The Stories We Tell

 

They said to the woman,

"It is no longer

because of what you said

           that we believe,

for we have heard for ourselves,

and we know that this is indeed

    the Savior of the world."

                    John 4. 42

(It no longer remained 

               someone else's story

   but now they too knew

                             Jesus.

Because this woman

    had the courage to share

    about her encounter with Jesus,

all those around her realized

   who Jesus was

   and desired to know Him too.

What we say will not save a person,

   but we can share what we know 

                   and Whom we know.

We can never realize

            who is listening

                and who will respond.

Someday it will really surprise us.

God has given each of us

  a story to point others to Him.)

O LORD,

Grant to us the courage to speak up.

Help us to not just be aware

    of opportunities to bear witness,

but to realize that our lives, deeds,

and words testify

                       to Your grace.

Use us for Your Kingdom's sake.

Help those around us

   to hear with their own ears

   and see with their own eyes

   and know with their own hearts

that You are

        the God who loves them.