The most embarrassing moment I have had sharing the gospel happened a few years ago while sitting in a doctor’s office with my husband, Joe.
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 anything during the appointment, so I proceeded to get some work done.
While looking down at my cell phone to check emails and my social media account, I overheard their conversation turn to spiritual matters. The doctor began telling Joe about his estranged relationship with his father and wanted to know if God could be conned by his dad on Judgment Day.
I had not been paying close attention to the rest of their conversation when, all of a sudden, my husband turned to me and 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 both of them were staring at me with eager expectations. 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 standing on a hill covered with fresh snow—I could tell the doctor was unsatisfied with my explanation and unimpressed with my analogy. Apparently, I was answering a question he had not asked. Thankfully, my husband chimed in and provided a straightforward answer that satisfied the doctor completely.
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 to it that day.
I share this “blooper story” with you in hopes that it helps you not to expect perfection when you share your faith. Sometimes, you will bumble your words or answer questions that are not asked, and that is okay. Other times, you will feel awkward, uncomfortable, or embarrassed by what you say. But ultimately, Jesus will use whatever gospel presentation you provide to speak the truth to the person you are sharing with regardless of your performance.
If you have a “blooper story” you would like to share, I would love to hear about it. Simply comment below.
