SCRIPTURE:
'Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
John 11:35
OBSERVATION:
The Psalmist writes the the redeemed of the Lord should tell their story. To me, that’s the tip of the spear of evangelism, personal testimony shared life on life. I’m not a preacher, but I love to tell the story. Good and bad. When we have the courage and the calling of the Holy Spirit to share our stories, we put into action the words of this Psalm. When we share our testimony, when we tell our stories, we commend the work of God in our life and in doing so, we not only celebrate His faithfulness to us, we may also in turn build up the faith in others.
APPLICATION:
This really hits home for me in this season with Jillian Marley entering her senior year. I want so much for her to know how good God has been to our ʻohana. I want her to follow Jesus not because that’s what mom and dad do, but because she has met him in her own victories and more so in her failures. So, instead of reading the latest “how-to” book or relying on others to share the good news with her, I’m gonna continue the story by telling the story. I’m gonna seize every single moment, every early morning drive in traffic to school, every run to Coffee Bean, every meal at the table, I’m gonna take every chance I get to “sing” her my redemption song. My hope is that in hearing my song she’ll be encouraged to use her voice the same way through her unique experience with the Redeemer. It doesn’t need to be the same song, just the same source.
You see, I think if we had the chance to ask someone who lived during Jesus’ time to describe Him they’d all have different answers. If they were there at that wedding they’d say “He’s a miracle worker, he just turned water into wine.” If they were one of the 5000 in attendance on that hill they might describe Him as a provider, “Jesus turned 5 fish and 2 loaves into an all-you-can-eat buffet.” And if they were there when the woman reached through the crowd to touch His robe they might call Him, healer. All different, and all correct.
When we tell our story, our unique experiences with Jesus, we reveal to others characteristics of God that give a grander picture of Who He is, which in turn fuels the courage to take another step forward in hope.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for redeeming my life and giving me a story that points to Your faithfulness. Give me the courage to share it with humility and love, especially with Jillian and Eden. Help them to know You personally and see Your goodness. May my testimony always point others to Jesus and give them hope to take their next step of faith. Amen
