Share Your Story – Dr. Hona Amer

Scripture:

“Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him because of the woman’s witness: ‘He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!’ They asked him to stay on, so Jesus stayed two days. A lot more people entrusted their lives to him when they heard what he had to say. They said to the woman, ‘We’re no longer taking this on your say-so. We’ve heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He’s the Savior of the world’!” John 4:39-42 (MSG)

Perspective:

We all like to tell stories and hear stories. When you go on a big trip, it is fun to come home and tell everyone what you did and show them pictures. The power of your story might influence your family or friends to travel to the same place where you traveled, even more than a travel magazine or brochure.

A Samaritan woman had met Jesus at a well as she was going to draw water. As Jesus began talking to her, she realized that he knew more about her than she expected. She had a past that probably haunted her everyday. How could this stranger know her story? And, why, in light of her story, was he still speaking to her? Jesus wasn’t as interested in her past as he was interested in the gift of life he was giving to her. After she left, she didn’t keep the experience to herself. She told all the people in the village about Jesus. The power of her personal testimony created curiosity in other people’s hearts, resulting in them experiencing the life-changing power of Jesus. Sometimes we can forget the power of our personal testimony. It can be easy to compare our story to other people’s and think that our testimony is just sort of normal. But, to someone who does not know Jesus, knowing what Jesus has done in your life might have more impact than the greatest theology lesson that you could find. We are all sinners saved by grace, but how we come to experience Jesus’ grace, forgiveness, and power is usually individualized. So simply ask yourself: What has Jesus done for you? How has he changed your life? Then, embrace the opportunities to share your story with people who need Jesus. Because, ultimately, your story isn’t just about you; it is part of a great tapestry woven by stories of grace from a Savior that changed the world.