2 Timothy 1:7-8
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”
Eric Metaxas is the author of numerous books including his bestseller about Deitrich Bonhoeffer and another book on the life of Martin Luther released last year. He once shared these words that caught my attention: “Our lives are the most powerful apologetic for the gospel of Christ…communicate what is true (in your life) in a way that is true in the best way.”
I heard these words shortly after embarking on the journey of writing devotionals. Feeling wholly inadequate, the Lord impressed upon me that I had a story to tell, in fact, numerous stories to tell. By sharing the many ways Christ has impacted my life through the years, I’ve been able to convey the gospel and to testify what I believe—that Truth is in a person, Jesus Christ. Through real-life stories, I have been able to communicate what is True (Jesus) in a way that is true (my own life) in the best way (through the written word). The Bible says “we are to do the work of an evangelist” but the mere thought strikes fear in the hearts of many of us Christians. Sharing the “Four Spiritual Laws” or the “Roman Road” can be intimidating to many, but what if you just told a story—an account of what God did to provide in hard times, a time when He got you through a difficult situation or when He answered a prayer?
1 Peter 3:15 instructs us, “…always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” When we share something that is TRUE in our life, the BEST way we can, and sharing the WHAT— the Truth, Jesus Christ—we are testifying to the hope that we have an offering to others that gift of hope that can only be found in Jesus. May we be encouraged by what the Psalmist says:
“Sing to the Lord, bless His name;
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonders among all peoples.
For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.” (Ps. 96:2-4)
Father, our hearts are filled with praise when we think of the power You have given us through the Holy Spirit to share with others the Truth which is in the person of Jesus Christ. Thank you for confirming that our living testimony can often be more powerful than a wrote method to share Your Truth. Remind us of the many ways You have impacted our lives so that we may share what is true, the way that is true, in the best way, for Your glory. In Jesus name and for His sake. Amen.
~ “The Sewing Circle,” by Daniel Ridgway Knight
