When Pressure Builds: Are You Ghosting God's Call to Be a Witness?
Life is full of pressure. We face pressure at work, at home, with our families, and even in our faith. But what happens when that pressure builds up? Do we retreat like foxes to their dens, or do we rise above it like birds to their nests? More importantly, when life gets tough, do those around us who are far from God see the hope we have in Jesus?
The Cost of Following Jesus
In Luke 9:57-62, we encounter three potential followers of Jesus. The first boldly declares, "I will follow you wherever you go." But instead of celebrating this commitment, Jesus responds with a warning: "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
Why Did Jesus Discourage This Follower?
Jesus wasn't trying to turn people away from following Him. He was making sure they understood the cost. Following Jesus isn't a playground - it's a battlefield. The moment you accept Christ, you become a target. While you're living in sin, the enemy isn't worried about you. But once you commit to following Jesus, the spiritual warfare begins.
There's Always an Excuse to Turn Back
The other two potential followers had excuses: "Let me first bury my father" and "Let me say goodbye to my family." Jesus's response was clear - there's no turning back. Like Cortez burning his ships, when you follow Christ, you must move forward without constantly looking back.
Are You Hiding When Pressure Builds?
When life gets difficult, foxes retreat to their dens and birds fly to safety in their nests. But what about you? Do you hide from the pressures of life and ghost your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who are far from God? Or are you a witness to what God is doing in your life?
The Problem with Christian Isolation
Research shows that 38% of Christians say they have no non-Christian friends or family members. Even more concerning, 47% of Christians believe it's wrong to evangelize, and 56% have had two or fewer conversations about faith with non-Christians in the past year.
This is a problem. We've ghosted the field of evangelism. We've surrounded ourselves only with people who think and act like us, abandoning those who desperately need to see the hope we have.
You Are Exactly Who God Wants to Use
The Power You've Been Given
In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." You have the same power that Jesus had. You are a Holy Spirit-filled witness.
The Message Isn't Complicated
When Jesus sent out the 72 disciples in Luke 10, He gave them a simple message: "Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'" That's it. Take care of people and tell them God's kingdom is near.
You don't need to have all the answers. You don't need to be successful every time. Jesus just wants you to share what He's done in your life.
Why We Avoid Being Witnesses
Most of us feel unfit to be witnesses because we're afraid. We're afraid we'll mess up, upset someone, or that people will reject Jesus because of our inadequate presentation. But here's the truth: no one can tell your story better than you can.
You're Not Alone in This
Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs. Don't try to be a witness by yourself. Find another believer to pray with, plan with, and encourage each other in reaching out to those far from God.
Two Practical Ways to Stop Ghosting Evangelism
1. Pray for Opportunities
Ask God in your prayer time how He wants you to be a witness where you live, work, study, shop, and play. Don't pray alone - find a prayer partner. Pray for specific people by name. Challenge and encourage each other throughout the week.
2. Plan to Be a Witness
The 72 weren't sent to wander aimlessly. They were sent to specific towns with a purpose. Make appointments with people for the purpose of building relationships. Ask a friend to lunch, invite a neighbor for dinner, or meet someone for coffee.
Remember: religion without relationship turns more people away from the gospel than it brings to it. Build genuine relationships first.
The Process of Witnessing
Follow this order:
- Begin with prayer
- Listen to them
- Share a meal with them
- Serve them
- Share your story with them
This builds relationship before you share your faith, making your witness authentic and effective.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to slow down from the unsustainable pace of life and focus on what Jesus has called you to do. You are exactly who God wants to use to reach others. Your story, your struggles, and your testimony are powerful tools in God's hands.
Stop ghosting the people around you who need to see the hope you have in Jesus. Instead of retreating when pressure builds, turn to the power of the Holy Spirit and see what happens.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Who are the five people in your life who are far from God that you could begin praying for?
- What fears are holding you back from sharing your faith with others?
- How can you slow down this week to make room for meaningful relationships with those who need Jesus?
- When was the last time you shared your story of what God has done in your life with someone who doesn't know Him?
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. You have been called, equipped, and empowered to be a witness. Don't let fear or busyness cause you to ghost this calling. Step into the Great Commission and watch God work through your perfectly imperfect story.