“Go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:39 NLT
Jesus instantly healed a man completely of more issues than we can imagine. He was homeless because his mind and behavior were so chaotic he couldn’t be with his family. He was violent, mentally and emotionally ill. This caused him to have physical problems, adding to the total social isolation he experienced. He didn’t even wear clothes. He wandered and raged among the tombs in a cemetery, frightening everyone. But when he met Jesus, the King and Savior, he was healed. Everything changed. Very shortly he was witnessed by the whole community as sane, clothed, and sitting at Jesus’ feet, learning as a normal, healthy man.
Can’t you imagine what his response would be? He wanted to stay with Jesus and follow Him everywhere and anywhere. But Jesus knew the man’s great transformation was to be shared. His greatest usefulness and satisfaction would come from actively involving himself in the lives of others and sharing his transformation. Jesus instructed him to go back to his family and his life, making his goal to tell people everything God had done for him. The man immediately obeyed. Soon the man was telling everyone in the town his transformation story.
Sometimes we put emphasis on knowing “the plan of salvation,” urging memorization of steps like “The Roman Road,” “Four Spiritual Laws,” “The Wordless Book,” and others. While there is nothing wrong with memorizing a plan, nothing is as effective as simply telling your own story of what Jesus has done for you.
That’s why effective commercials feature testimonials of people saying they have used the product or service and telling its benefits. We want real-life witnesses that what we need is truly available.
Everyone you know needs Jesus and the healing and purpose only He can give. They need your story, your testimonial. When you live well, representing well the life He has given you, you will get natural opportunities to share with people why your marriage works, why you can live without fear, why you have hope. Everything God has done for you is a hook for someone, an open door to share what God has done. They will find it possible to believe He can do it for them too, as you share honestly and humbly.
- Who needs to know what Jesus has done for you? Ask Jesus to open those doors and open your eyes to recognize them.