Weather Report From Heaven: Sunny and bright, with an abundance of light and lots of singing and rejoicing.
Scripture: “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Insight: Your story is your testimony. Have you ever stopped to consider this and ponder its significance? The verses above in Matthew 28:18-20 were Jesus’s commands to His disciples in order to grow the church but they have become a stumbling block for many believers today who look at that command and think “how can I do that? I have nothing to offer, or I am not a Pastor.” Most likely that response is born out of a past experience they’ve had where they have tried to get into a theological discussion at some point, most likely with someone they care greatly about who has only refuted their attempted witness or vehemently denied that Jesus Christ is Lord. We really shouldn’t be surprised when this happens, as the entire world has become a shouting match, a glorified Jerry Springer Show, where people only see life through their own narrow lens, which has been imbedded in them through confirmation bias, seeking viewpoints that only substantiate their already deeply entrenched positions. Then they apply cognitive dissonance to reject any opposing viewpoint, even if the facts are irrefutable against their position, so as not to have to admit they are wrong. This is part of the social experiment we have all been pulled into through a divisive and destructive media agenda that seeks to fuel division and hatred.
Therefore, many believers have scar tissue from those past encounters and are reluctant to share the Gospel with those around them who desperately need to hear it. But when this happens, we must change course, not quit. We must simplify our message, and here is how we do it: We simply tell them our personal story. Our story is our testimony and no one can refute that because it is ours.If Jesus healed an addiction in your life, tell that story. If He miraculously healed you or a loved one from a horrible disease or illness, tell that story. If He lifted you out of despair, or depression, tell that story. If He healed your bitterness, anger or resentment from a past relationship or hardship, share that. In my case, He took away a lifetime of feeling unworthy as a result of my broken relationship with my father, and helped me to let go of the chains that enslaved me. That is my testimony, and when I share it, no one can refute it. People need to hear the actual stories of what Jesus has done in your life. We don’t need to get into deep theological discussions in order to be effective witnesses for Christ. We simply need to tell our stories. They’re uniquely personal and powerful and God will use them to help others who desperately need to hear of the hope that Jesus brings into all kinds of brokenness that exists in the world today, and you as a believer are uniquely qualified to carry your story forward. Let God handle the ripple effects, you simply tell others of what Jesus has done for you. He will be glorified and you will find purpose from the pain you have been through.
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You waste nothing and that You can use our individual stories to tell others about Your great love for them, and make us Your witnesses by simply telling others about our own stories of redemption. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen!
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