I get so nervous!

I have been doing evangelism for over 30 years.  Last week I was preparing to preach a new message on the street.  I was SO nervous!!  This is what happened.

• Sweaty palms
• Trembling in the hands, knees and voice
• Shortness of breath
• Urge to use the bathroom
• Dry mouth

If you have ever been asked to stand ontheredbox, you know the feeling of being nervous!  How can you get over that feeling of being nervous?

I regret to inform you there is not much hope!

All of my evangelist friends still get nervous!   When you understand that the two greatest phobia’s known to mankind are Necrophobia:  Fear of death, and Glossophobia:  Fear of public speaking, then you know why you get nervous.

There are, however, some things you can do to help REDUCE your sense of nervousness.

• Take deep, slow breaths
• Pray
• Be well prepared
• Look at a friend in the audience that can keep you encouraged
• If your mouth is dry, bite the inside of your cheek to get the saliva flowing or drink small amounts of water

Chances are, once you are ontheredbox, your nervousness will disappear and the Holy Spirit will take over.  The adrenaline rush and spiritual high will totally overshadow your prior  agony.

Realize that being nervous actually helps you take your eyes off of yourself and possible failure, and get your eyes and trust on the Lord.

jacob bock