There’s a children’s board game called “Chutes and Ladders.”  It is the most exasperating game in the world.  Every time you approach the finish, you slide back to the beginning.   The game is a lesson in setbacks.

If you are going to try to share Jesus with other people, you can expect setbacks.  Some people may not respond immediately.  Others will give a negative response.  Telling others about Jesus will not be a universally positive experience.

What can you do?

First, expect the setbacks.  That was the experience of the Apostle Paul, the man who helped spread the good news about Jesus more than anyone else in history.  Paul won many converts.  He also suffered mockery, beatings, and a lot of indifference.  None of it surprised him.

Second, don’t give up.  Paul didn’t.  He stayed dedicated to his mission to the end of his life.  Remain committed to your message.  Don’t badger people, but don’t give up on them, either.  Stay in relationship with them.  It may be that they will be open to your testimony sometime in the future.

Share Jesus.  Expect setbacks.  Keep moving forward.