What a great question to ask! And a great question to be asked. What has God done for you? If you are like me, you realize that He has done a lot. For you.
A man from the region of the Gerasenes, a land on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, was encountered by Jesus one day. What happened next game him a story to tell, an amazing story of what God did for him.
Luke 8:26-39
26 Then they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 When He got out on land, a demon-possessed man from the town met Him. For a long time he had worn no clothes and did not stay in a house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and said in a loud voice, “What do You have to do with me, Jesus, You Son of the Most High God? I beg You, don’t torment me!” 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was guarded, bound by chains and shackles, he would snap the restraints and be driven by the demon into deserted places.
30 “What is your name?” Jesus asked him. “Legion,” he said—because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged Him not to banish them to the abyss. 32 A large herd of pigs was there, feeding on the hillside. The demons begged Him to permit them to enter the pigs, and He gave them permission. 33 The demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. 34 When the men who tended them saw what had happened, they ran off and reported it in the town and in the countryside. 35 Then people went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man the demons had departed from, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
36 Meanwhile, the eyewitnesses reported to them how the demon-possessed man was delivered. 37 Then all the people of the Gerasene region asked Him to leave them, because they were gripped by great fear. So getting into the boat, He returned. 38 The man from whom the demons had departed kept begging Him to be with Him. But He sent him away and said, 39 “Go back to your home, and tell all that God has done for you.” And off he went, proclaiming throughout the town all that Jesus had done for him.
This story demonstrates the power of Jesus to heal anyone and to change their life from the inside out. When Jesus changed the man’s life, he wanted to begin traveling with Jesus from town to town. However, Jesus had a different mission for this man. Jesus wanted him to go throughout his own region, telling people what God had done for him.
Jesus came to me
The man’s story began by Jesus coming to him. Everyone else stayed away from this guy. He was dangerous, wild, and out of control, living far away from the citizens of the town. While others stayed away because of fear, Jesus exited the boat and walked straight to him. Jesus was not afraid. Jesus knew that He could help the man. Jesus showed up.
Where did you meet Jesus? I mean, where was the spot where you were overwhelmed by His mercy and grace, when you realized that He died for you and rose again, and when you placed your faith and trust in Him as your Lord and Savior? Were you at home, church, a lake, school, a coffee shop, or somewhere else?
Jesus changed me
The man from the Gerasene region was demon-possessed. His life was a wreck. When he met Jesus, Jesus changed his life forever. Jesus cast out the legion of demons and the guy was set free to live the life that God intended for him to live. What are some of the ways that Jesus changed him?
…. from death to life
… from chaos to peace
… from captivity to freedom
How has Jesus changed you? You should be able to verbalize that to someone to tell them the difference that God has made in your life.
Jesus gave me a story to tell
As we’ve already discussed, the man wanted to go on the road with Jesus and the disciples. Yet Jesus wanted him to go to the townspeople of his region and tell them what God had done for him. Jesus knew the power that his witness would have to declare that God loves all people and will save anyone who puts their trust in him.
One thing that is important to note: although Jesus told the guy to tell everyone what God had done for him, the man immediately begin telling everyone what Jesus had done for him. This man understood it — Jesus was God in the flesh.
Who have you shared your story with lately?
Here’s a tip: before you try to tell someone your story, take the time to listen to them share their life story with you. A simple question such as, “Would you share your story with me?” is a great place to begin. Then take the time to listen. As they share their story, be listening for ways to connect with them, to pray for them, and to point them to God’s love. After they share their life story with you, share your story. Start wherever you want to begin, and make sure to tell them what God has done for you!