Reading: Acts 26
It use to be that when the topic came up about witnessing for the Lord it would make me feel uneasy. Even though I felt comfortable with my Bible knowledge, I still withdrew from the opportunity when it presented itself. Believe it or not, the reason why was because I had an ordinary life. I grew up in a church. My parents were still married and there were no major troubles in our home while growing up. I was an ordinary person with ordinary problems - nothing of interest to tell to the world. I accepted Christ at a young age and there was nothing dramatic about my conversion. What kind of witness would this be to a non-believer? What moving story could I offer them that would draw them to want to be saved? So many times I sat on my stories of life and I didn't share them, because I didn't feel I had the witness that others did - the dramatic conversions that brought tears to others eyes. And then finally one day it hit me . . . the enemy has me where he wants me. Satan had convinced me that I was useless for the cause of Christ and I had played into his hands.Paul, of course, had the dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. But it was his witness that I was able to pull techniques from that helped me to grow in witnessing to others. So I share them here. Drawing from Acts 26 we see that Paul starts by recognizing the person's current knowledge. It's important that we relay to the person that we realize that they have their own experience with the Word - even if it is very little - even if they are not a believer. Next, Paul reflected upon his sinful past and his dedication to overcoming. While at times it is hard for us to reflect back upon our sinful ways, it is usually these reflections that show the person we are or have been in the same shoes. Paul then shares his encounter with Jesus and the change it made in him. Sharing in this manner gives a person hope and points them to the source of their hope, Jesus Christ.
Has Satan convinced you that you don't have a witness effective enough for the cause of Christ? Don't let the enemy fool you!! It doesn't take a tragedy to relate to others. It only takes a heart that loves Jesus. A heart that wants to show the love of Jesus to the world. When I finally started sharing my life experiences and witnessing as to what the Lord had done in my life, the things that I thought were small and insignificant began to make a difference. I began to see others drawing closer to Christ and I began to draw closer to Him as well. Even though I didn't have a dramatic experience to share, the realization set in that it isn't the magnitude of the experience that mattered. It is what Christ has done in your life because of the experience that ultimately draws others to Him. Through it all, drawing you closer to Him as well.
Prayer: Father, help me to draw upon the little lessons You have taught me in my life so through them I may show others Your love. In Jesus Name, Amen.
