Friday, October 27, 2023

Telling your faith story to someone can feel scary. 

You might wonder “What are they going to think of me?” “Am I going to be judged?” Well, possibly, yes. But know this, you are doing what Jesus told us to do in the great commission—“go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). 

It doesn't matter what people think when we share Jesus because, while some may criticize, we know as Christians, we are following God’s calling in our life. Your story may help someone make the decision to follow Jesus and begin their own life-changing adventure! And that will be worth overcoming any discomfort you had while sharing it.

1 Peter 3:15-16
¹⁵ Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. ¹⁶ But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear…. 

Stories are powerful! Jesus often used stories to make his point, and you’ve probably noticed our pastors do as well. Stories help people relate to us or the situation. I am blessed to have the opportunity to share my story often in the LivingItOut, but I remember being scared the first time I told someone. I sometimes make a mess out of the things I say, so I was nervous I’d say something wrong. But the more you share your story, the easier it becomes to tell, both with the words you choose and the way you tell it.

What Jesus did for you and I wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t painless, so how can we expect anything different? Lucky for us, times have changed. No matter how scared, embarrassed, or hesitant we are to share, we don’t have to worry about being whipped and beaten for getting it wrong. At some point we will get it wrong, as that is part of being human—we are not perfect. But, God doesn’t expect us to be, either. Doing the best we can, and relying on God in every situation, despite the fear of judgment, is all we can do. 

Therefore, go and make disciples of the world! Tell your story, and invite someone to church. 

Questions: 
Have you ever thought of writing down your story and sharing it? What barriers are preventing you from telling others, and how can you move them out of the way?

Next Steps: 
Write out your story so that it’s ready to share with anyone who will listen. Add yours to the “My Story” section on the homepage of the CedarCreek app. Use the framework offered this weekend to help you get started:

• What was your life like before Jesus?
• How did you meet Jesus?
• What is your new life like with Jesus?

Invite someone to Halloweekend at CedarCreek.

Prayer:
God, I know I fall short every day of being perfect, and I love that I'm allowed to know I can't fill your son's footsteps fully. Thank you for allowing me not to miss the opportunities I have had in sharing my story and possibly opening up the ideas of church, you, and your son's love for us to others. I love you, Father, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

This post was written by Casey Stengel, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.