Go, and I Will Be With You” — Confidence for Ministry to Others
Key Text:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” — Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV)
Confidence in Christ reaches its fullest expression when it moves beyond us.
Up to this point in the series, we’ve seen God call the insecure (Moses), use the weak (Gideon), calm the fearful (Jeremiah), and build confidence through action (Peter). But all of those experiences were leading somewhere.
They were preparing God’s people for mission.
Christian confidence is never meant to stop at personal growth. It is meant to overflow into service, witness, and ministry to others.
The Disciples Were Not Naturally Confident
After Jesus ascended, the disciples were not educated leaders or trained speakers. They were ordinary men—many of whom had once been fearful, impulsive, and unsure.
Yet something had changed.
The Bible records the reaction of those who heard them preach:
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” — Acts 4:13 (KJV)
Their confidence did not come from education, eloquence, or experience.
It came from being with Jesus.
Confidence for Ministry Comes From Presence, Not Performance
Many young people hesitate to minister because they think they are not “good enough”:
not confident speakers
not knowledgeable enough
not spiritual enough
not experienced enough
But the Bible never teaches that ministry effectiveness comes from human ability.
Jesus said:
“Without me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (KJV)
That means the opposite is also true:
with Him, ordinary people become powerful instruments.
Ellen G. White makes this clear:
“It is not the eloquence or logic of the sermon that does the work, but the influence of the Holy Spirit.” — Gospel Workers, p. 159.
God does not ask you to impress people.
He asks you to be filled with His Spirit.
Jesus Sends Us With a Promise
The Great Commission is often read as a command, but it is also a promise.
Jesus does not simply say, “Go.”
He says, “Go… and I am with you.”
The same presence that gave Moses courage, Gideon strength, Jeremiah assurance, and Peter faith is the presence Jesus promises to every believer sent into ministry.
You are never sent alone.
Ellen White writes:
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people.” — The Ministry of Healing, p. 143.
That method begins with being with Christ, then going to others with His love.
Confidence Grows When We Focus on Others, Not Ourselves
Fear often grows when we turn inward:
How do I sound?
What if they judge me?
What if I don’t know what to say?
But ministry shifts our focus outward:
How can I help?
How can I serve?
How can I point them to Jesus?
Confidence strengthens when love replaces self-consciousness.
Jesus promised:
“He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” — Matthew 10:39 (KJV)
When you stop trying to protect your image, God begins to use your life.
You Are Called to Ministry Right Now
Ministry is not reserved for pastors or preachers.
It includes:
praying with someone
listening with compassion
sharing Scripture
standing for truth
encouraging the discouraged
living consistently for Christ
Every believer is called to be a witness.
Ellen White states:
“Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary.” — The Desire of Ages, p. 195.
You do not graduate into ministry someday.
You are called into it now.
Confidence Is Sustained by Dependence
The disciples remained bold not because they trusted themselves, but because they depended daily on Christ.
When prayer weakened, courage weakened.
When connection strengthened, boldness returned.
Confidence for ministry is sustained the same way it is born—through dependence on Christ.
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves… but our sufficiency is of God.” — 2 Corinthians 3:5 (KJV)
What This Means for You
God may be calling you to:
speak when it feels uncomfortable
serve when you feel unqualified
pray when you feel unsure
witness when you feel afraid
If He is calling you, He is also promising His presence.
You do not need to wait to feel confident.
You need to walk with Jesus.
Confidence in ministry grows when Christ is trusted more than self.
Reflection Thought
The world does not need more confident personalities.
It needs more people who have been with Jesus.
When you go with Him, confidence follows.
Prayer Thought:
“Lord, send me where You want me to go. Help me stop relying on myself and start trusting Your presence. Use my life to point others to You, and give me confidence as I walk with You.”
Written by -
Pastor Jorge Alvarado