As we continue our study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse 29, of Chapter 4. Writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle writes:
“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony. ‘He told me everything I ever did.’ So when the Samaritans came to Him, they urged Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. And because of His words many more became believers. 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.'” John 4: 39-42.
Why Jesus chose to reveal Himself at this time, to this woman, in this town, is not revealed in the Scripture, but what is revealed is the impact our testimony can have on other people.
This woman had a reputation. Not a good one, but one that would be filled with much more than just an average life. When she said “He told me everything I ever did,” He probably told her things that only she could know. But Jesus is God, and knows everything about every one. The Good News is – He loves us anyway. Here He used His knowledge of her to bring her to Him, and He used her testimony to bring others to Him.
Each of us have a testimony. Each of us have a reputation – and it may be one that we do not want to share. But the Lord can, and will use it for people to relate to when we are willing to share it.
Sharing our testimony may be the vessel the Lord uses to carry the Good News to some who may never hear it any other way. Our testimony may inspire someone to want to hear more about this man called Jesus – as some of the people of Samaria did. To hear about this someone that will accept them as they are, and will love them no matter what they may have done. Out testimony may be used to give someone a desire to hear His words from the Scripture. When they really hear, the Holy Spirit will tell them clearly “that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
Let us encourage each other, and pray for each other to be able to share our testimony. Sometimes getting the courage to do it the first few times is hard, but just as in anything else, when we go to the Lord first,( “For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13) and the more we share it, the easier it becomes. The enemy does not want us to tell those in our life the truth of how we feel about Jesus, but that is another top reason to do it. (“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7)
We just have to remember it is all about Love. Love for our Lord, and Love for our brothers, and our sisters. We do not carry the responsibility of whether someone believes what we say, or not. We just carry the Good News in our heart, and share it as the Lord gives the opportunity.
May you be blessed with perfect health, and favor from Him in all things, and in all ways, God’s Beloveds. You are greatly loved.
Poppa B.