The apostle Paul was perhaps the most prolific evangelist in the 1st century church. He reached multitudes with the gospel. Yet we are told that he struggled with fear. Consider his words to the Corinthians: “I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”
The Corinthians’ estimation of Paul confirmed that he was not a polished speaker. They said his letters were “weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence [was] weak, and his speech contemptible.” Yet this weak man effectively shared the gospel throughout much of the known world. What was the secret of Paul’s ministry? Jesus explained to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore Paul could gladly boast in his infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon him. He could even proclaim “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
If you’re like me, witnessing is a fearful and sometimes difficult responsibility. But like Paul, God will use you if you rely on His strength and step out in obedience. Truly, His strength is made perfect in weakness.