Part 1 - Tell your Story
"...And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all that I ever did." John 4:39
When we see the pain and suffering in this world, hunger, drugs, violence, abuse, it is our tendency, our automatic human instinct to help.
We were born to be heroes
Throughout history and even in movies today, men have been portrayed as the providers, protectors and the heroes. Every little kid wished and dreamed with being that here he admired. Every little kid wanted; and every grown up man desires t be someone’s hero.
Girls are no different. Just a few years ago, women had only three option in life when it came to ‘careers’: Housewife, nurse or teacher. Every woman has the tendency and desire of nurturing and helping, nourishing and caring. In other words, we all long to bring change.
The source of the problem
However, when it comes to the day-today life, often tome the help we provide, though is good, is not complete… or lasting. When we give food to the poor or give money to someone in need, soon this gift will vanish. It is just a temporal help.
Helping the poor and the helpless is good, it’s fabulous. Nevertheless, if we want to bring effective and lasting change to the world, we need to address the root of the issue, the cause of the problem.
The Bible tells us that it all began when sin entered into the world. God had created a perfect world. No natural disasters, no animosity between animals, not even work to do. It was a world in perfect harmony… Until, Adam and eve sinned. The world (The planet) became a fallen world where sin and darkness reigned. The new power in control is the devil. Humans began to be born in a sinful nature, with envy and selfishness. This was the beginning of what we see and live today.
God’s solution
However, God didn’t leave it there. He had a plan. The plan was –and is, to, as the Bible calls it: “Redeem the World”. This means to buy it back. And so He did by paying with Christ’s blood.
Now as John 3:16 says, because of His love for the world, He gave His only son so that everyone who believes, may not perish but have everlasting life. This is The Solution. Christ is The Way, The Truth and The Life. There are countless promises in the Bible the address each and every problem we face today. Depression, loneliness, domestic violence, divorce. There is an answer to all of them in The Word of God. He is the hope of nations. He overcame the world system (John 16:33) and that same overcoming power lives in us today. (1 John 4:4)
What to do?
We discover one of the principles of how to change the world in John chapter 4. in this story we lean of a woman, a very sinful immoral woman who, as Jesus met her at the well, He tells her –without previously knowing her, all the things she did –about her 5 former husbands and her current lifestyle. Shortly after, she leaves and goes to the town and tells to the men what happened to her. Later on we read on verse 39 that many in her town believed because of her testimony.
The question then arises. Have you had an encounter with Jesus Christ? If you have been going to church for a while or even if you were born in a Christian home but have not a personal relationship with Jesus, you may not have a story to tell. However, if you have had an encounter with Him, like the woman at the well, even if it was a short time ago, you do have a story to tell. You have the power to tell that story and testify of what God has done in your life… and many will believe because of your testimony.
Will I be effective?
A friend of mine, Kris, is not just someone who shares his faith, but he is someone who is gifted with the gift of evangelism. It is so natural for him that there is no doubt he has that call. Some people have a very special supernatural ‘power’ to tell others about God. But, What about the rest of us? When I read Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus tells His disciples to go and preach the good news and make disciples and baptize and teach His law, He is talking to His disciples... and... we are His disciples today. It doesn’t sound like sharing the gospel is an ‘optional’. We are all called and commanded to do it. Though there are some who will be uniquely and supernaturally used in this area, we are all called to do it in a more simple ordinary way.
So, I asked my fried Kris, “what’s your ratio of success?”. He answered: “100%”. “WOW!!, 100% I said”. What a record!!. He was not saying that to every person he shares the gospel with, immediately brake in tears, kneel down and ask how to be saved. He was basing his answer in what the Bible says. That word of God is perfect converting the soul and it is sure (Psalm 19:7). That The word of God is living and powerful, piercing to the most inner parts of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). That when The Word of God goes out, it will not return void but it does accomplish what He pleases (Isaiah 55:11).
The application
Therefore we have that when we share The Word of God, it is not us trying to convert someone, it is us being a vehicle of the powerful, perfect and effective word of God to change someone’s life.
Wrapping up the story of the woman at eh well, we read in verse 41 that many more believed because of Jesus’ Word. If we do our part and tell just our story and our personal experience with Jesus and how He has brought change to our world, that will draw them to Him and He will do the rest.
What’s your story? 1 Peter 3:15 calls us to be ready to give defense for the hope that is in us. Sit down and write down what your life was like before you had an encounter with Jesus. How you met Him (Who told you or invited you) and what your life is like now. How He has change your world. Submit it to other brothers and sisters for criticism and ideas. Make it simple, relevant and real. Memorize it. Associate one or two Bible verses that exemplify God’s work in your life. Work on it and be ready to present it to someone would want to hear it. Pray for opportunities and open doors to do it.
Look back at eh person or moment that brought you to Jesus. Was it worth it? Sure it was. You wouldn’t change that moment for anything in this world. You needed Jesus whether you knew it or not. He came and changed your life and forever you are thankful for that. Now remember there are many out there who need that life of Jesus as well. Give them the light; give them the opportunity to have a life changed. Tell them your story.
Click here to download the worksheet: "Guidelines for a testimony" (PDF)
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