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“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15

Remember those good ol’ pre-COVID days when people ran real errands, interacted naturally, and actually chatted in waiting rooms and on airplanes? (But the real, “don’t you miss those days” was prior to the “smartphone” and “social” media era commenced, cultural norms that are producing much dumber and antisocial/isolated people…I know, I know…I digress. Again.) And while digital distraction has kept our heads in the cloud (the one where all-information-ever floats awaiting retrieval), division and vitriol has been increasing over the past couple of decades to replace common goodwill. So, it seems that sparking conversations with strangers through a simple observation or commonality—just to make a pleasant connection—seems to sadly have ended with us Gen-Xers.

But no matter our age, we believers are called to do this very thing—with great purpose: Through simple observation or commonality, make a pleasant connection through conversation with others. The purpose? To share the good news of the Lord’s salvation and tell of His glory and wonderful deeds (Psalm 96:2-3). This can be a daunting task, for sure! But it doesn’t have to be hard.

First, it’s vital to know how to speak out the gospel message simply. Here’s one way: God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life, die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and rise from the dead in victory, offering forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life to all who believe. This truth is vital to proclaim, for sure, but it’s also imperative to be able to share your testimony—your personal miraculous story of salvation. Although someone might quickly reject what the Bible has to say, it is much harder for them to dispute or deny how the gospel has impacted your life. See, whether you were saved at age 7 during VBS or the Lord rescued you last week from some vile darkness and brought you into His glorious light, you have an amazing story to tell. You are a walking miracle! So, you—and I—need to be prepared to speak our story in a quick, conversational way. We need to be ready to make an account for our hope without intimidation (1 Peter 3:14-16).

So, I’m giving you some homework, sweet friend: Create a 30-second testimony. Your transformation story, expressed simply and clearly. Step 1: Pray to the Lord to reveal to you what He wants you to share.

Step 2: Take some time to write out what He shares about (a) your life before Jesus, (b) how you encountered/surrendered to Jesus, and (c) your life in relationship with Jesus. Here’s a simple tool to help, and there are many online. Step 3: Whittle down your testimony to a 30-second version. This could be as simple as, “There was a time in my life that (insert struggle here). I realized (insert need to trust Him here). Since giving my life to Jesus (insert the difference He’s made here).” Here’s an example, which happens to be my story:

“There was a time in my life when I was searching for satisfaction, trying to please God and negotiate with Him—it was exhausting. Then God revealed His grace to me, that Jesus did for me what I could never do—all I had to do was trust Him. Now, in Christ, I am free from running after the things of this world—I have peace and purpose. Do you have a story like that?”

Remember, beloved, we’re called to be witnesses—not the judge, jury, or defense attorney. We just need to be able to tell others what we’ve seen and heard (Acts 4:20; Acts 22:15). Then, let’s keep our eyes open for connection opportunities. At the gym, in the waiting room, at the airport. Look up from your phone or computer and look around at the lost and broken people. They need Jesus! And how are they to believe on Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without someone opening their mouth (Romans 10:11-15)?

“Lord, give me the boldness to share the Truth of Your Word and the miracle of my testimony, opening a door to Your miraculous saving grace.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life