When we become Christians by faith in Jesus, we also become missionaries. Jesus and the mission of Jesus are inseparable. We cannot come to Jesus without involving ourselves in the mission of Jesus. The mission of Jesus is to reconcile people to God and transform them through the power of the gospel by his Spirit. Christians are not only given a place in God’s family by grace; Christians are also given a place in God’s mission by grace.

This does not mean, however, that we will not encounter obstacles as we seek to live out our identities as missionaries. The greatest obstacles we face are often times our own fears and insecurities. But the same God who has provided all that we need for our salvation also provides us with all that we need for mission.

In Acts 18, the Apostle Paul is apparently fearful and insecure as he engages the city of Corinth with the gospel of Christ. But Paul’s natural fear and insecurity led him into a powerful experience of the presence and promises of Jesus.

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” – Acts 18:9,10

Although Paul recognized his own weaknesses, fears, and insecurities, Paul was not paralyzed by those things. Instead, as Paul became aware of those fears and weaknesses, he looked to Jesus and his promises for strength and encouragement.

Just as becoming aware of our sin leads us to repentance and faith in our Savior, our insecurities and fear should also lead us to repentance from trying to obey God in our own strength and rely on his presence and promises as we move out on mission with him.