This is your purpose.

I used to be shy.

This isn't a word I would use to describe myself anymore, as the past few years have changed me to the extent that I am possibly even an extrovert now.  But for most of my life, I have been devastatingly, painfully shy.

Talking in groups of more than one or two people froze my heart.  As a matter of fact, even the prospect of a one-on-one conversation would terrify me.  Making new friends was nearly impossible.  Some days, the mere thought of going out into a group of people stressed me out so badly that all I wanted was to stay in bed, wonderfully and comfortably alone. 

Today I love being around people.  In fact, I'm sometimes happier when I'm out making new friends than when I've sat all day in my little house by myself.  There are certainly days when I enjoy some solitude, but the timid part of me has faded significantly in recent years.

I've been given the opportunity to share my heart and my journey from timidity with several girls who also struggle with shyness.  (If this is a highly requested topic, I may blog about it more in the future.)  One thing I hear quite often is, "I'm too shy to share the Gospel."

There are many effective ways to share the Gospel.  At times, it is best to form a friendship or at least a fairly comfortable relationship with someone before you sit down and share the entire Gospel with them.  At other times, you will feel a tug at your heart to share with a total stranger (read Acts 8 for an example) and this is what intimidates most shy people... most people, actually.

Approaching strangers can still be a source of stress for me, but recently, approaching a stranger in order to share the Gospel has been a source of great joy rather than fear.  It's different.  Timidity doesn't need to exist when the Gospel is being shared.  Let me encourage you in that.

You were made for the specific, beautiful purpose of bringing glory to your Creator and sharing His love with those around you.  This is why you were made.  2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."  Moses was naturally shy.  Paul was naturally shy.  You can have a quiet, shy personality, but in sharing the Gospel, you were created to be bold.  It will come naturally to you.  You were given a spirit of power and love and self-discipline!

Don't allow your fears to hinder your identity and purpose in Christ.

The prophet Jeremiah was concerned about his ability to share the Word of God.  He was young and timid.  But the Lord had bigger plans for him.  Read Jeremiah 1:6-9.  "'Alas, Sovereign Lord,' I said, 'I do not know how to speak; I am too young.'  But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, "I am too young."  You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the Lord." 

God will not always call you to approach someone off the streets, but sometimes He will.  When people begin to yearn for the Lord, He makes Himself known to them, and it is often through those of us who already know HIm.

Timidity may be a hindrance in your life, but when you share the Gospel, you are fulfilling your purpose.  You are living the way God made you. 

When the Holy Spirit asks you to share the Gospel with someone, do not give into timidity.  God will bring the Gospel to that person, whether you obey His urging or not, but the joy and blessings that come from offering yourself as a sacrifice for His will are indescribably beautiful and worth it.  It is a joyful, overwhelming experience to be used by the Lord and for His glory.  When the opportunity arises, don't let it pass by.  Don't let timidity win.

Be bold.