Go out on a Limb

Go out on a limb! Mark Twain is quoted as saying, “Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb, that’s where all the fruit is!”

I like that saying! Climbing trees was something I loved to do as a kid in Illinois. We had some big old trees with great branches and you could actually climb up pretty high, but of course the higher and further up you went, there was always the risk that you might fall. But as a kid, I never really thought of the risk because the reward was so worth it! I could see forever. I remember sometimes feeling safer in the tree than down on the ground. Ripped jeans were a small price to pay for the amazing bird’s eye view.

But as we get older we are more risk averse aren’t we? We are less willing to go out on a limb literally or metaphorically.

But today I am going to encourage you to take that risk to go out on a limb and share the Gospel in your conversations. Go out on a limb and talk about Jesus. Think of the change in the view that receiving God’s good news gives to people! Here’s what I mean…

How many times even in this past week have you had a conversation with someone who said they were worried, scared, depressed, concerned about a family member, fearful of a diagnosis, uncertain about the future? Why not go out on a limb and instead of just saying that you are sorry or that you understand or that you will cook them a meal or even that you will pray for them and then walk off, why not stop, drop and pray for them right then and there?

Imagine the view that they can receive when you climb out on that limb and take that risk that they just might hear the words of Jesus! 

Every Gospel conversation doesn’t result in immediate conversion. We know that’s the job of the Holy Spirit, but what if it did? Think of the blessing that your step out in faith to go out on a limb and share the good news of Jesus could bring to that fear filled person. In the Book of Acts we learn that many people’s hearts were changed immediately, the very first time they heard the message of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit convicted them of their sin, and the people realised that they needed a Saviour.

Paul writes about what happens to people when they take their requests to God.

Philippians 4:6-8

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Imagine sharing this news with all the people you encounter this week! What a change in perspective this news can bring.

Be on the lookout.

Go out on a limb… When people share fears and heartbreak this is an opportunity to share the Gospel.  

Let us pray.

Dear Jesus. Empower us through the gift of the Holy Spirit to share Your life giving promise of forgiveness and eternal life with You. Give us the boldness to share the view of what peace looks like when we go out on a limb and share Your news with others. We pray this in the Name of Jesus. Amen