Stepping Out: Why Sharing Jesus Still Feels Hard

It was 2022. I had just finished a long and intense training session at the athletics track—I used to be a sprinter. Around that time, a friend of mine would often talk about someone she had met in America who was involved in evangelism. I had only been saved for about two years, but something stirred in me. If I’m honest, it was a mixture of jealousy and pride.

I thought, “If this guy can do it, I can do it too.” I was used to performing. I was comfortable in front of people. Confidence came naturally to me.

So one day, after training, I bought some gospel tracts and decided to head out on my own to hand them out and talk to people about Jesus. Very quickly, I realised something: This was not as easy as I thought. No amount of charm, humour, or enthusiasm could prepare me for the moment of approaching someone who had just finished a long day, was rushing home, and hearing myself quietly ask: “Would you like to read something about Jesus?”

Suddenly, my confidence shrank. My voice got smaller. It wasn’t performance anymore—it was something much deeper, and much more confronting.

Thankfully, that wasn’t the last time I stepped out to talk about Jesus. Now, four years later, the fear and insecurities are still there. But something has changed.

I now understand why I step out. Not to prove myself. Not to perform. Not to feel spiritual. Simply to fulfil my purpose as a follower of Jesus. As 1 Peter 2:9 says, we are:

...a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

The Source of Power

The power to share our faith does not come from personality, confidence, or natural ability. It comes from the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He told His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:7–8). That same Spirit now lives in every believer.

So why do so many Christians still struggle to share their faith? Did God somehow give more boldness to certain people and less to others? Of course not. Jesus gives the Spirit without measure. Yet many believers still hesitate to step out.

The Real Barriers

Sometimes the biggest barrier to evangelism is not the world, our culture, or even the devil. Sometimes, it’s us. Research from the Barna Group highlights this tension. Many Christians believe sharing their faith is important, yet still hesitate to do it. Around half of practising Christians say they feel personally responsible to share their faith, but far fewer regularly act on it.

One major reason is confidence.

Many believers feel unprepared. They don’t know how to start conversations, answer difficult questions, or respond if someone disagrees with them. Social pressure also plays a huge role. In much of Western culture, faith is seen as something private. Talking openly about Jesus can feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even offensive. Fear of rejection, fear of saying the wrong thing, or fear of being judged often keeps believers silent.

For many Christians, it’s not a lack of love for Jesus. It’s fear, uncertainty, and hesitation.

So What’s the Solution?

If there are so many barriers, how do we overcome them? Simply put: we take a step. Stepping out does not always mean standing on a street corner preaching, knocking on every neighbour’s door, or handing out hundreds of tracts. Often, it starts much smaller—but just as meaningfully.

Start With Prayer

Pray for opportunities. Ask God to open doors and give you courage, even if you still feel afraid. Boldness is not the absence of fear. Often, it is obedience in the middle of fear.

Walk With Others

Invite a friend to join you. Sharing your faith alongside someone else can ease anxiety, encourage growth, and help build confidence over time. Jesus Himself sent the disciples out together.

Build Relationships

Sometimes evangelism looks less like preaching and more like presence. Invite a non-Christian friend out for coffee. Spend time with people. Listen to their story. Care about their lives. Much of Jesus’ ministry happened around tables, on roads, and in ordinary conversations. He met people where they were. We can do the same.

Take Small Steps

Small acts of obedience often lead to bigger ones. God does not ask us to do everything at once. He simply asks us to take the next step. A conversation. An invitation to church. Offering to pray for someone. Sharing your testimony. Sending a message. Small steps matter.

Moving Forward in Faith

Joshua must have felt something similar when he was called to lead Israel after Moses. The responsibility was overwhelming and no doubt intimidating. Yet God spoke clearly to him:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

That same encouragement applies to us today. We do not step out because we feel ready.

We step out because He is with us.

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