“By hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved.” (1 Thessalonians 2:16a)

At the end of the day, this is what it’s all about. We walk worthy of God, we imitate Jesus, we endure suffering, all so that people might be saved. The enemy wants to hinder the gospel from spreading. He’ll use persecution, distraction, discouragement, whatever it takes to keep you from sharing Jesus with the people around you. But here’s the truth: the people in your life, your neighbors, your coworkers, your classmates, they need Jesus. And for some of them, you might be the only Jesus they ever see.

You don’t need to be a gifted preacher or a Bible scholar to make an impact. You just need to be faithful with the one or two people God has placed in your path. Maybe you disciple two people this year, and they each disciple two people next year. In twenty years, that’s over a million people impacted for the kingdom. It’s not about your talent. It’s about your obedience. So who is God calling you to reach? What neighbor needs to see Jesus in you? What coworker needs an invitation to lunch and a conversation about faith? Be the missionary in your own backyard. Walk with Jesus in a way that makes people curious, and then point them to him.

Reflect:

• Who are the one or two people God has placed in my life that I could intentionally invest in for the gospel?
• What’s one practical step I can take this week to share Jesus with someone, whether through my actions or my words?
• Ask God to give you boldness and clarity about who he’s calling you to reach, and pray for opportunities to share the hope of Jesus with them.