Afraid to Tell Your Story?

As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled. (Mark 5:18-20, ESV)

I'd like for each of you to take a moment and answer this question: Are you afraid to tell others about Jesus?

Christians often become fearful when they begin to think about sharing their faith with other (i.e. witnessing, evangelism, etc.). A number of questions or thoughts may run through your head:

• What am I supposed to say?
• Do I know enough about Jesus to tell others about Him?
• What if I mess up?

If you have ever experienced fear in regards to evangelism or entertained any of these questions, I'd like to encourage you with a few thoughts.

First, tell your story. Don't make evangelism more complicated than it really is. Evangelism is telling others what Jesus has done for you. Isn't that what Jesus told the man to do--to tell of His acts and mercy? If you are a Christian, then you have a story to tell. Why? Because the story of your life has intersected with the Big Story--the Story of Salvation. Your sin has been forgiven because of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Tell others what He's done for you.

Second, begin with your friends. Those who know you the best will be the ones who will most readily see how Jesus has changed you. The friends of the demoniac remembered him as someone who lived among the graves, cut himself with stones, constantly cried out, and broke out of his changed. Yet, after encountering Jesus, he was changed.

There's much more that can be said, but we need to start somewhere. May the Lord give you opportunities this week to share your story.

( Go here to read the whole story of Jesus' encounter with the Gerasenes demoniac.)