Grow • Devotion 1

Everyone Has a Story That Needs to be Told
John Rigg

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

In 2017, after a few years of battling Alzheimer’s disease, my father passed from this life to the next, two months shy of his 89th birthday. On the day that we celebrated his life, I stood before a large crowd of family and friends and did the best I could to honor the life of my father and bring glory to God. In the crowd that day was a few of my high school buddies that came to pay their respects as many of them knew my father well.

As I stood before the people gathered that day, my eyes kept returning to the face of one of my friends, as I could see that he was totally transfixed on me and what I was saying. Canoe, (yes Canoe is his nickname) had a glossy look on his face that morning; it was the look of utter disbelief in what he was seeing and hearing as his high school friend spoke about Jesus and His promise of eternal life.

Canoe had every reason to be stunned that day, as our high school relationship and the life we lived during those days were far from being Christ-centered. No need for details here, just know we were living for us, not for the glory of God.

Canoe stayed after the service at the funeral home and then joined us for lunch at the church. In fact, Canoe was the last one to leave that day. I could tell something was bugging him but yet I felt he was not going to say anything unless I did. So I asked him a question, “What did you think of today?” He stumbled over his words as he answered, but really did not say anything. However, I knew what was bothering him. I then proceeded to tell him that I had a life-altering transformation of heart and direction in my life, and it was all because of Jesus. He continued to listen as I shared with him my encounter with Jesus and how everything has changed.

In Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia, he explained to them that at one time he did not live a life that followed Christ, but rather persecuted Jesus. However, after an encounter with Jesus, the way in which he now lived was not for himself. Galatians 2:20 records, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Much in the same way the Galatians stood in disbelief of Paul’s new life, so stood my high school friend Canoe. I knew at that moment with my friend, that my story needed to be heard.

This is true with everyone that has had an encounter with Jesus. Although it is sometimes difficult to articulate, there are a few simple steps in sharing our story, or should we say, His Story!

• Begin by briefly explaining your life before Christ.
• Then transition to how you came to Christ. Include events leading up to your hearing and responding to the Gospel as well as sharing the “Good News” with the person.
• Finally, share your life after coming to Christ, the changes that you have made and your new direction; not that you are perfect, but since Jesus has become Lord of your life, the course of your life has altered.

I have not seen my high school friend since the day that I shared my story with him or what God is doing with it. However, this is what I have learned - each of us has a story that needs to be told and we must be ready to share it.

I think of it this way, God cannot use it if I do not tell it.