Have you ever wondered how to naturally bring Jesus into your conversations? As I’ve been attending a church small group on How to Share Jesus Like You Mean It, this question came up: “How can you start a conversation with someone about Jesus?” While many great answers were shared, I’d like to share what the Holy Spirit laid on my heart.
Preparation Is Key
In 2 Timothy 4:2, the apostle Paul reminds us of our responsibility to always be ready to share God’s Word. He was writing to his young protégé Timothy, giving final instructions as Paul faced execution in Rome. This verse comes within Paul’s solemn charge to Timothy to continue the work of ministry faithfully despite growing opposition and false teaching.
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” –2 Timothy 4:2.
Paul knew that opportunities to share the Gospel wouldn’t always come at convenient times or in ideal circumstances. Sometimes they appear when we’re prepared and feeling confident (“in season”), and other times they surprise us when we least expect them (“out of season”). The call remains the same: be ready always.
This ties perfectly to our need for daily spiritual preparation. When we wake up ready, planning for every opportunity, we’re living out Paul’s exhortation to Timothy. Just as a soldier doesn’t decide to train only when battle is imminent, we shouldn’t wait until the perfect evangelistic moment appears before preparing our hearts and minds to share Jesus.
You have to wake up ready. You have to plan for every opportunity. You have to be bold. This isn’t something that just happens—it requires intentionality and a heart prepared to speak.
Divine Appointments in Unexpected Places
Last week, I experienced two powerful examples of this preparation in action when I met Texas State Senator Bryan Hughes and his staff.
Idea 1: Let Your Worship Open Doors
I first met the Senator’s Communications Director, Matt Murdoch. We were standing beside one another taking photos when he spontaneously started singing:
“I’m ’bout to have a good day (Good day)
No matter what they say (What they say)
The sun is shining down on me
Birds are singing praise…”
When I leaned over and said, “I love that song,” it immediately opened the door to discussing Christian music before learning about each other’s careers and backgrounds.
This reminded me of Ephesians 5:19, which reads: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord”.
Sometimes, the simplest expression of faith—like singing about God’s goodness—can create natural bridges to deeper conversations.
Idea 2: Use Every Platform God Gives You
That evening, Senator Hughes spoke to about 80 people. He could have talked about anything, but he chose to talk about Jesus.
In less than five minutes, he:
- Asked for prayer for himself and others serving during the legislative session
- Requested prayers for discernment and wisdom
- Encouraged daily prayer
- Thanked God for our state
- Shared the Gospel message
When I later shared with my boss how his boldness was my favorite part of the trip to Austin, she mentioned that he consistently speaks about his faith in similar settings.
That reminded me of Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
Living Counter-Culturally
We live in a world where we’re often told not to share our faith for fear of offending others. But what if we lived as though our greater fear was others dying without knowing Jesus?
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul?” –Mark 8:36
I’m thankful God put both Matt and Senator Hughes in my path as powerful examples of how simple it can be to share Jesus like you mean it. Their approach wasn’t complicated or preachy—just obedient and bold!
Acts 1:8 reminds us, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
How might God be calling you to step out in boldness today? Remember, sometimes all it takes is a song, a word of encouragement, or simply using the platform He’s already given you.
