We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world. (John 4:42)
The young expectant Dad nodded politely as his mentor told him how drastically his life and perspective would change as soon as he held his child for the first time. The young man wasn’t buying it—until the day came when his child was born. Everything his mentor had been telling him suddenly made sense. The new dad’s understanding of God as his heavenly Father increased exponentially. He finally comprehended that he would give up anything, even his very life, to keep his child safe.
Despite the mentor’s best efforts, the young man had to experience fatherhood firsthand to understand what it is really like. The same was true of those who heard the compelling testimony of the woman at the well. They had to find out for themselves that Jesus was the Savior for whom they had all been waiting. Then they had a testimony of their own and began to get the word out to others who needed to encounter Jesus also.
Many people in the church today are simply renting the faith that has been passed down to them from their parents or church leaders. They will not own their faith until they directly experience Jesus for themselves and internalize their need to be reconciled with God. When that happens, there will be no stopping them.
Lead people to a place where they can experience Jesus for themselves.
Doug Schmidt is a freelance content developer living in Denver. His favorite thing to do is to sit in comfortable chairs and “download the day” with his wife.
