Today’s Reading: John 4:39-42 (NIV)
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony. “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to Him, they urged Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. 41 And because of His words many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)
Good day!
I have a dear friend who loves to tell about the testimony of the Samaritan woman, and the impact it made in her community. It must have been a difficult thing for this woman to go and tell her neighbors, who truly hated her, about the man she met at the well and how He changed her life. It took courage for her to share this Good News, knowing she may be rejected. It was worth the risk. She knew if they could just meet Him for themselves, their hearts would be forever changed. Because she was willing to share her personal testimony, many in her community were saved that day. Jesus was warmly welcomed in the Samaritan village and he stayed there for two days, offering living water to all who were thirsty.
Your personal testimony is very important. We often assume our family and friends know how we feel, but if we are unwilling to talk about what we believe and why we believe it, they may not know! It is not always a comfortable thing to share what you believe with someone else. Being rejected is never a pleasant experience, and many of us choose not to risk it, for fear of failure. Do we really fail when we share the Gospel with someone and they turn away? Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples one final instruction, known as The Great Commission. You can find His words at Matthew 28:18-20. Christ called His faithful followers to go and preach the Gospel to all the nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and to teach them to obey everything He had taught them. And Jesus promised He would be with them always, even to the end of the age. Once we get our job description straight, the fear of failure subsides. It is not our job to do the saving. The power of the Holy Spirit enables a seeking heart to accept Christ and follow Him. Jesus simply instructed us to go and tell the Good News. We need to tell others what Christ has done in our lives.
My family and friends would be the first to tell you that I have not lived a perfect life. I’ve made many mistakes along the way. The amazing gift of God’s grace through Christ’s sacrifice has changed me! Like the Apostle Paul, I was the worst of sinners, and He died for me, even while I still sinning. That alone proves just how much He loves us. If there is anything good in me at all, it is Jesus, living in me. He takes broken hearts and heals them, remodeling us for His glory. Jesus Christ saved me! And I know if He can save someone like me, He can save you too!
It could be your personal testimony today that opens the door for someone you know to meet Jesus Christ. If you could offer someone one gift that would give them peace and joy today and assurance of hope for every tomorrow, wouldn’t it be a risk worth taking?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC -
Help me share Your love Lord, through my personal testimony today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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