Fear, or frustrations from, rejection is another deterrent from witnessing. Have you ever shared the Gospel with someone who left the offer on the table? I have, and let me tell you, it’s one of the most disappointing experiences you can have. Rejections of this sort can be so devastating that you’ll resolve to stop witnessing indefinitely. Worse, you may conclude that the person, to whom you witnessed, will never change.
JESUS had every reason to stop witnessing after hearing the words cited above. HE had just pressed the accelerator for witnessing: “”If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water” (John 4:10, New Living Translation). Instead of receiving this offer with joy, the Samaritan woman pressed the brakes, “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water?” (John 4:11, New Living Translation). Most of us would have stopped right here, but not JESUS. HE kept talking, and because HE did, this woman eventually accepted HIS message. I guess the old saying is true: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!
After reading this passage, I’m encouraged (and I hope you are) to keep talking to people, even if they initially reject the message. Honestly, I didn’t accept the Gospel the first time I heard it, but eventually, I did. Why? Because someone kept sharing the good news!