Today’s Musing is from Margaret Fowler.
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” —Mark 16:15 NLT
We all like to share good news. It is a delight to tell people about something special knowing it will make them happy. It may be news of a new baby, a friend, a gift, perhaps a good test result or a healing. We are always glad when we know a loved one has arrived home safely after a journey. We especially rejoice when we hear news of peace after war. I remember the worldwide joy at the end of World War II. Sorrow, of course, for all who were lost, but incredible joy and relief that at last, we could live in peace again.
Now, let’s talk about THE GOOD NEWS! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to live on this earth to show God’s love, and, as He died on the cross, He paid for sin and offered salvation to all who believe in Him. How often do we share this very best of news?
God has given me many opportunities to share the Good News—and I have also failed many times when I could have shared. But I have been given two unusual and special times when I had the joy of sharing. I have written about these in two of my books, but here they are for you now.
On a flight to England, I was talking with a stranger on the plane. He ordered a special meal from the flight attendant and explained to me that his religion restricted him from certain foods. He was a businessman from a Middle East country. I listened as he explained his faith, and I asked questions, learning about the different requirements and doctrines of his religion. Then the moment came! I said I would like to share my Christian faith with him, would he agree to listen? He said, “Yes!”
Talk about a captive audience! Thousands of feet up in the air, he was seated between me and the window—no escape. What an opportunity God had provided. So I shared the Good News … and he listened.
Then, I asked if he had access to a Bible, and he told me there were no Bibles in his country. I gave him a small pocket New Testament that I had in my purse. He accepted it and tucked it into his briefcase. I was so thankful to have that opportunity to share. I am sorry for the many times I have passed up chances to be a faithful witness. May God help us to care enough to share our faith.
Here is my second opportunity, but I still feel disappointed in myself when I think back. I was in England, visiting my mother in a nursing home. It was time to leave to catch a train to London and my return flight to America. I ordered a taxi to take me to the train station. The driver was a young man, maybe in his twenties, and I had just sat down when he asked me a question: “What do you think about Church?”
I was surprised and assumed he was really asking about God. Well, he had asked, so I answered. I knew it was only a ten-minute ride to the station, just ten minutes to share the Good News. I can’t remember what I said, but I tried to explain what I believed. Too soon, we arrived at the station. He handed me my luggage and told me “Well, I don’t believe any of that.”
I still wonder, why did he ask me? Did he really want answers? Did he ask that question to all his customers? This was about 30 years ago, and I think I would have handled it differently now. Think about it. What would you say? How would you share the Good News in such a short time?
I should have asked him what he really wanted. I should have listened to him first and shown interest in why he asked this question. Then I could have learned what he really wanted. I should have shown love and caring to him.
In the book, What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey, he points out that sharing should be done with love, truly caring about the other person. Quoting from his book, “First listen to their stories. Christians communicating faith do not always do so in love. This is an indispensable starting point to presenting faith in a grace-full way.”
Christmas is coming soon. As we send cards and letters, maybe we can share a gentle testimony, share the Good News. The shepherds came to see the child in the manger and “When they had seen him, they spread the word … about this child” (Luke 2:17 NIV).
Jesus told us to witness to others: “And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone’” (Mark 16:15 NLT).
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born!
Dear Lord, please help us to share the Good News in kindness and love. Give us listening ears so we can better understand others. Help us to be faithful in the way we live so our lives may bear fruit for You.
Margaret is Sharon’s Mum. She and her husband have had 66 years of marriage and four children. They enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, and just being outdoors, watching wildlife. Margaret plays the piano as part of a nursing home ministry. She has written many articles for her church newsletter, and some of these have been compiled into a trilogy of books: Holding My Father’s Hand, Holding My Daughter’s Hand, and Holding My Heavenly Father’s Hand, all available here on Amazon.
Saved by grace,
Margaret Fowler
Sweet Selah Ministries
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To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service
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