check emails and social media, I overheard their conversation turn to spiritual matters. The doctor told Joe about his estranged relationship with his father, and he wanted to know if God could be conned by his dad on Judgment Day.
I had not been paying close attention to their conversation when suddenly my husband said, “Babe, what do you think?”
Instantly, my nerves punched me in the gut, and fear flooded my mind. I know the Bible says to be ready in and out of season to share the hope we have within us. But honestly, at that moment, I thought, “Oh no, please, not today. I don’t want to do this right now.”
Obviously, there was no escaping the situation because all eyes were focused on me. So, with a stomach full of butterflies and the fear of rejection gripping my heart, I attempted to answer what I thought was the doctor’s question.
As I shared the gospel and explained how we all fall short of God’s holiness—using the analogy of “white” sheep in a field covered with freshly fallen snow—I could tell he was unsatisfied with my explanation and unimpressed with my analogy. Apparently, I had answered a question he had not asked. Thankfully, my husband chimed in and provided a straightforward answer that satisfied him immediately.
Although I was initially embarrassed by my “failure,” I remembered that sharing the gospel is never in vain (Isaiah 55:11). I also trusted Jesus to use my “misfired” words to enlighten, convict, and reach this doctor’s heart even if he was not receptive that day.
I share this “blooper story” in hopes of it helping you not to expect perfection when sharing your faith. Sometimes, we will bumble our words or answer questions that were not asked, which is okay. Other times, we will feel awkward, uncomfortable, or embarrassed by what we say. Ultimately, Jesus is never restricted by our failures. He is God and will use whatever gospel presentation we provide to draw sinners to Himself regardless of our performance.
If you have a “blooper story” you would like to share when you presented the gospel, comment below.
