Day 28 — Tell Your Story

“But Jesus would not allow him. ‘Go home to your own people,’ He said, ‘and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy He has shown you.’ So the man went away and began to proclaim throughout the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed.”

— Mark 5:19–20 (BSB)

There was a man who lived among the tombs, outside a town. He was tormented by evil spirits. He was so wild and strong that no chains could hold him. Day and night, he cried out and cut himself with stones. Everyone was afraid of him.

Then Jesus came. With just a word, Jesus set the man free. When the people from the town came out to see what had happened, they found the man sitting calmly, dressed and in his right mind.

The man was so grateful that he begged to go with Jesus. He wanted to travel with Him and be one of His disciples. But Jesus said no. Instead, Jesus gave him a different job: “Go home to your own people, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.”

And the man did! He went all over the region, a group of ten towns called the Decapolis, telling people what Jesus had done for him. “And everyone was amazed.”

Notice that Jesus didn’t tell him to preach a sermon, memorize a lot of Bible verses or go to Bible college first. He told him to share his story: what Jesus had done for him.

You have a story too! Maybe you think, My story isn’t exciting. I wasn’t set free from evil spirits. But every story of Jesus is amazing, because every one is a story of God’s mercy.

Your story might include things like:

• How you first learned about Jesus.
• When you decided to trust Him.
• A time He answered your prayer.
• A time He helped you when you were scared or sad.
• A way He’s changing you.

Nobody can argue with your story. It’s what happened to you! And sometimes a simple story from a friend opens someone’s heart more than anything else.

Jesus also sent the man “home to your own people.” Sometimes the hardest people to tell are the ones closest to us. But your family and friends are exactly who Jesus wants you to tell.

Think about it: What has Jesus done for you? What’s one part of your story you could share with someone?

Try this: Write your story in your notebook: a few sentences about what Jesus has done for you. Then share it with one person this week.

Dear Jesus, thank You for everything You’ve done for me and all the mercy You’ve shown me. Help me not to keep my story to myself. Give me courage to tell my family and friends how much You’ve done for me. In Your name, Amen.