Tell Your Story
In the early 1800s, a man named Peter Cartwright traveled across the American frontier as a circuit-riding preacher. He rode hundreds of miles on horseback, visiting cabins, small towns, and makeshift churches. What made his ministry powerful wasn’t fancy sermons, it was his personal testimony. He told everyone what Jesus had done in his own life: how grace found him, changed him, and gave him courage. Cartwright’s faith spread like a spark through the wilderness because he spoke from experience, not just education. His story reminds us that faith often grows not by argument, but by witness - one person telling another what they have seen and heard.
Scripture Overview
In 1 John 1:1–4, the apostle John begins by saying, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard.” He’s not telling secondhand stories, he actually walked with Jesus, saw His miracles, and heard His voice. John says he’s sharing this so that others can have fellowship with God too, and so their joy may be complete. The faith we have today is the result of that chain of testimony - one generation telling the next. Christianity isn’t just a set of ideas; it’s a shared experience of a living Savior. Just as John passed on what he witnessed, we are invited to do the same, passing along our own encounters with Jesus so that others might know Him too.
Things to Ponder
What’s one way you’ve personally experienced God’s love or faithfulness?
Who first shared their faith with you, and how did it impact you?
Why do you think stories are such a powerful way to pass on truth?
How can your family’s faith story be told or remembered this week?
What would it look like to “proclaim what you have seen and heard” in your everyday life?
Application Challenge
Faith isn’t meant to be kept, it’s meant to be shared. This week, think of one story from your life that shows God’s goodness: a prayer He answered, a time He gave you peace, or a moment you felt His presence. Then, tell your story. Share it at dinner, write it in a note, or tell a friend who needs encouragement. When we tell our stories, we remind others (and ourselves) that God is still at work.
Could it be that someone needs to hear your story this week? God often uses the ordinary moments, conversations in the car, bedtime talks, quick texts. All continue the chain of faith from one heart to another.
Prayer Prompt
Lord Jesus, thank You for the people who shared their faith so we could know You. Help us to remember our own stories of Your love and to speak them with courage and joy. Let our words bring light and hope to others, just as Yours have to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
