Honestly share your weaknesses. Ministry begins with vulnerability. The more you let down your guard, take off your mask, and share your struggles, the more G.o.d will be able to use you in serving others. Ministry begins with vulnerability. The more you let down your guard, take off your mask, and share your struggles, the more G.o.d will be able to use you in serving others.

Paul modeled vulnerability in all his letters. He openly shared ' His failures: "When I want to do good, I don't, and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway." "When I want to do good, I don't, and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway."' His feelings: "I have told you all my feelings. "I have told you all my feelings."' His frustrations: "We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought "We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thoughtwe would never live through it." ' His fears: ' His fears: "When I came to you, I was weak and fearful and trembling." "When I came to you, I was weak and fearful and trembling."

Of course, vulnerability is risky. It can be scary to lower your defenses and open up your life to others. When you reveal your failures, feelings, frustrations, and fears, you risk rejection. But the benefits are worth the risk. Vulnerability is emotionally liberating.

Opening up relieves stress, defuses your fears, and is the first step to freedom.

We have already seen that G.o.d O Ogives grace to the humble," but many misunderstand humility. Humility is not putting yourself down or denying your strengths; rather, it is being honest about your weaknesses. The more honest you are, the more of G.o.d's grace you get. You will also receive grace from others. Vulnerability is an endearing quality; we are naturally drawn to humble people. but many misunderstand humility. Humility is not putting yourself down or denying your strengths; rather, it is being honest about your weaknesses. The more honest you are, the more of G.o.d's grace you get. You will also receive grace from others. Vulnerability is an endearing quality; we are naturally drawn to humble people.

Pretentiousness repels but authenticity attracts, and vulnerability is the pathway to intimacy.

This is why G.o.d wants to use your weaknesses, not just your strengths. If all people see are your strengths, they get discouraged and think, "Well, good for her, but I'll never be able to do that." But when they see G.o.d using you in spite of your weaknesses, it encourages them to think, "Maybe G.o.d can use me!" Our strengths create compet.i.tion, but our weaknesses create community.

At some point in your life you must decide whether you want to impress impress people or people or influence influence people. You can impress people from a distance, but you must get close to influence them, and when you do that, they will be able to see your flaws. That's okay. The most essential quality for leadership is not perfection, but credibility. People must be able to trust you, or they won't follow you. How do you build credibility? Not by pretending to be perfect, but by being honest. people. You can impress people from a distance, but you must get close to influence them, and when you do that, they will be able to see your flaws. That's okay. The most essential quality for leadership is not perfection, but credibility. People must be able to trust you, or they won't follow you. How do you build credibility? Not by pretending to be perfect, but by being honest.

Glory in your weaknesses. Paul said, Paul said, "I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great G.o.d is to use such weakness for his glory." "I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great G.o.d is to use such weakness for his glory." Instead of posing as self-confident and invincible, see yourself as a trophy of grace. When Satan points out your weaknesses, agree with him and fill your heart with praise for Jesus, who Instead of posing as self-confident and invincible, see yourself as a trophy of grace. When Satan points out your weaknesses, agree with him and fill your heart with praise for Jesus, who "understands every weakness of ours," "understands every weakness of ours," and for the Holy Spirit, who and for the Holy Spirit, who "helps us in our weakness." "helps us in our weakness."

Sometimes, however, G.o.d turns a strength into a weakness in order to use us even more. Jacob was a manipulator who spent his life scheming and then running from the consequences. One night he wrestled with G.o.d and said, "I'm not letting go until you bless me." G.o.d said, "All right," but then he grabbed Jacob's thigh and dislocated his hip. What is the significance of that?

G.o.d touched Jacob's strength (the thigh muscle is the strongest in the body) and turned it into a weakness. From that day forward, Jacob walked with a limp so he could never run away again. It forced him to lean on G.o.d whether he liked it or not. If you want G.o.d to bless you and use you greatly, you must be willing to walk with a limp the rest of your life, because G.o.d uses weak people.

DAY THIRTY-FIVE THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: G.o.d works best when I admit my weakness. G.o.d works best when I admit my weakness.Verse to Remember: "My Brace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness." "My Brace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness."2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)Question to Consider: Am I limiting G.o.d's power in my life by trying to hide my weaknesses? What do I need to be honest about in order to help others? Am I limiting G.o.d's power in my life by trying to hide my weaknesses? What do I need to be honest about in order to help others?

[image]

[image]

YOU WERE MADE FOR A MISSION.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30 (MTV) Proverbs 11:30 (MTV)

36.

Made for a Mission In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. John 17:18 (Msg) John 17:18 (Msg)The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me. Acts Acts 20:24 (NCV) 20:24 (NCV)You were made for a mission.

G.o.d is at work in the world, and he wants you to join him. This a.s.signment is called your mission. mission. G.o.d wants you to have both a ministry in the Body of Christ and a mission in the world. Your ministry is your service to G.o.d wants you to have both a ministry in the Body of Christ and a mission in the world. Your ministry is your service to believers,' believers,' and your mission is your service to and your mission is your service to unbelievers. unbelievers. Fulfilling your mission in the world is G.o.d's fifth purpose for your life. Fulfilling your mission in the world is G.o.d's fifth purpose for your life.

Your life mission is both shared shared and and specific. specific. One part of it is a responsibility you share with every other Christian, and the other part is an a.s.signment that is unique to you. We will look at both parts in the chapters ahead. One part of it is a responsibility you share with every other Christian, and the other part is an a.s.signment that is unique to you. We will look at both parts in the chapters ahead.

Our English word mission mission comes from the Latin word for "sending." Being a Christian includes being comes from the Latin word for "sending." Being a Christian includes being sent sent into the world as a representative of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, into the world as a representative of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

Jesus clearly understood his life mission on earth. At age twelve he said, "I must be about my Father's business," "I must be about my Father's business," and twenty-one years later, dying on the cross, he said, and twenty-one years later, dying on the cross, he said, "It is finished." "It is finished." Like bookends, these two statements frame a well-lived, purpose driven life. Jesus completed the mission the Father gave him. Like bookends, these two statements frame a well-lived, purpose driven life. Jesus completed the mission the Father gave him.

The mission Jesus had while on earth is now our our mission because we are the Body of Christ. What he did in his physical body we are to continue as his spiritual body, the church. What is that mission because we are the Body of Christ. What he did in his physical body we are to continue as his spiritual body, the church. What is that

mission? Introducing people to G.o.d! The Bible says, "Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also." "Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also."

G.o.d wants to redeem human beings from Satan and reconcile them to himself so we can fulfill the five purposes he created us for: to love him, to be a part of his family, to become like him, to serve him, and to tell others about him. Once we are his, G.o.d uses us to reach others. He saves us and then sends us out. The Bible says, 'We have been sent to speak for Christ." 'We have been sent to speak for Christ." We are the messengers of G.o.d's love and purposes to the world. We are the messengers of G.o.d's love and purposes to the world.

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR MISSION.

Fulfilling your life mission on earth is an essential part of living for G.o.d's glory. The Bible gives several reasons why your mission is so important.

Your mission is a continuation of Jesus' mission on earth.

As his followers, we are to continue what Jesus started. Jesus calls us not only to come to come to him, but to him, but to go for go for him. Your mission is so significant that Jesus repeated it five times, in five different ways, in five different books of the Bible. It is as if he was saying, him. Your mission is so significant that Jesus repeated it five times, in five different ways, in five different books of the Bible. It is as if he was saying, "Ireally "Ireally want you to get this!" Study these five commissions of Jesus and you will learn the details of your mission on earth-the when, where, why, and how. want you to get this!" Study these five commissions of Jesus and you will learn the details of your mission on earth-the when, where, why, and how.

In the Great Commission Jesus said, "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you." of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you." This commission was given to This commission was given to every every follower of Jesus, not to pastors and missionaries alone. This is follower of Jesus, not to pastors and missionaries alone. This is your your commission from Jesus, and it is not optional. These words of Jesus are not the commission from Jesus, and it is not optional. These words of Jesus are not the Great Suggestion. Great Suggestion. If you are a part of G.o.d's family, your mission is mandatory. To ignore it would be disobedience. If you are a part of G.o.d's family, your mission is mandatory. To ignore it would be disobedience.

You may have been unaware that G.o.d holds you responsible for the unbelievers who live around you. The Bible says, "You must warn them so they may live. If you don't speak out to warn the wicked to stop their evil ways, they will die in their sin. But I will hold you responsible for their death." "You must warn them so they may live. If you don't speak out to warn the wicked to stop their evil ways, they will die in their sin. But I will hold you responsible for their death." You are the only Christian some people will ever know, and your mission is to share Jesus with them. You are the only Christian some people will ever know, and your mission is to share Jesus with them.

Your mission is a wonderful privilege. Although it is a big responsibility, it is also an incredible honor to be used by G.o.d. Paul said, Although it is a big responsibility, it is also an incredible honor to be used by G.o.d. Paul said, "G.o.d has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled to him." "G.o.d has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled to him." Your mission involves two great privileges: working with G.o.d and representing him. We get to partner with G.o.d in the building of his kingdom. Paul calls Your mission involves two great privileges: working with G.o.d and representing him. We get to partner with G.o.d in the building of his kingdom. Paul calls us "co-laborers" us "co-laborers" and says, and says, "We are workers together with G.o.d." "We are workers together with G.o.d."

Jesus has secured our salvation, put us in his family, given us his Spirit, and then made us his agents in the world. What a privilege! The Bible says, "We're Christ's representatives. G.o.d uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into G.o.d's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with G.o.d." "We're Christ's representatives. G.o.d uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into G.o.d's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with G.o.d."

Telling others how they can have eternal life is the greatest thing you can do for them. If your neighbor had cancer or AIDS and you knew the cure, it would be criminal to withhold that lifesaving information. Even worse is to keep secret the way to forgiveness, purpose, peace, and eternal life. We have the greatest news in the world, and sharing it is the greatest kindness you can show to anyone. If your neighbor had cancer or AIDS and you knew the cure, it would be criminal to withhold that lifesaving information. Even worse is to keep secret the way to forgiveness, purpose, peace, and eternal life. We have the greatest news in the world, and sharing it is the greatest kindness you can show to anyone.

Jesus calls us not only to come to him, but to go for him.

One problem long-term Christians have is that they forget how hopeless it felt to be without Christ. We must remember that no matter how contented or successful people appear appear to be, without Christ they are hopelessly lost and headed for eternal separation from G.o.d. The Bible says, to be, without Christ they are hopelessly lost and headed for eternal separation from G.o.d. The Bible says, Jesus is the only One who can save people." Jesus is the only One who can save people." Everybody needs Jesus. Everybody needs Jesus.

Your mission has eternal significance. It will impact the eternal destiny of other people, so it's more important than any job, achievement, or goal you will reach during your life on earth. The consequences of your mission will last forever; the consequences of your job will not. Nothing else you do will ever matter as much as helping people establish an eternal relationship with G.o.d. It will impact the eternal destiny of other people, so it's more important than any job, achievement, or goal you will reach during your life on earth. The consequences of your mission will last forever; the consequences of your job will not. Nothing else you do will ever matter as much as helping people establish an eternal relationship with G.o.d.

This is why we must be urgent about our mission. Jesus said, "All of us must quickly carry out the tasks a.s.signed us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the nightfalls and all work comes to an end. "All of us must quickly carry out the tasks a.s.signed us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the nightfalls and all work comes to an end. " "14 The clock is ticking down on your life mission, so don't delay another day. Get started on your mission of reaching out to others now! We will have all of eternity to celebrate with those we have brought to Jesus, but we only have our lifetime in which to reach them. The clock is ticking down on your life mission, so don't delay another day. Get started on your mission of reaching out to others now! We will have all of eternity to celebrate with those we have brought to Jesus, but we only have our lifetime in which to reach them.

This does not mean you should quit your job to become a fulltime evangelist. G.o.d wants you to share the Good News where you are. As a student, mother, preschool teacher, salesman, or manager or whatever you do, you should continually look for people G.o.d places in your path with whom you can share the gospel.

Your mission gives your life meaning. William James said, "The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it." The truth is, only the kingdom of G.o.d is going to last. William James said, "The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it." The truth is, only the kingdom of G.o.d is going to last. Everything Everything else will eventually vanish. That is why we must live purpose driven lives-lives committed to worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, ministry, and fulfilling our mission on earth. The results of these activities else will eventually vanish. That is why we must live purpose driven lives-lives committed to worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, ministry, and fulfilling our mission on earth. The results of these activities will will last-forever! last-forever!

If you fail to fulfill your G.o.d-given mission on earth, you will have wasted the life G.o.d gave you. Paul said, "My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work a.s.signed me by the Lord Jesus-the work of telling others the Good News about G.o.d's wonderful kindness and love." "My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work a.s.signed me by the Lord Jesus-the work of telling others the Good News about G.o.d's wonderful kindness and love." There are people on this planet whom There are people on this planet whom only you only you will be able to reach, because of where you live and what G.o.d has made you to be. If just one person will be in heaven because of you, your life will have made a difference for eternity. Start looking around at your personal mission field and pray, "G.o.d, who have you put in my life for me to tell about Jesus?" will be able to reach, because of where you live and what G.o.d has made you to be. If just one person will be in heaven because of you, your life will have made a difference for eternity. Start looking around at your personal mission field and pray, "G.o.d, who have you put in my life for me to tell about Jesus?"

The Great Commission was given to every follower of Jesus.

G.o.d's timetable for history's conclusion is connected to the completion of our commission. Today there's a growing interest in the second coming of Christ and the end of the world. When will it happen? Just before Jesus ascended to heaven the disciples asked him this Today there's a growing interest in the second coming of Christ and the end of the world. When will it happen? Just before Jesus ascended to heaven the disciples asked him this same question, and his response was quite revealing. He said, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

When the disciples wanted to talk about prophecy, Jesus quickly switched the conversation to evangelism. He wanted them to concentrate on their mission in the world. He said in essence, "The details of my return are none of your business. What is is your business is the mission I've given you. Focus on that!" your business is the mission I've given you. Focus on that!"

Speculating on the exact timing of Christ's return is futile, because Jesus said, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Since Jesus said he didn't know the day or hour, why should you try to figure it out? What we Since Jesus said he didn't know the day or hour, why should you try to figure it out? What we do do know for sure is this: Jesus will not return until everyone G.o.d wants to hear the Good News has heard it. Jesus said, know for sure is this: Jesus will not return until everyone G.o.d wants to hear the Good News has heard it. Jesus said, "The Good News about G.o.d's kingdom will be preached in all the world, to every nation. Then the end will come." If you "The Good News about G.o.d's kingdom will be preached in all the world, to every nation. Then the end will come." If you want Jesus to come back sooner, focus on fulfilling your mission, not figuring out prophecy. want Jesus to come back sooner, focus on fulfilling your mission, not figuring out prophecy.

It is easy to get distracted, because Satan would ratherhave you do anything besides sharing your faith.

It is easy to get distracted and sidetracked from your mission because Satan would rather have you do anything besides sharing your faith. He will let you do all kinds of of good things as long as you don't take anyone to heaven with you. But the moment you become serious about your mission, expect the Devil to throw all kinds good things as long as you don't take anyone to heaven with you. But the moment you become serious about your mission, expect the Devil to throw all kinds of of diversions at you. When that happens, remember the words diversions at you. When that happens, remember the words of of Jesus: Jesus: "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of G.o.d." "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of G.o.d."

WHAT IT COSTS TO FULFILL YOUR MISSION.

To fulfill fulfill your mission will require that you abandon your agenda and accept G.o.d's agenda for your life. You can't just "tack it on" to all the other things you'd like to do with your life. You must say, like Jesus, your mission will require that you abandon your agenda and accept G.o.d's agenda for your life. You can't just "tack it on" to all the other things you'd like to do with your life. You must say, like Jesus, "Father, ... I want your will, not mine." "Father, ... I want your will, not mine." You yield your rights, expectations, dreams, plans, and ambitions to him. You stop praying selfish prayers like "G.o.d bless what I want to do." Instead you pray, "G.o.d help me to do what you're blessing!" You hand G.o.d a blank sheet with your name signed at the bottom and tell him to fill in the details. The Bible says, You yield your rights, expectations, dreams, plans, and ambitions to him. You stop praying selfish prayers like "G.o.d bless what I want to do." Instead you pray, "G.o.d help me to do what you're blessing!" You hand G.o.d a blank sheet with your name signed at the bottom and tell him to fill in the details. The Bible says, "Give yourselves completely to G.o.d-every part of you ... to be tools in the hands of G.o.d, to be used for his good purposes." "Give yourselves completely to G.o.d-every part of you ... to be tools in the hands of G.o.d, to be used for his good purposes."

If you will commit to fulfilling your mission in life no matter what it costs, you will experience the blessing of of G.o.d in ways that few people ever experience. There is almost nothing G.o.d won't do for the man or woman who is committed to serving the kingdom G.o.d in ways that few people ever experience. There is almost nothing G.o.d won't do for the man or woman who is committed to serving the kingdom of of G.o.d. Jesus has promised, G.o.d. Jesus has promised, "[G.o.d] will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of G.o.d your primary concern."

ONE MORE FOR JESUS.

My father was a minister for over fifty years, serving mostly in small, rural churches. He was a simple preacher, but he was a man with a mission. His favorite activity was taking teams of of volunteers overseas to build church buildings for small congregations. In his lifetime, Dad built over 150 churches around the world. volunteers overseas to build church buildings for small congregations. In his lifetime, Dad built over 150 churches around the world.

In 1999, my father died of of cancer. In the final week cancer. In the final week of of his life the disease kept him awake in a semi-conscious state nearly twenty-four hours a day. As he dreamed, he'd talk out loud about what he was dreaming. Sitting by his bedside, I learned a lot about my dad by just listening to his dreams. He relived one church building project after another. his life the disease kept him awake in a semi-conscious state nearly twenty-four hours a day. As he dreamed, he'd talk out loud about what he was dreaming. Sitting by his bedside, I learned a lot about my dad by just listening to his dreams. He relived one church building project after another.

One night near the end, while my wife, my niece, and I were by his side, Dad suddenly became very active and tried to get out of of bed. bed. Of Of course, he was too weak, and my wife insisted he lay back down. But he persisted in trying to get out course, he was too weak, and my wife insisted he lay back down. But he persisted in trying to get out of of bed, so my wife finally asked, "Jimmy, what are you trying to do?" He replied, "Got to save one more for Jesus! Got to save one more for Jesus! Got to save one more for Jesus!" He began to repeat that phrase over and over. bed, so my wife finally asked, "Jimmy, what are you trying to do?" He replied, "Got to save one more for Jesus! Got to save one more for Jesus! Got to save one more for Jesus!" He began to repeat that phrase over and over.

During the next hour, he said the phrase probably a hundred times. "Got to save one more for Jesus!" As I sat by his bed with tears flowing down my cheeks, I bowed my head to thank G.o.d for my dad's faith. At that moment Dad reached out and placed his frail hand on my head and said, as if commissioning me, "Save one more for Jesus! Save one more for Jesus!"

I intend for that to be the theme of the rest of my life. I invite you to consider it as a focus for your life, too, because nothing will nothing will make a greater difference for eternity. If you want to be used by G.o.d, you must care about what G.o.d cares about; what he cares about most is the redemption of the people he made. He wants his lost children found! Nothing matters more to G.o.d; the Cross proves that. I pray that you will always be on the lookout to reach "one more for Jesus" so that when you stand before G.o.d one day, you can say, "Mission accomplished!" make a greater difference for eternity. If you want to be used by G.o.d, you must care about what G.o.d cares about; what he cares about most is the redemption of the people he made. He wants his lost children found! Nothing matters more to G.o.d; the Cross proves that. I pray that you will always be on the lookout to reach "one more for Jesus" so that when you stand before G.o.d one day, you can say, "Mission accomplished!"

DAY THIRTY-SIX THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: I was made for a mission. I was made for a mission.Verse to Remember: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)Question to Consider: What fears have kept me from fulfilling the mission G.o.d made me to accomplish? What keeps me from telling others the Good News? What fears have kept me from fulfilling the mission G.o.d made me to accomplish? What keeps me from telling others the Good News?

Sharing Your Life Message Those who believe in the son of G.o.d have the testimony of G.o.d in them. 1John 5:10a 1John 5:10a (GWT) (GWT)Your lives are echoing the Master's word ....The news of your faith in G.o.d is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore -you're the message!

1Thessalonians 1:8 (Msg) G.o.d has given you a Life Message to share.

When you became a believer, you also became G.o.d's messenger. G.o.d wants to speak to the world through you. Paul said, "We speak the truth before G.o.d, as messengers of G.o.d." "We speak the truth before G.o.d, as messengers of G.o.d."

You may feel you don't have anything to share, but that's the Devil trying to keep you silent. You have a storehouse of experiences that G.o.d wants to use to bring others into his family. The Bible says, "Those who believe in the Son of G.o.d have the testimony of G.o.d in them." "Those who believe in the Son of G.o.d have the testimony of G.o.d in them." Your Life Message has four parts to it: Your Life Message has four parts to it: ' Your testimony: testimony: the story of how you began a relationship with Jesus ' Your the story of how you began a relationship with Jesus ' Your life lessons: life lessons: the most important lessons G.o.d has taught you ' Your the most important lessons G.o.d has taught you ' Your G.o.dly pa.s.sions: G.o.dly pa.s.sions: the issues G.o.d shaped you to care about most ' The the issues G.o.d shaped you to care about most ' The Good News: Good News: the message of salvation the message of salvation Your Life Message includes your testimony. Your testimony is the story of how Christ has made a difference in your life. Peter tells us that we were chosen by G.o.d Your testimony is the story of how Christ has made a difference in your life. Peter tells us that we were chosen by G.o.d "to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you." "to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you." This is the essence of witnessing-simply sharing your personal experiences regarding the Lord. In a courtroom, a witness isn't expected to argue the case, prove the truth, or press for a verdict; that is the job of attorneys. Witnesses simply report what happened to them or what they saw. This is the essence of witnessing-simply sharing your personal experiences regarding the Lord. In a courtroom, a witness isn't expected to argue the case, prove the truth, or press for a verdict; that is the job of attorneys. Witnesses simply report what happened to them or what they saw.

Jesus said, "You will be my witnesses," "You will be my witnesses," not "You will be my attorney." He wants you to share your story with others. Sharing your testimony is an essential part of your mission on earth because it is unique. There is no other story just like yours, so only you can share it. If you don't share it, it will be lost forever. You may not be a Bible scholar, but you not "You will be my attorney." He wants you to share your story with others. Sharing your testimony is an essential part of your mission on earth because it is unique. There is no other story just like yours, so only you can share it. If you don't share it, it will be lost forever. You may not be a Bible scholar, but you are are the authority on your life, and it's hard to argue with personal experience. Actually, your personal testimony is more effective than a sermon, because unbelievers see pastors as professional salesmen, but see you as a "satisfied customer," so they give you more credibility. the authority on your life, and it's hard to argue with personal experience. Actually, your personal testimony is more effective than a sermon, because unbelievers see pastors as professional salesmen, but see you as a "satisfied customer," so they give you more credibility.

Personal stories are also easier to relate to than principles, and people love to hear them. They capture our attention, and we remember them longer. Unbelievers would probably lose interest if you started quoting theologians, but they have a natural curiosity about experiences they've never had. Shared stories build a relational bridge that Jesus can walk across from your heart to theirs.

Another value of your testimony is that it bypa.s.ses intellectual defenses. Many people who won't accept the authority of the Bible will listen to a humble, personal story. That is why on six different occasions Paul used his testimony to share the gospel instead of quoting Scripture.'

The Bible says, Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect." Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect." The best way to "be ready" is to write out your testimony and then memorize the main points. Divide it into four parts: The best way to "be ready" is to write out your testimony and then memorize the main points. Divide it into four parts: 1. What my life was like before I met Jesus What my life was like before I met Jesus2. How I realized I needed Jesus How I realized I needed Jesus3. How I committed my life to Jesus How I committed my life to Jesus4. The difference Jesus has made in my life The difference Jesus has made in my life Of course, you have many other testimonies besides your salvation story. You have a story for every every experience in which G.o.d has helped you. You should make a list of all the problems, circ.u.mstances, and crises that G.o.d has brought you through. Then be sensitive and use the story that your unbelieving friend will relate to best. Different situations call for different testimonies. experience in which G.o.d has helped you. You should make a list of all the problems, circ.u.mstances, and crises that G.o.d has brought you through. Then be sensitive and use the story that your unbelieving friend will relate to best. Different situations call for different testimonies.

Your Life Message includes your life lessons. The second part of your life message is the truths that G.o.d has taught you from experiences with him. These are lessons and insights you have learned about G.o.d, relationships, problems, temptations, and other aspects of life. David prayed, The second part of your life message is the truths that G.o.d has taught you from experiences with him. These are lessons and insights you have learned about G.o.d, relationships, problems, temptations, and other aspects of life. David prayed, "G.o.d, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course." "G.o.d, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course." Sadly, we never learn from a lot that happens to us. Of the Israelites, the Bible says, Sadly, we never learn from a lot that happens to us. Of the Israelites, the Bible says, "Over and over G.o.d rescued them, but they never learned-untilfinally their sins destroyed them." "Over and over G.o.d rescued them, but they never learned-untilfinally their sins destroyed them." You have probably met people like that. You have probably met people like that.

While it is wise to learn from experience, it is wiser wiser to learn from the experiences of others. There isn't enough time to learn everything in life by trial and error. We must learn from the life lessons of one another. The Bible says, to learn from the experiences of others. There isn't enough time to learn everything in life by trial and error. We must learn from the life lessons of one another. The Bible says, "A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable than ...jewelry made of the finest gold." "A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable than ...jewelry made of the finest gold."

Shared stories build a relational bridge that Jesus can walk across from your heart to others.

Write down the major life lessons you have learned so you can share them with others. We should be grateful Solomon did this, because it gave us the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, which are filled with practical lessons on living. Imagine how much needless frustration could be avoided if we learned from each other's life lessons.

Mature people develop the habit of extracting lessons from everyday experiences. I urge you to make a list of your life lessons. You haven't really thought about them unless you have written them down. Here are a few questions to jog your memory and get your started: * What has G.o.d taught me from failure? What has G.o.d taught me from failure?* What has G.o.d taught me from a lack of money? What has G.o.d taught me from a lack of money?* What has G.o.d taught me from pain or sorrow or depression? What has G.o.d taught me from pain or sorrow or depression?* What has G.o.d taught me through waiting? What has G.o.d taught me through waiting?* What has G.o.d taught me through illness? What has G.o.d taught me through illness?* What has G.o.d taught me from disappointment? What has G.o.d taught me from disappointment?* What have I learned from my family, my church, my relationships, my small group, and my critics? What have I learned from my family, my church, my relationships, my small group, and my critics?

Your Life Message includes sharing your G.o.dly pa.s.sions. G.o.d is a pa.s.sionate G.o.d. He pa.s.sionately G.o.d is a pa.s.sionate G.o.d. He pa.s.sionately loves loves some things and pa.s.sionately some things and pa.s.sionately hates hates other things. As you grow closer to him, he will give you a pa.s.sion for something he cares about deeply so you can be a spokesman for him in the world. It may be a pa.s.sion about a problem, a purpose, a principle, or a group of people. Whatever it is, you will feel compelled to speak up about it and do what you can to make a difference. other things. As you grow closer to him, he will give you a pa.s.sion for something he cares about deeply so you can be a spokesman for him in the world. It may be a pa.s.sion about a problem, a purpose, a principle, or a group of people. Whatever it is, you will feel compelled to speak up about it and do what you can to make a difference.

You cannot keep yourself from talking about what you care about most. Jesus said, "A man's heart determines his speech." "A man's heart determines his speech." Two examples are David, who said, Two examples are David, who said, "My zeal for G.o.d and his work burns hot within me," "My zeal for G.o.d and his work burns hot within me," and Jeremiah, who said, and Jeremiah, who said, "Your message burns in my heart and bones, and I cannot keep silent. "Your message burns in my heart and bones, and I cannot keep silent."

G.o.d gives some people a G.o.dly pa.s.sion to champion a cause. It's often a problem they personally experienced such as abuse, addiction, infertility, depression, a disease, or some other difficulty. Sometimes G.o.d gives people a pa.s.sion to speak up for a group of others who can't speak for themselves: the unborn, the persecuted, the poor, the imprisoned, the mistreated, the disadvantaged, and those who are denied justice. The Bible is filled with commands to defend the defenseless.

G.o.d uses pa.s.sionate people to further his kingdom. He may give you a G.o.dly pa.s.sion for starting new churches, strengthening families, funding Bible translations, or training Christian leaders. You may be given a G.o.dly pa.s.sion for reaching a particular group of people with the gospel: businessmen, teenagers, foreign exchange students, young mothers, or those with a particular hobby or sport. If you ask G.o.d, he will burden your heart for a specific country or ethnic group that desperately needs a strong Christian witness.

G.o.d gives us different pa.s.sions so that everything he wants done in the world will get done. You should not expect everyone else to be pa.s.sionate about your pa.s.sion. Instead, we must listen to and value each other's life message because n.o.body can say it all. Never belittle someone else's G.o.dly pa.s.sion. The Bible says, "It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good. "It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good."

G.o.d gives us different pa.s.sions so that everything he wants done in the world will get done.[image]

Your Life Message includes the Good News. What is the Good News? News. What is the Good News? "The Good News shows how G.o.d makes people right with himself-that it begins and ends with faith." "For G.o.d was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others." "The Good News shows how G.o.d makes people right with himself-that it begins and ends with faith." "For G.o.d was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others." The Good News is that when we trust G.o.d's grace to save us through what Jesus did, our sins are forgiven, we get a purpose for living, and we are promised a future home in heaven. The Good News is that when we trust G.o.d's grace to save us through what Jesus did, our sins are forgiven, we get a purpose for living, and we are promised a future home in heaven.

There are hundreds of great books on how to share the Good News. I can provide a list of books that have been helpful to me (see appendix 2). But all the training in the world won't motivate you to witness for Christ until you internalize the eight convictions covered in the previous chapter. Most important, you must learn to love lost people the way G.o.d does.

G.o.d has never made a person he didn't love. Everybody matters to him. When Jesus stretched his arms out wide on the cross, he was saying, "I love you this this much!" The Bible says, much!" The Bible says, "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all." "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all." Whenever you feel apathetic about your mission in the world, spend some time thinking about what Jesus did for you on the cross. Whenever you feel apathetic about your mission in the world, spend some time thinking about what Jesus did for you on the cross.

We must care about unbelievers because G.o.d does. Love leaves no choice. The Bible says, "There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear." "There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear." A parent will run into a burning building to save a child because their love for that child is greater than their fear. If you've been afraid to share the Good News with those around you, ask G.o.d to fill your heart with his love for them. A parent will run into a burning building to save a child because their love for that child is greater than their fear. If you've been afraid to share the Good News with those around you, ask G.o.d to fill your heart with his love for them.

The Bible says, "[G.o.d] does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives." "[G.o.d] does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives." As long as you know one person who doesn't know Christ, you As long as you know one person who doesn't know Christ, you must must keep praying for them, serving them in love, and sharing the Good News. And as long as there is one person in your community who isn't in the family of G.o.d, your church keep praying for them, serving them in love, and sharing the Good News. And as long as there is one person in your community who isn't in the family of G.o.d, your church must must keep reaching out. The church that doesn't want to grow is saying to the world, "You can go to h.e.l.l." keep reaching out. The church that doesn't want to grow is saying to the world, "You can go to h.e.l.l."

What are you you willing to do so that the people you know will go to heaven? Invite them to church? Share your story? Give them this book? Take them a meal? Pray for them every day until they are saved? Your mission field is all around you. Don't miss the opportunities G.o.d is giving you. The Bible says, willing to do so that the people you know will go to heaven? Invite them to church? Share your story? Give them this book? Take them a meal? Pray for them every day until they are saved? Your mission field is all around you. Don't miss the opportunities G.o.d is giving you. The Bible says, "Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all your contacts with them." "Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all your contacts with them."

Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you? Will anyone in heaven be able to say to you, "I want to thank you. I'm here because you cared enough to share the Good News with me"? Imagine the joy of greeting people in heaven whom you helped get there. The eternal salvation of a single soul is more important than anything else you will ever achieve in life. Only people are going to last forever.

In this book you have learned G.o.d's five purposes for your life on earth: He made you to be a member member of his family, a of his family, a model model of his character, a of his character, a magnifier magnifier of his glory, a of his glory, a minister minister of his grace, and of his grace, and a messenger a messenger of his Good News to others. Of these five purposes, the fifth can of his Good News to others. Of these five purposes, the fifth can only only be done on earth. The other four you will keep doing in eternity in some way. That's why spreading the Good News is so important; you only have a short time to share your life message and fulfill your mission. be done on earth. The other four you will keep doing in eternity in some way. That's why spreading the Good News is so important; you only have a short time to share your life message and fulfill your mission.

DAY THIRTY-SEVEN THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: G.o.d wants to say something to the world through me. G.o.d wants to say something to the world through me.Verse to Remember: ^Be ^Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect." ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15b-16 (TEV) 1 Peter 3:15b-16 (TEV)Question to Consider: As I reflect on my personal story, who does G.o.d want me to share it with? As I reflect on my personal story, who does G.o.d want me to share it with?