Thrown together as seatmates for an 8-hour train ride, a retired US
ambassador and I quickly clashed as he sighed when I pulled out my Bible.
I took the bait. At first, we traded one-liners aimed at goading the
other or scoring points. Gradually, though, bits and pieces of our respective
life stories started creeping into the discussion. Curiosity got the better of
both of us and we found ourselves asking questions instead of feuding. A
political science major in college and a political junkie by hobby, I was
intrigued with his career, which included two prominent ambassadorships.
Strangely enough, his questions to me were about my faith. How I became
“a believer” was what interested him most. The train ride ended amicably, and
we even traded business cards. As he left the train, he turned to me and said,
“By the way, the best part of your argument isn’t what you think Jesus can do
for me. It’s what He’s done for you.”
In John 9, as on that train, God reminds us that the best story is the
one we know intimately: Our own encounter with Jesus Christ. Practice telling
your story of faith to loved ones and close friends so you’ll be able to tell
it clearly to others.
People know true faith stories when they hear them. (RBC)
