Many years ago, when I was in
college, I had a friend I'll call Lacy. My roommate--let's call her Patty--and
I had been witnessing to Lacy for months.
While Lacy was a "good girl," she didn't have a personal
relationship with Jesus, and she admitted that.
Then for a time after beginning to talk to Lacy about Jesus, I led a very hypocritical life. I wasn't acting like a Christian, and Lacy knew it. After getting right with God and breaking off
a destructive relationship, I returned to church and Bible study regularly but
never explained the situation to Lacy.
One night Patty, who had been
faithful in her witness all along, suggested that I tell Lacy my story. So I
did. That was the missing piece in her decision to trust Christ. Lacy needed to
know that my lifestyle was not part of the Christian life, and she needed to
hear me say that I had asked for and received forgiveness for my sin. It was
our joy then for Patty and me to share the ups and downs of our Christian walk
and to see Lacy grow in faith.
This is the power of story.
I've heard it said a number of times recently that, because your story is your
own experience, it's a powerful witnessing tool. Even people who want nothing
to do with the Bible will often listen to a personal anecdote. They can't claim
it isn't valid; it's your experience.
Think of the numerous times
Jesus told a story to get the attention of the crowd. He knew what most
teachers know: if you want people to remember a lesson, find a way to get them
emotionally invested in it. Stories do this. They can be merely parables, or
they can be true accounts of actual events.
Literature is a powerful
medium because we learn so much about people and relationships from
well-written stories. The power of friendship is illustrated beautifully in
everything from Charlotte's Web to Huckleberry Finn. I am certain that reading
Steinbeck has made me a more compassionate person. Some of his stories I
will never forget.
On Sunday morning, we were
challenged to share our story. I thought of some people who might need to hear
the same thing I told Lacy all those years ago. I am praying about the right
time and way to begin that conversation. It won't be easy, but I am trusting God to
lead me. Then I'll have yet another story to share!
--Sherry Poff
