Essentials for Students, 7-Days of Digging Deeper Into Your Faith

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Luke 12:11-12

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

Ephesians 1:7-10

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Ephesians 28:19-20

How difficult is it to share your faith?

Have you ever tried to share about Jesus with someone in your life? It can be nerve-racking! Yet, we are called to share the gospel with others. So how can we do it without freaking out?

Take a few seconds and recall all that you learned so far in this devotional. Look back at your notes.

It’s impossible for someone to share and teach others about something they know little about. A senior in high school who wants to apply to nursing school most likely cannot tell you about how to treat a patient yet. A kid with a home movie video camera cannot tell you all about creative storytelling and vision boards yet. In that same way, we have to know the gospel first for ourselves in order to share it. The good news is that you already have the tools. We are all broken. We needed rescue. God knew we couldn’t rescue ourselves. So, God came down in the form of Jesus. Jesus came and all of our sin was placed on Him. He was crushed for us to be brought to spiritual life. We have been forgiven and given life to the full!

When you come to faith in Jesus, your story becomes a story to share.

Your life becomes an incredible topic of conversation when you share with others what Jesus has done for you. And it is powerful. People cannot tell you that what you have experienced is not real. As we learned, when you live from the grace you have been given instead of for it, your life looks radically different. So, when you begin to walk in your new life in Jesus, people will be able to see the difference -- and while they may question it, they cannot say it isn’t real. This should give you a ton of confidence and courage.

Your story is important.

Your background may be tough. Terrible. Horrible. But the path before you is well-lit. It is full of God’s love and mercy that will carry you through all the days of your life. The God who created the smallest atoms to the biggest constellations loves you. And when you put your faith in Him, your life will never be the same. And who wouldn’t want that for others? If you had the cure for a disease that someone has, of course, you would want to give them the cure! In that same way, our world needs healing, and you (yes, you) have the hope and healing that everyone needs. His name is Jesus, and He is in your heart.

Challenge yourself to think about the free gift of grace to you.

Take time to consider how you can live your life to the fullest from the freedom and joy you have received in Jesus. Ask someone about their thoughts on God today. Take time to listen to your friends and what’s on their hearts. Share with them the unique story you have and in turn, the hope you have. Step out of your comfort zone and be amazed at what God can do with your story.