I participate in a Bible Study at my church called Women in the Word. This fall we’re studying the Acts of the Apostles, diving deep one chapter per week. I know I’ve read the book of Acts before but studying it this way has really opened my eyes to the truths of our early Christian Church that never stuck with me before. For example, Acts 1:8 has hit home for me. It’s written by Luke, documenting what Jesus told his disciples during the last time they would ever see him in the flesh:
“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.”
What Jesus was saying to his chosen disciples was this: “Tell my story. Tell everyone you can about me. Grow my church. Witness to those around you.”
Through reading the book of Acts in the Bible, followers of Jesus know that that’s still his direction to us now. We may not be spreading the word in Jerusalem or Samaria, but He still needs us and wants us to share the good news. Tell His story.
There are many ways to witness. Some of us can stand in front of a congregation and deliver a thought-provoking sermon. Not me. The thought of that makes me sweat and my hands shake. Some have a powerful transformation story and can share it as a personal testimony. Nope. I was raised in a Christian home and always believed in Him, just like my parents did. Some of us can sit one on one with people and share wisdom from the Bible and from our own Christian walk. I’m getting there, but I know there’s a better way that I can witness about God’s love.
I can use my writing skills.
Some of us WRITE for God. It’s what we do as InspyRomance authors. When I began writing Christian fiction, I’d already written and published eight books that were secular stories. During this time, I was growing and honing my writing skills, while letting God place on my heart that I wasn’t writing the type of stories He had in his plan for me long-term. Eventually, He and I came to the same conclusion. I was a woman of faith, and a writer. I needed to be writing for him.
From then on, it was a partnership between him and me. I’d pray for his guidance on the story. I would write stories filled with his inspirational message, and we’d both try to get the word out to those people who needed or wanted to hear it. This is my ministry to the world. This is how I witness to others. It’s how I get Jesus’s story out, far and wide to the ends of the world, just like He asked us.
When I put this into perspective, it helps me to realize that no matter what story I’m writing, who my characters are, or how many people read the finished book, God is using me to tell the most important story in the world. He is providing me with His guidance and inspiration when I ask for it. It’s vital work that he’s entrusted me to do. And I owe Him my very best effort each and every time.
How can God use you to tell Jesus’ story? What special skills do you possess that you can use to witness to others and share God’s word?
**Heartwarming, life-changing Christian fiction.** An award-winning author, Laurie is living her dream life at the beach, writing novels. Laurie writes beachy inspirational romance that takes place in the South Carolina Low Country. She retired from the big day job and now focuses on writing full time. Strolls on the sand, soaking up the sun and riding the waves can be considered the best kind of research.
I love this “I was a woman of faith, and a writer. I needed to be writing for him. From then on, it was a partnership between him and me………This is my ministry to the world. This is how I witness to others. ”
I firmly believe that our Light shines when we are at work, at home or spending time with a friend. Like Francis of Assisi “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words”
I send our a fortnightly newsletter to about 70 people to encourage them and I also have a Ladies WhatsApp group where I post encouragement. The ladies might be my friends but they all have their own problems, which often they are not willing to share publicly.
I have four fractured vertebrae and it is difficult for me to go out, but God knows that!
I can share the gospel one on one…and I also like to write but I’m still at the stage where I perfect my writing, writing Christian fiction requires more responsibility than writing clean or secular books there you just must not write anything that contradicts your faith and take care of the plot and a positive message, when it is Christian fiction you also have to show God correctly.
Jeannette, you are right! We witness in the way we live our lives. How wonderful that you share heartwarming messages to people in your tribe. I know they make a big difference for them!
Hi Lilly! Yes you are right that writing Christian fiction is a big responsibility in addition to a great honor. You described it perfectly!
God has given me many life experiences that allow me to minister to others journeying through similar situations. From breast cancer, to caring for aging parents, to being the parent of a prodigal child years ago, to other medical conditions and more, God has used those experiences to help me bring others closer to Him. Also, my relationship with God has deepened in each moment.
Melissa what a wonderful, loving way to look at all those hardships you’ve succeeded in. You have a large arsenal of experiences you can witness about, giving the glory to God!
I facilitate at our ladies’ Bible study. I also proofread/edit for CF authors. There’s one that I kept telling her she needed to add more faith to her books (she’s a Christian) and she’s doing that. Her books are so much better with it added in! Not that it wasn’t there before, but it was very subtle. Not so with some of her newer books!! Like you, she’s coming to realize that she needs to add it to remain true to God. Honestly, that’s why I love CF, and Inspy Romance. Without God, it’s all just a bunch of words.
Hooray! You’re a wonderful help to Christian authors, very supportive! We appreciate you so much.
Welcome. Great post today. The Lord has given me the spiritual gifts of Helps, Giving and Shepharding. I use these gifts as the Lord directs. One of the minisistries I am in is: making being on the prayer team and making greeting cards for some that we pray for… sympathy-get well-new baby-encouragement. Another is…. another two ladies and I make sure that things are set up for Sunday morning, such as pens and envelopes behind the seats, filling bags with welcome information, etc. Plus what ever comes up.
Hi, I was a Catechist for over 25 years and now for the past 8 yrs I have been teaching my 2 grandchildren that live in the same town as my husband and I. It is very rewarding and I really love it.
I really admire you Laurie and all of the writers on this blog for the wonderful way you use your talents for the glory of God. There are some great examples in these comments as well. At the moment I’m mainly trying to teach my own little children and I also help with the Children’s ministry at Church. I think we are all called in different ways at different times to do what we can.
Hi Lori! These are all such excellent examples of serving the followers of Christ. It reminds me of later in the Book of Acts (chapter 6), the church was growing so quickly that the original 12 disciples realized they needed a way to feed people. They didn’t want to draw their own attention/time away from preaching the word, so they asked the group to choose people who would be in charge of feeding. The group chose seven people, led by Stephen (who soon plays a remarkable role in the early church), to lead this necessary task. When the original 12 told the group to choose the people to be responsible to feed the followers, they said to pick people full of the holy spirit and wisdom. This teaches us that any task, no matter how mundane, when done for the body of Christ, it becomes a spiritual act, and very important.
This is fantastic Alicia! By serving in this role, you are making a direct impact on new generations of Christian followers. And, I bet, increasing your own knowledge and faith simultaneously! It’s a win/win.
Oh Ruthie, thank you so much. To God goes the glory for whatever talent I have, or whatever impact I’ve made through my books. As a mom, you have one of the best opportunities to teach your children about God and Jesus, but I know from being there in that same position that sometimes you’re so busy doing other things than it slips. It sounds like you’re keeping it front of mind! You’re providing your own, and other children that foundation to hopefully carry faith into their adult lives.
I am an encourager. I make sure that I thank people as well as tell them God bless them. I pray for those who I know are in need of prayer. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Beautiful gifts to encourage the family of believers! God bless you Debra.
Beautiful, Laurie.
an interesting post
Thank you Christina!