6-8-26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I suppose every generation of human history thinks it has discovered a better way, or even the perfect way, to communicate the truth. Or truths\u2026 via legends, epic sagas, poetry, art, literature, song, allegory, comic strips. Contemporary post-modernists congratulate themselves for discovering \u201cstory\u201d as the greatest mode. Yet Aesop and even the Lord Jesus made effective use of tales and parables to amuse, inspire, and educate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sharing the Gospel \u2013 the \u201cgood news\u201d of Jesus Christ \u2013 is often regarded as a unique skill by Christians, perhaps even a spiritual gift, like prophecy or imparting wisdom or a healing ministry. And many times when it is employed by Christians, stories are shared of God\u2019s great power, or lessons that Jesus taught, or events and incidents \u2013 even miracles \u2013 that are cited to make powerful points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indeed there are lessons that can be shared in these ways. Not everybody needs a miracle, but a story about someone else\u2019s miracle might be effective in certain situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 But wait. Are we nervous about calling down a miracle? Who are we to decide whether a miracle is needed in a person\u2019s life? In fact, who are we to decide what a miracle is<\/em>? Some folks enduring anguish might be moved in a major way by a little ray of sunshine, a reassurance, a word of faith. Many times I have witnessed a change in someone\u2019s spirit, even body, by a simple smile, prayer, or the sharing of a Bible verse. A story, perhaps about someone who had been in their situation, has had a great impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christians should think beyond that. Stories about others, no matter how pertinent to your friend\u2019s situation, are never as powerful as when the story involves yourself. <\/em>There scarcely is a situation that is unrelated to something in your life. Anguish, yes; doubt, fear, challenges, crises, desperation, loneliness; even a toxic confusion when no friend is present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In those moments, all too common, the personal<\/em> empathy \u2013 not calling upon something you read or heard about \u2013 can connect your soul with a hungry person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not difficult, yet we seldom rely on the mode. Are we shy? Do we feel presumptuous? Can we \u201cclose the circle\u201d with the point we attempt to make? No matter: everyone appreciates the connection, the sympathetic outreach, the humanity when invoked in the Name of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I recently returned from a postponed honeymoon, three weeks in Europe. My wife and I encountered several opportunities to share the Gospel or a brief prayer. God arranges these moments\u2026 if we choose to recognize them. I returned to America and was in the hospital and quickly found myself in the hospital with a travel-related malady, and encountered five opportunities to share and pray; two with Christian hospital staffers, three with staffers who saw my Bible and were moved to ask questions about faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each of us has uncountable opportunities to share, pray, \u201cbe Jesus\u201d to someone. We disobey God when we let chances go by!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I think some of the most powerful prayers I have shared was during my family\u2019s hospital ministry years ago, with transplant recipients or survivors of surgeries gone wrong. Through tears people would ask, \u201cWhy me?\u201d or \u201cWhy is this happening to my family?\u201d and, having at one point been through those challenges myself, I was moved to say\u2026 \u201cI don\u2019t know<\/em>!!!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And then I followed up, after sharing what I could, with invitations to pray together for answers, and to search Scripture together. No offense to wise stories or anecdotes, but real <\/em>stories proved more powerful than hearsay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I don\u2019t believe that God sends sickness and disease to His children; He is not a child abuser. Yet there is evil in the world, and we are all victims at times. It is our job \u2013 our privilege \u2013 to share with others how we have coped and triumphed. And a hint: sometimes sharing and discussing our own trials helps us grow even as we minister to others!
Get personal! And if you pray with someone whose details don\u2019t closely track with yours\u2026 tell him or her the story of Jesus. \u201cCan I remind you that He loves you?<\/em>\u201d \u2013 How personal can you get?<\/p>\n\n\n\n