Last Sunday, the World Church theme for worship services was “Amplify Our Witness”. As I thought on this theme, I wondered how often we have shared our personal stories and in what circumstances we have done this to become witnesses of our lives as well as a witness for the Christ.
Many cultures around the world retain their histories by constantly telling their stories. Our aboriginal (First Nation) friends are a prime example of telling their dreamtime stories. I have learnt from my own research into our family history that many people around the world are into researching the history of their families to discover the stories of their past relatives.
Are we ready to tell our stories when we are asked? Do we know what we will say?
Are we willing to cross cultural and social barriers to tell our stories? We are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Opportunities may come our way sooner than we think to share our stories. We need to prepare ourselves.
I was recently reading again the experience of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well and was struck by the following verse from John 4:39: “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.”
Have you ever been asked the question, “What is your story?” I have, but the story I usually tell is about my health, family, interests, gardening etc. – not about my Christian faith!
The only time I have talked about my in-depth Christian journey and faith is when I have been in intimate sharing discussions, say, in preparing people for their Evangelist Blessing.
There are so many messages and challenges to be gained from Jesus’ encounter with this woman at the well, even for each of us today. Jesus offered the woman “living” water and became aware of the sinful life the woman had been living.
They became involved in a theological discussion about the mountain upon which God should be worshipped, because the Samaritans worshipped God on a different mountain than the Jews. After hearing Jesus’ testimony, the woman states her belief that he is the Messiah. The woman then returns to her village and shares her story of her experience with Jesus and invites the villagers to “Come and see.” When they come and meet Jesus, he is invited to stay in the village for two days where he spoke to the people and they believed on his word.
Just think of Jesus’ situation in this incident – he was very weary from his long walk, he was hungry, tired, hot, and thirsty because he had to sit on the side of the well. Despite all these physical ailments Jesus told his story to the woman.
I was recently reading a past Evangelist newsletter that set out clearly how we should be answering the following question put to us: “Tell me about the Community of Christ.” The article provided suggestions on how we might provide our story and affirmation. It covered: “What do I say and how do I say it?” It may be that this information could be helpful to each one of us!
We may think of ourselves as being too old or incapable of sharing our story. However, you know I think right now at these times in our lives, it is the right time! This point was reinforced to me when I read this perceptive quote in a Daily Bread: “We must not die to ourselves or our story.”
We are challenged to find the strength, courage, and commitment to share our stories of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it has impacted our lives. And where do we find these forces? By seeking out this living water that Jesus promised the woman and basking in the presence of the Holy Spirit in our quiet, reflective times. It is here that we will receive the support to carry on our pursuit of discipleship. Telling our Christian story helps the hearer to see Jesus through you. Believe in the power of testimony.
I encourage every person whose life has been changed by Jesus to share their story with as many people as you possibly can. Someone out there is going to connect. Someone is going to relate. And someone out there needs to hear it. It is a witness like the woman at the well. We only have this chance for a brief time here on earth to help others in this way. So, go and share your story; it might be what helps others to believe there is a God powerful enough to change them, too.
Bill Gillard