A GOOD STORY
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’” John 4:39, ESV
Theme: Many believe when we share our personal testimony about Jesus, just like when the Samaritan woman shared her story.
HELL’S ANGELS
As a young girl, I remember guest speakers at my church sharing dramatic stories of their lives before Jesus. We had a guy who was a member of the Hell’s Angels gang. We had a preacher who ministered on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, sharing the stories of so many who had been rescued from a life of drunkenness or prostitution. I thought to have “a story” meant you had to be a big, bad sinner who finally saw the light. That, like the woman at the well who had already had five husbands, you needed a dramatic transformation to draw attention to Jesus.
FAITH AS A CHILD
In contrast, I came to faith in Jesus as a seven-year-old. Sure, I knew without a doubt that I was a sinner (specifically a liar, disobedient, and a selfish person). None of that seemed worth sharing. I figured it wasn’t a conversion experience that anyone would want to listen to.
What has been a useful part of my story is that it was so simple and easy that I didn’t believe it really “worked.” I doubted that I had “done it right” and I had no assurance of my salvation. As I grew older, I thought, “Well no, I have not turned my finances over to Jesus! (I didn’t have a job yet!) I have not turned my (non-existent) relationships over to Him! I’ve not made Him Lord of my ambitions.” A wise leader shared that these were matters of “Lordship” and of turning areas of my life over to Him as He revealed them. I didn’t have a dating life yet, so giving this area to Jesus had not yet arisen!
What helped me so much was this verse: “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 19:14, ESV). I didn’t need to understand the plan of salvation, the Bible verses, or some specific prayer. I just needed to know I wanted Jesus to forgive my sins, come into my heart, and be my Friend forever. He was my Savior and I had been given eternal life.
That part of my story has helped others who doubted they were truly saved and really had eternal life. They still needed to pray and get that confirmed by God’s Spirit, but it gave them hope and a place to start praying about it!
Make It Personal: Your salvation story may be mild, even boring. It may be dramatic and emotional. Either way, there is something about your story that needs to be told and that will change someone else’s life. It may be how God came through in your marriage or comforted you in your grief. It may be a story of His direction and peace as you made a tough decision. Think of the many ways your story might connect with someone else. Hone that little part. Be ready to toss it out there and share when a similar situation arises. Your testimony of God may be the hook that draws them to seek Jesus and discover that He is real and that He cares for them.
Pray: Use either of the prayers below. Make it your own!
Father God, sometimes I am envious of those powerful stories. But most of the time, I am very grateful that I came to know You at a young age; that Your Spirit guided me through those hard teenage and college years. I was not perfect, but I knew exactly what You wanted me to do (or not do). I had Your Word and Your Spirit to convict me of sin and renew my mind. Help me to share that Good News as I share Your salvation. My life could have been so much different, but for Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Or
Lord God, I have been to hell and back. You have rescued me from the pit more times than I deserved. I was that _______ (examples: gang member, prostitute, or addict)—and I have seen Your mercy. Thank You, God! Give me the courage to be vulnerable, to use my hurts, habits, and hang-ups for Your glory. You have chosen me to be a vessel of Your truth. The least I can do is share my story. Help me do that. In Your Name. Amen.
Read: Matthew 19:13-15; Romans 10:14-15; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Corinthians 6:11
Weekly Memory Verse: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9, NIV