“Don’t be afraid to share your story with others – no matter what it is!”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 21, 2025
Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you. Mark 5:19b
Don’t be afraid to share your story with others – no matter what it is!
You are a light bringer to the world. You are someone’s life raft. You are the reason someone can experience hope. And here’s why…
Mark 5 and Matthew 8 tell the story of a man who was healed by Jesus and delivered from a great number of demons.
This man lived in the tombs, and He was considered unclean: he was possessed by demons; he lived in close proximity to dead bodies; was a Gentile. He was naked, unpredictable, and violent.
But no matter how rejected he’d been, no matter who didn’t want to be around him, he was moved with passion when he saw Jesus. Perhaps he ran to Christ and fell on his knees. And shouted at the top of his lungs. Can you imagine his passion?
He asked Jesus, “What do you want with me, Jesus? In the name of God, please don’t torture me!”
So Jesus talked to the demons and asked: “What is your name?” A demon answered, “Legion is my name, because we are many” (Mark 5:9).
You may wonder what a legion is. A Roman legion was made of 6,000 soldiers and 120 horsemen. The demons knew they were no match for Christ, and they liked to inhabit people but the LORD would not allow them to do that, so Jesus granted the request of the demons to inhabit some nearby pigs, which led to their destruction. The pigs rushed into the lake and drowned.
Bad news for the pigs. Good news for the man who was delivered. After he was delivered, he spoke with Jesus. He begged the Lord to allow him to go with him. But Jesus said no.
Instead, this man became the first missionary to the Gentiles where he lived in the Decapolis.
The man evidently did exactly what Jesus told him to do. He went back home and shared the good news. He testified of Jesus, His power, and the wonders He had done. People listened. People believed. And they became followers of Christ.
In Mark 7, it is revealed that later he returned to the Decapolis and healed others.
Then the scripture says, “Jesus gave the people strict orders not to tell anyone. But the more he tried to silence them, the more eagerly they shared the news.”
It’s amazing what Jesus can do, isn’t it? He met a man whose family and neighbors had given up on him, a man who had given up on himself, who had been possessed by a legion of demons, and Jesus brought healing and wholeness to him.
And as a result, an entire region became open to the gospel.
God transformed the area with His healing love and power.
The man healed from demons wanted to go with Jesus to Galilee. But Jesus told him to stay there and tell others what God did for him.
We have all encountered and been delivered by Jesus Christ from something…from addiction, envy, lust, greed, materialism, fear, depression, disease or anxiety.
Whatever it was, since Jesus touched you, your life has been different.
And now Jesus calls you to share that story with other people. He’s calling you to share of His faithfulness. He’s calling you just to tell your story.
God isn’t just bringing you through your trial to make you comfortable. He’s not just bringing you through and delivering you so that you can have more faith, although He does want you to trust Him more.
He’s bringing you through and delivering you so that you will share about what He has done for you. Your story is a life raft for someone else. He’s given you a unique testimony so you will share about Him and the wonders He has done in your life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of salvation and the hope we have in Jesus. Fill our hearts with love and compassion for those who do not yet know You. Give us boldness to speak of Your goodness and wisdom to share Your truth with grace and humility. Open doors for meaningful conversations, and let our lives reflect Your light so others may be drawn to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Application
What has Jesus done in your life that you could share with others to encourage them? Look for opportunities to “tell your story.”
Related Reading
Isaiah 43:10; Luke 12:8; Luke 21:13
Worship Resource
Danny Gokey: Jesus People
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
