The Grace Street Blog

“How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – Romans 10:14-15

Oh lover of Christ, when did our hearts get so hard?

Writing on this blog has been quite easy in regards to feeling comfortable. Promoting it, however, that was a little difficult to start doing because of my fear of judgement from others. But after so many years, it has gotten a lot easier now that everyone is aware of what my social media is centered on.

But if I were honest, the eagerness I have to tell others about Christ dwindles when I am in a public setting.

Most of the time, it is not because of fear of what they would think, but rather, talking about Jesus completely slips my mind unless the conversation lasts beyond a few minutes. I am ashamed, for of all the ways I treat my Savior in front of others, I put Him on the back burner. Only when I encounter people in need or for an extended period of time, do I remember that I know a truth that brings freedom from any and every chain on the soul.

I read Romans 10: 14-15 while writing the last blog.

Before I could even finish speaking it out loud, I had busted into tears.

It reads, “How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

So often, the Gospel goes untold because of fear, forgetfulness, pride, selfishness, etc. But Believer, what is there that Jesus has not redeemed us from? What should, or truly can, hold us back from testifying the faithfulness of God to others? Not for our sake or gain, but to obey the greatest commandment of all; love God and love others.

While reading Romans 10:14-15, I was fascinated by the word “sent”. Now, surely, some believers have callings to specific places and such on mission. But I don’t think this statement ought to be limited.

So many have grown complacent with a lifestyle having little to no intention of sharing how Jesus saves. And yet we are still called to praise God in everything we do. How then can we live as though we never have the “right opportunity” to share the Gospel when every step we take is being directed by the Holy Spirit within us?

You are sent to the neighborhood grocery store in the specific city you live in for a reason. You are sent to your job, whether it be vocational ministry or not, for a purpose. You are sent your family to love, honor, and build community with because God knew the situation that would most bring glory to Him and opportunity for you to draw closer to His heart.

It is so very easy to get caught up in our own little world. To think we can live loving God because of the personal work we do, meanwhile neglecting the second half of the command Jesus told us to prioritize.

Fear, worry, insecurity, pride, selfishness, and laziness all harden the heart. Yes, in different ways, but hardening towards sharing God’s truth happens nonetheless when we refuse to surrender those mentalities.

My dear friend, how much longer will you remain in a position so immune to the reality of the lost souls around you? Jesus exemplified love for us in the deepest way possible. May we pray unceasingly for a heart that longs for the salvation of others as Christ does.

Thoughts to Consider:

In your daily interactions, what tends to occupy your mind more than the reality of Christ and what He has done?

In what ways have you mistaken personal faithfulness for complete obedience, while neglecting the call to share His truth?

Where has God already “sent” you that you may be overlooking as an opportunity to love and speak truth?

Consider the quiet places your faith has settled into comfort, and ask the Lord to soften your heart again, that you would not just know His love, but carry it boldly to those who have yet to hear.

“How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – Romans 10:14-15