Have you ever wondered why some people are never successful in witnessing about their Lord and Savior? Is it because they are too nervous? Too incompetent? Because they can't talk well? Not at all! It is because we are not full of Jesus!

What do you mean?

Remember Philip? When he went to Samaria, he was noticed. How? Through his speech or his stature? No. Through Jesus dwelling in him!

Acts 8:5-7 "Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said." NIV

Only someone filled up with Jesus could have that kind of power (See Mark 16:15-18). God's Spirit made it possible for Philip to successfully witness in Samaria. He didn't depend on his own timing or cleverness. He depended on the power of God's Holy Spirit within him.

Jesus also depended on solely on God:

John 5:19-20 "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." NIV

No wonder that Jesus could claim: John 10:30 "I and the Father are one." NIV

Is this how Philip determined where and when to witness? Acts 8:26-30 "Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Go south to the road-the desert road-that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch . . . The Spirit told Philip, 'Go to that chariot and stay near it.'" NIV

It wasn't Philip who decided when was the best time and place to witness. He depended solely on God's Spirit. He clearly remembered Jesus' words: Matt 28:18-20 "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." NIV

Philip had no doubts that Jesus was aiding him in carrying out his commission. He was aware that he had access to the One who has "all authority in heaven and on earth". Nothing was impossible to him! He could exclaim with the apostle Paul: Phil 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." NIV

Philip's success as a witness was because he was full of Jesus and fully dependant upon Him. It is the same for us today! We, too, just fully depend upon Him to be a successful witness. Read the following true event that happened in Uganda, Africa:

It was Easter Day, 1973. Pastor Kefa Sempangi bravely and openly preached about the risen Lord in his Ugandan town's football stadium to over 7,000 people. After the service, five of Idi Amin's Secret Police followed Sempangi back to his little church and closed the door behind them. Five rifles pointed at Sempangi's face. "We are going to kill you for disobeying Amin's orders" said the captain. "If you have something to say, say it before you die."

Sempangi, thinking of his beautiful wife and lovely little girl, began to shake. But the risen Lord living in his heart gave him the courage to speak. "Do what you must," he said. "The Word of God says that in Christ I am already dead, and that my real life is hidden with Him in God. It is not my life that is in danger, but yours. I am alive in the risen Lord but you are still dead in your sins. May He spare you from eternal destruction." The leader looked at Sempangi for a long time. Then he lowered his gun and said, "Will you pray for us?" Sempangi did, and from that day those five officers, now converted through the witness of Sempangi's bravery, protected the pastor with their very lives. (Thanks to Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2003, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTION FOR EASTER pkennedy@devotional.com)

What would have happened if Pastor Kefa remained quiet and didn't listen to that little voice who prompted him? Maybe he would have been killed, maybe not. However, the opportunity to witness and lead these men to Christ would have been gone. Pastor Kefa was full of Jesus and depended solely on Him. The results were astounding! Even if he had lost his life, his testimony would not have returned void! This is what happens when one is full of Jesus.

Witnessing when you are full of Jesus is an experience you can never forget. If you haven't experienced Him fully yet in your witnessing, why don't you invite Him to be your guide and power when witnessing and ask Him to offer you opportunities to do so. Watch then and see doors open. You will be amazed of His power! It's all about Jesus! Even in our witnessing! In His love,

Rob Chaffart

Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org