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Intention

To release the pressure we can place on ourselves to be effective witnesses, trusting God to lead us and that he will take care of the results.

Scripture

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

– Proverbs 3:5–6

Reflection

Even when we are keen to reach out to others, it can sometimes be hard to know who to share with and how to share ‘successfully’. We can feel pressure to be effective witnesses, and that pressure can lead to us not sharing our faith at all.

Proverbs 3 tells us that if we trust in the Lord rather than our own understanding, he will direct our paths. As I have walked with God, I have learned that if I begin from a place of intimate relationship with him, and believe that I am his handiwork, I can also trust him to lead me to the works he has prepared for me (Ephesians 2:10). Happily, this includes the people with whom he wants me to share the great news of his transformative love.

As a broken, addicted 26-year-old, I found myself sitting in a doctor’s surgery, pouring out the pain of my life. The doctor reached for the Bible from amongst her medical books and told me there was a better way. After sharing some verses, she spoke of God’s love and invited me to church.

Much to my surprise — and hers — I turned up the following Sunday. I was wrapped in the love of the local church and soon made Jesus the Lord of my life. I have never been the same! That doctor’s simple act of sharing had an immediate impact, and she witnessed a miracle of transformation unfold over the weeks that followed.

A few months later, I learned that a workmate did not have long to live, and I went to visit her with a mutual friend. I prayed earnestly and became convinced that God wanted me to share his love with her. I was so nervous — I had not been a Christian long and felt I did not know the right words to say.

Even so, I was overflowing with love for God and shared my story as best I could. I was convinced that when I offered her salvation — as others had done with me — she would respond just as I had. I was shocked when she said, “Thank you, but no — I’m okay.”

I had not considered for one moment that that might be her answer. I was embarrassed, fumbled through some small talk, and offered a very short prayer before making my escape. Back in the relative safety of my car, I wept and apologised to God for “messing it up”. It had seemed so straightforward when others had led me to him.

My friend passed away a short time later, and for many years I carried the regret that I had not found the ‘right words’, had not prayed for her ‘properly’, and simply had not been enough.

Years later, I ran into the woman who had also been there that day, and we reminisced about our friend. Imagine my joy when she told me that our friend had been so deeply touched that morning that she gave her heart to the Lord before she passed away!

The Holy Spirit leads us to the people he wants us to share with. His words fill our mouths — even when we lack confidence in our delivery. It is his great news. It is his invitation.

We need to believe that he meant it when he called us — ordinary, everyday, imperfect us — to be part of the Great Commission. Our willingness and obedience to open our mouths is all he requires. He will take care of the results.

Video

Prayer

Father, thank you for the opportunity to be part of what you are doing in the kingdom today.  I trust you to lead me in straight paths to the people with whom you want me to share your great news! Here I am God, use me!

Author Bio

Justine Simms serves as the chairperson on the national board of Full Gospel Australia. She has a special interest in bringing transformation to communities, organisations and individuals in the local church and in the marketplace. She is a skilled communicator and brings a deep sense of God’s presence, healing and revelation in her teaching.

Prayer Points for Five4Five 2026

1. Five people to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

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