by Bryan Rollins

When I think about telling others about the gospel, I become overwhelmed with fear. I feel insecure and unqualified. I fear rejection and failure. I ultimately become disappointed with my lack of courage and lack of knowledge to share the gospel with others, but there is a story where I find hope. It is found in Mark 5:1-20.

In this passage, Jesus sets a man free from demonic possession. When Jesus begins to leave, the man immediately gets up to follow Jesus. As Jesus is getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed begs Jesus to let him go with Him. But instead, Jesus tells him to go back to his hometown and let everyone know what God had done in his life.

Here are two interesting things about this Bible story:

1. The man did not know the holy scriptures.

Jesus’ followers grew up in Israel. Their early education was centered around the holy scriptures (our Old Testament), and they went to the temple to pray. The man in this story didn’t have that background. He didn’t have holy scriptures to use as a stepping stone to argue from. He didn’t go to Bible college; in fact, he didn’t know what the Bible was. Jesus sent him to share his story anyway.

2. The man had no training in how to share the gospel.

Jesus spent time intentionally training his followers on how to share the good news message. The man in the story wanted to follow Jesus to learn from him, but Jesus sent him home without any training. No videos, no weekend seminar, no small group, nothing. He was only sent with the story of his encounter with Jesus. The Bible story ends with many people being amazed by the man’s testimony.

We all have a story to share with others. We may not think it’s as amazing as being set free from demons, but our stories are still very similar.

First, our encounter with Jesus is a life-changing story. We are set free from our sin and eternal death. We have been brought back to life by Jesus. We were captives set free. We are walking and talking miracles. 

Second, God gives us intentional stories to help others. God allows us to go through certain experiences so that we will cling to Him and share our stories with those going through similar experiences. 

If someone asks you, “Why do you believe in Jesus? Why are you a Christian?” Could you answer their questions? Remember they are probably not asking you for a doctoral dissertation. They are asking you to testify to the hope you have in the gospel of Christ.

The man who had been possessed by demons went in obedience with his story, and that’s all he was equipped with. He shared his story faithfully, and many people were amazed. There is someone who the  Holy Spirit is already putting on your heart to hear your story. Will you obey?