Sharing IN the Gospel

If you are like me, as you traverse your Christian circles you have no doubt heard the phrase “sharing the Gospel.” Over the last week or so, different events have caused me to have some new thoughts about sharing IN the Gospel. My contemplations began as I have had the opportunity to actively encourage another Christian gal on in my department about trusting God when it hurts and dealing with the anxiety of the unknown. In an email to her I wrote:

"… think about this... (it is something that brought me comfort and a fresh perspective today)...all of the prayers you have ever prayed about growing in the Lord are being worked out right now in all of this (the difficult situation).

My Pastor once said that all of the pressures pressing into us can be used to press God closer into the center of our heart and lives. No, God isn't done with you or me, Nickie…. praise Him!"

Later, in an email to my older sister I wrote:

"It has been amazing and yet funny for me to be the one to encourage her (Nickie) in God's word, to talk about God's faithfulness and to discuss what it is to renew your mind constantly, only to turn around and struggle to do the same in my own, unique situation. :) God is reminding me of what I myself need to hear. I am so glad that I can share the strength of the Gospel with others like Nickie while letting it uphold me to! :)"

Upheld by the power of the Gospel.

Yes, that is what I mean by sharing IN the gospel. It is being upheld IN and BY the Gospel’s strength while seeking to serve and minister to others.

In my journal I mulled over these thoughts more…

"Both Nickie and I need that same truth. In my own distinct and immediate weakness I can put my arm around her and let the staff of Gods truth uphold us both. I can offer her nothing other than that which God has given me. It comes not from me (as if I were the source) but I through me. And it must be a seamless passing. "

Perhaps you have burdens resting on you today. They can be either the burdens in your hands that you are helping to carry for others or they can be your own personal burdens that reside in your heart. Most likely, you have both. Be encouraged today to carry those burdens in the strength and power that the Gospel provides….the everlasting, resurrection strength that Ephesians joyously proclaims in chapter 1 verses 18b-20:

“ …that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at the right hand in the heavenly places…”

Let those burdens lift.