Please read Acts 8:26-40
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, Ephesians 2:14
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11
Witness: To have knowledge of (an event or change) from personal observation or experience.
I’ve grown-up in church all my life. To tell you the truth, I can’t really remember much about life before I began attending at the tender age of 5. In my time and experience within the walls of the church and Christian school, I have heard countless sermons and talks about witnessing. For a long time, I was really confused about my role in evangelism and witnessing, and if I am honest the notion terrified me. I often panicked and worried about saying the wrong thing or doing something silly that would drive someone away from Jesus instead of toward Him.
It wasn’t until I was in my late 20’s that I realized that God never commanded us to save people. He only asked us to share what we have witnessed—to share the story of what Christ has done in and through us. This thought has made all the difference in the world. I don’t need complicated words or theories, I just need to share how Jesus has personally worked in me to change me. Like the farmer in Matthew 13, we go out and sow seed. Where it falls and the responses of the soil are not for us to worry about. As 2 Timothy 2:4 encourages us, we need only to be ready in season and out of season to share what God has done in us.
This sharing can come in many forms. We can speak to crowds, but for most of us Christ is shared in the office, over coffee, as we parent, going through the drive-through, or standing in line at the grocery store. It begins with praying for those around us to have hearts that are stirred and prepared to hear the Good News. I guess St. Francis of Assisi was right when he said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary use words.”
We all have a story to share and our own creative ways in which to share it. Remember, witnessing is just sharing what you have seen and personally experienced. It is seen in the everyday mundane ways we live our lives and it is spoken in boldness. How can you be a great witness to those around you today? Maybe it is in a meaningful conversation, or maybe it is as simple as holding the door or leaving an encouraging note. Get creative, share your story, and shine your light.
By Sheila Rennau
