Faith on Display: Is It Meant to Be Shared?

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Last night I sat in the corner booth of a cute little mom and pop coffee shop with my Bible open, my journal beside me, and a peppermint tea in hand—just like every Wednesday pretty much. But something about last night felt… different. Not in a dramatic or supernatural way, just a subtle stirring in my spirit that I couldn’t ignore.

There was a girl sitting two tables down. She looked about my age, maybe a little younger. Alone. Earbuds in, but she wasn’t really focused on her phone. She glanced at my Bible more than once. Not judging—more like curious.

I felt this nudge in my spirit—one I’ve felt before and honestly, too often ignored.

“Say something. Smile. Ask her if she wants to talk or pray.”

But I didn’t.

I froze. I told myself, “Maybe she doesn’t want to be bothered,” or “She probably thinks I’m weird.” And then, like a coward, I packed up and left early.

God, I’m sorry. Truly.

I’ve been thinking about this question for weeks now: Is my faith meant to be shared? And the answer is always yes. A loud, resounding yes. But I still hesitate.

Why?

I guess I don’t want to come off as “that girl”—the one who forces faith into every conversation. But then again… why shouldn’t I be that girl if I truly believe this is life-saving truth?

Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”

Am I ashamed? I don’t think so. But maybe I act like I am sometimes. That hurts to write out.

When I really sit with the thought, I think I’m more afraid of rejection than I am of disobedience. That’s heavy.

But Jesus never called us to comfort. He said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

Denying myself includes denying that fear. That worry about awkwardness. That instinct to self-protect.

I think about the early church—how they risked everything to share the gospel. Not just reputation, but their very lives. And me? I can’t even risk an awkward moment in a coffee shop?

Lord, forgive me for my silence.

I remember reading 1 Peter 3:15—“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” But it doesn’t stop there. It says to do this “with gentleness and respect.”

So maybe it’s not about being loud or invasive. It’s about being available. Present. Willing.

What would it look like if I made it a point to be more intentional? Not to push Jesus on people, but to present Him—in how I speak, how I love, how I show up in everyday moments?

Honestly, it’s easy to talk about Jesus when I’m with other Christians. At church, youth group, Bible study—we’re all speaking the same language. But outside those circles, I shrink. And that’s something I desperately want to change.

I don’t want a compartmentalized faith.

I want a faith that overflows. One that people can see and feel, even without a word—but especially with one.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

What good is a light if I’m constantly hiding it under the weight of my own insecurity?

I don’t have all the answers. I’m still figuring out what it looks like to live a bold faith in a quiet, unassuming world. But I know this: I don’t want to live a life that keeps Jesus a secret.

So tonight, I’m praying this prayer.

A Prayer for Boldness and Compassion

Father,
You see every part of me—the parts that want to shout Your name from the rooftops, and the parts that whisper when I should speak boldly. I thank You that You’re patient with me. That You don’t condemn me for my hesitations, but gently invite me deeper.

Lord, give me courage. Not the kind the world gives, but the holy, Spirit-filled kind that can only come from You. The courage to speak when it’s uncomfortable. To offer a word, a smile, a prayer—even when I don’t know how it will be received.

Let me never be ashamed of the Gospel, because I know it’s the power of salvation. Remind me that sharing You isn’t about perfection or performance—it’s about love. Help me love people enough to risk my own pride.

And Lord, make me sensitive. Let me listen well. Let me follow Your nudges. Let me be a light—not a spotlight, not a floodlight—just a gentle, warm flame that points to You.

I surrender my fear, my image, my comfort. Use me, Lord. Not someday. Not when I feel ready. But now.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

So that’s where I was last night. A mix of conviction, hope, and longing. I don’t want to be silent anymore. My faith isn’t just mine—it’s a gift meant to be shared.

Next Wednesday, I’ll go back to that same coffee shop. Maybe she’ll be there again. Maybe she won’t. But either way, I’ll be ready this time.

And even if I’m not, God will be.

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Published by thechristiantechnerd

22 year old college student! 100% Christian,! Will ALWAYS be a woman of FAITH. And my friends call me the "The Christian Tech Nerd" because I was hired by a very successful tech company in Silicon Valley, and I turned them down to be close to my family!

47 thoughts on “Faith on Display: Is It Meant to Be Shared?”

  1. 1 Peter 3:15 – be ready with an answer, but that means someone has to ask. Of course, you could always have a business card with your name, phone number and blog URL on it which you could offer. I don’t think you’re a coward or ashamed of the gospel, or of the LORD. However, a person’s relationship with his/her Creator is the most personal and intimate relationship they have, and you should respect that and not meddle. The best you can be is available. And I think you are.

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  2. Perhaps you could ask her how she likes those earbuds? Or how she likes that phone? Anything to break the ice. Maybe don’t lead with Jesus? Maybe follow up with Jesus, after you’ve established contact?

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  3. I absolutely love this post – maybe the best I’ve read from you by far. 🙂

    The simplicity, the humanity of it, yet touched and delivered in the gentleness of God’s Spirit.

    When we are ‘weak’ is truly when we are strong. And you evince that so naturally.

    More Grace.

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  4. I think we’ve all been there, and felt those feelings. Like you said, we don’t want to push Jesus on others, but there’s a fear of it being taken that way. Remember how Jesus let the rich young ruler walk away? He didn’t badger him. I saw a video the other day of a guy who was an atheist, wanted nothing to do with God, but there was someone in his life who kept ‘planting’ & ‘watering’ seeds(the Word) in his life, 1 Cor. 3:6… ‘but, it’s God who makes the seed grow.’ Anyway, the atheist guy got deathly ill, and suddenly he wanted that guy’s God…’that guy’ had lived a genuine life that was a witness. Like you said, not pushy. And all the sick atheist was now desperate for was to talk to Him and find out how to get his Jesus. CS Lewis said, ‘The very man who has argued you down, will sometimes be found, years later, to have been influenced by what you said.’ …knowing it’s all up to God, and that I just have to plant & water for Him, takes off the pressure of feeling like I failed to reach someone and change their mind. We just need to tend to the garden. Planting, watering & making sure that some ‘son’ light is reaching them. Even if you don’t see her again, someone else will come along, and you’ll be ready!

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  5. Incredible conviction and may the Lord go with you. Below are a few tips i researched

    1. Friendship evangelism: Build relationships with friends, family, and colleagues, and share the gospel with them.
    2. One-on-one conversations: Engage in conversations with individuals and share the gospel in a personal and relational way.
    3. Mentoring: Mentor someone and share the gospel through your life and words.
    4. Alpha courses: Host Alpha courses to explore the basics of Christianity and share the gospel.
    5. Testimonies: Share personal testimonies of faith and redemption.
    6. Gospel tracts: Distribute gospel tracts or booklets in public places or through personal relationships.
    7. Prayer walking: Pray for specific persons or areas or communities and share the gospel with those you meet.
    8. Remember to approach gospel sharing with love, respect, and sensitivity towards others.

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  7. That’s a great question, and I think the answer is absolutely, but timing is essential. I believe the other person needs to make the first move. They’ll probably start with a casual conversation and might say something or ask a question that triggers a response and possibly an opportunity to share our experiences, including our faith. I’m a firm believer that God makes the first move and reaches out to the person, creating a bridge and an opportunity for us as Christians to share our faith.

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  8. Yes, amen and amen. So often I don’t speak when I should — I don’t offer that encouragement, that prayer, that kindness. Lord help us to be faithful — to be Jesus to a hurting world.

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  9. Oh, dear friend, I appreciate your heart, your honesty, and your willingness to share the hard part of living faith out loud. Your authenticity is refreshing; you have said what many of us feel and experience. I agree with you–we’re not ashamed of the gospel, but in this very tense day and age where people cancel others for next to nothing, I want to make what I say, how I act, count. You are an old soul, caring about people, longing for the salvation of others. I appreciate that.

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  10. I love how real and emotional your post is. Honestly, if anyone says something like this hasn’t happened to them in one way or another, don’t believe it—we’ve all had moments like this. I’m really glad you shared your experience because it helps all of us be more aware and intentional going forward. God may just be preparing you to notice and uplift the next curious or quiet person you meet.

    Also, thank you for visiting my blog today! I’m a newbie, but the support here is truly refreshing. It’s not always easy sharing Christian content, so it’s encouraging to see others engaging and being open. Keep being a light—you never know who’s watching or being impacted.

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  11. Thank you for your honesty! Even as someone in ministry, I miss so many opportunities because I use being an introvert as an excuse. I pray God will give me boldness to be obedient, even when it is uncomfortable.

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  12. You are an awesome woman every one who has a higher power in there life has had questions, concerns and some times even doubts. Just keep heading in the direction your going young lady you surely have a beauitful mind set witch makes your soul even more special.That was beauitful the way you poured out your thoughts if you was so young I would persue you for your hand in marriage I feel like Ive known you for ever.Thank you for having such a beautiful heart.

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  14. Well, one can’t tell what the woman was thinking as she kept looking at your Bible. Perhaps, in this situation, it would be better to wait for her to say something first. That would provide a better starting point. The fact you had your Bible open on a table in a public place shows you weren’t ashamed of your faith.

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  15. Very well said! As a follower, if we are paying attention for opportunities to share Jesus we all have faced this moment and dare I say we have all failed at least once if not more (I know I have). Thank you for sharing with all of us in the blogoverse! Finally, keep seeking the opportunities to share and may I add this post is one of your steps in being bold and courageous. Well done. May His peace be with you and flow through you.

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  16. Best blog you have written in a while. Being the witness in our culture entails fight a spiritual battle as well as our loving our Lord. The is strength in our weakness, however, and your post most likely will inspire others to be ready for the time is near.

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  21. I’ve been through the same thing…several times. Finally, I said, “Lord, don’t depend on my speaking it, so just please speak it through me”. More often after that someone has commented on what was spoken was just what they needed to hear – and I didn’t even know it — He spoke through me. I hope it will work for you, also. At any rate, you are on the right path…and He will walk with you at times like these when you give Him permission. I like to use the hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be” some of the lines are…”take my intellect and use it as Thy treasure trove, take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee…take my will, no longer mine, take my will Lord and let it be Thine. Blessings and joy, dear Sister in the Lord

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  22. Greetings The Christian Tech-Nerd,

    How are you? I hope you are well.

    Do you want to share the gospel specifically with that person? You can ask God for another time to do it. You can ask God for a second chance to share the gospel with her. And when God gives you that chance, in that moment you should immediately ask God for help to speak to that person.

    I did that very thing. God answered my prayer and when he gave the chance to share with the one person I prayed about, in that moment, I asked God for help to visit with the lady at her work place.

    Will you pray, expecting God to give you the very thing you ask for, with thanksgiving? You may enter the situation with fear, but share the gospel with her, and it may be that afterward your feet won’t even touch the floor. You will be so joyful, full, and rejoicing.

    Matthew 21:22, Mark 11:24

    You could have a little gift for her, a gift card, a thank you card, a gift card to that coffee shop, or something really silly that you would buy for yourself, you could buy something for yourself, then give that to her in a little gift bag…???

    This is for you…, I got you a little gift…

    Pray, pray, pray… …tis God’s way,

    To you to walk with him,

    Hmmm, asking your heavenly Father to take you by the hand so you can meet another person, a person that he made, asking God for an introduction, in childlike faith.

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  24. Wow… this post hit me right in the heart. 🥹
    I have Joshua 1:9 tattooed on my arm to remind me daily to be strong and courageous—but I still fall short, more often than I want to admit.
    It’s not rejection I fear… it’s the possibility of being belittled for believing in what He’s done in my life.

    I don’t always feel bold enough to walk up to a stranger, but I do try to stay close to His voice and let His words move through me—especially in the everyday conversations with people already around me.

    Thank you for sharing this. You’re not alone in the hesitation—but you’re also not alone in the desire to grow in boldness. 💛
    This was such a beautiful reminder that the nudge we feel matters, even if we don’t act on it perfectly yet.
    – Tamara

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