Recently, while reading the story of the woman at the well, I marked John 4:39, which reads, “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony” (NIV). I wrote in big bold letters on the side of the page, “Share your story.”
This past summer, I found myself in a situation where I was asked, “What’s your story?” I was a leader at a camp trip, and at one of the leader meetings we were asked to write a few lines explaining our testimony. They would then select a couple of testimonies and place them on pieces of cardboard to be shared with high school students later that week.
Mine was chosen, and after I shared my cardboard testimony, a student approached me. She appeared rather nervous but asked whether we could talk. I was stunned, but overjoyed, and agreed to do so. We went and sat in a corner far from everyone else, and she asked for every detail of my testimony, from the beginning to now. I told her everything as she listened intently. It turned out the girl was going through some experiences that I had gone through. The fact that she got to look at Jesus through me still brings tears of joy to my eyes. I now not only see but also believe the power in testimonies.
I encourage every person who has been changed by Jesus to share their story with as many people as you possibly can. Someone out there is going to connect. Someone is going to relate. And someone out there needs to hear it. It is a witness, like the woman at the well. You only have this chance for a short time here on earth to help others in this way. So, go and share your story. It might be what helps others believe there is a God powerful enough to change them too.
—Written by Megan Sauers, a freelance writer residing in New York, New York, United States.