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“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” I John 5:11 (ESV)

“I’m packing lite.”  Those were the words echoing from my lips as I prepared for a week away at the beach.  And so I thought I did until Saturday morning arrived, and I began loading all things into my car.  Where did all this stuff come from – definitely not lite.  As usual, there was my big bag of reads for the trip, notepad and two computer bags.  Can’t leave off my overflowing bag of multi-colored beach towels, sunscreen and earbuds.  Wouldn’t be a beach trip without my gym bag, and let’s not forget trip food. Somewhere in the mix of this were two beach chairs, a bulging suitcase, laundry detergent, etc., etc. May I remind you, I wasn’t the only one needing to squeeze all this into one vehicle.

Packing looks totally different for each of us doesn’t it?  What’s your packing lite look like?  While my essentials are unique to me, you probably have some of your own too.  Bags overflowing with shoes, beach umbrellas, and fave eats – we all love our stuff.

Ever thought about how much stuff we’ve all accumulated over the years?  Extra so we don’t run out of our faves.  Stuff filling up shelves, drawers, closets and every conceivable corner.  Preferences over what we don’t want to let out of our grasp.

One thing for sure, sweet friends, one day we will leave it all behind. No matter how much we love and cherish our stuff. No matter how good we have taken care of it or neglected it.  No matter who gave us those sentimental things. No matter how much we paid for them.  When we leave this world, we will only take one thing with us: people we told about Jesus. Kind of turns that packing lite to wanting to pack them all when we think about leaving this world behind.

So how’s our packing going?  Are we faithfully sharing our God story with others?  We may not have the most sensational story in our eyes but any soul saved by God is sensational. No two redemption stories are the same.  Each of us who has accepted Christ has a story to be shared.  An amazing retelling of all God has done for us. Endless lists of His faithfulness.  Incredible details of how God intervened and spurred us on to tremendous growth.  Quiet moments simply basking in His presence and communing with our Creator God.

Sounds like we all have a lot to say, don’t we?  So what’s holding us back?  Fear easily slips in when we start sharing our faith.  Will we say the right words?  Do we know how to answer any questions?  What if the person gets angry?  All valid concerns.  Yet God equips us with the right tools to share our faith. It’s no more complicated than sharing your fave recipe or tip for parenting.  The difference is our enemy loves to silence us, and he will use fear to intimidate us.

Best solution – build relationships with people. Earn their trust and confidently share the hope that lies within us.  Don’t be pushy.  Bathe them in prayer and seek open doors to share. Treat others with care just like you do your fave belongings you’re carefully packing for that beach trip.

Bottom line, we don’t want to travel to our fave place alone.  And we definitely don’t want to leave this world for the joys of heaven without taking those we encounter with us.  Let’s pack well….consistently sharing the truth of God’s love and our redemption story with those God brings into our path.

“Sweet Jesus thank You for writing the most beautiful story in our lives. Help us to step outside our comfort zone and share our God story with others.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life