One EncounterSample

Your Story Matters

WHAT DOES IT SAY?

Read: John 4:27–30

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

“Come meet a man who told me everything I ever did.” The Samaritan woman shared this story throughout her town (backyard). Her story was the reason her community came to know Jesus. Notice that she was not ashamed, nor did she disqualify herself from telling people about her one encounter with Jesus.

After her encounter, we can see that she immediately went back to her own backyard (town) and shared her story. Verse 28 shows us that she was in such a hurry to tell people that she had left her waterpot behind. The woman’s simple story became a bridge for people to walk on to come to Jesus, and many people did.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO US?

Our story matters. Simply telling people about what Jesus has done in our life is all it takes. We can learn a lot from the Samaritan woman. Her story was thy so many people in her “backyard” got to know and believe in Jesus. The Samaritan woman didn’t allow her past — or even her current situation — to disqualify her.

She wasn’t ashamed of her story. Instead, she allowed it to be a bridge for people so they too could know who Jesus was. Your story can do the same; it can be the very reason that you see transformation in the lives of your friends and family.

Let’s learn from the Samaritan woman and not allow our past to disqualify us. Jesus isn’t looking for perfection; He’s simply looking for people who are willing to step out in boldness and share their stories. Think about it … what could happen in your school, workplace, or family if you took the simple step to share your story.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Take 10 minutes to write your story of what your encounter with Jesus has been like. Your story should only take a minute or two to share. You can write your story in three simple parts:

1. Your life before meeting Jesus
2. How you met Jesus
3. Your life since meeting Jesus