by Marilynn Chadwick
He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. John 19:35 (NIV)
I noticed the well-worn Bible sitting on my bedside table and the collection of prayer journals stacked below. They were reminders of the times I’d seen God move in my life. Answered prayers, healings, even a few miracles. A testimony to my close walk with the Lord.
Suddenly, it hit me. If my Christian life was only about my relationship with the Lord, my world of personal concerns, and my blessings, then so what?
Now don’t get me wrong. I am incredibly thankful for my relationship with the Lord. I treasure those prayer journals—their record of answered prayers; footsteps of my journey with Christ; knowledge I had gained through years of Bible study. But as important as these blessings are, they were given to me so that I would be a blessing to others. Much like God said to Abraham, we are blessed so that we will be a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2,3).
I sensed the Holy Spirit quietly whispering, “Your life is either a so what or a so that.”
That scenario—just as I described it—happened nearly thirty years ago. My epiphany that day marked a dramatic shift. I began to look for ways to step out of my well-managed life and into a broken world. That shift has since taken me to those who are hurting in my own neighborhood and to fragile communities all over the world. So many are thirsty for the good news of Jesus Christ.
As we approach the final chapters of John's gospel, we catch a glimpse of John's purpose in sharing his eyewitness account. He writes, "The man who saw it has given testimony...He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe" (John 19:35).
John’s words are for us. He told his story of Jesus so that you and I, and all that have come before us or after us, may believe!
We can be sure the apostle John was blessed by his close relationship with Jesus. He was also blessed to be an eyewitness to Jesus's signs and wonders. But all of these blessings were so that he would be a blessing. So that others will believe. How can we do less?
Pray now for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to someone along your path today who needs to hear your story about Jesus and how he has changed your life. Don't forget to remain alert so you'll notice the opportunity when it comes!