I Don’t Know What to Say

From Keep It Simple by Marie Aitkin on YouVersion

In John 4, we read about the overwhelming response of the villagers with whom the woman shares her story of meeting Jesus. Many believe He’s the Messiah. They rush out to meet Him themselves. They beg Him to stay. She must have told a compelling, convincing story, and done so with clarity, confidence, and conviction. She exclaims to anyone listening, ‘He told me everything I ever did!’ (It seems she didn’t need to go into detail, listing all the things Jesus had exposed in her life.)

Isaiah 6:8 ESV – And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

From her simple testimony, we can pick up tips for three important parts of our faith story:

1. Delivery
2. Content
3. Invitation

When it comes to delivery, craft one story that can be used in a variety of settings. Repeating the same story will hone your clarity and build your confidence. Tell your story in no more than two or three minutes. If the situation calls for it, you can always add a few meaningful details. And be yourself! You’re simply having a conversation.

In terms of content, divide your story into past and present. Start by talking about your past without necessarily recounting every sordid detail. Think of adjectives you could use for how the complications of your past made you feel at the time (for example, lonely, confused, desperate). Then shift your focus to where you are now, and what a difference Jesus has made, and is making, in your life. Share what you have in your life now (for example, peace, joy, provision, hope) that you long for an unbelieving friend or family member to enjoy.

Isaiah 12:4 ESV – And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.

The final part of telling our faith stories is the invitation: extending the ‘come with me’ invitation we considered yesterday. Invite someone to church, to an Alpha group, or to another programme or event that is appropriately inclusive and non-threatening for someone investigating Christianity. Whether they accept on the spot, need some time to consider your invitation, or pass for now, you can always offer to pray for them. You don’t have to become super serious in this moment. Simply say, ‘I would love to pray for you; is there anything on your mind right now?’ Keep it light.

Matthew 9:37-38 ESV – Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;  therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Be encouraged by the truth that you’re commissioned to make disciples, not decisions. People need to make decisions for themselves. All you can do is point them to Jesus. May God give you words and ways to string together the story of how He rescued you and set you free. May He give you untold opportunities to share that story with those who don’t yet know Him, and to invite them to walk with you along the way.