Testimony

Discussion Questions

1. Read Mark 4:35-41. Then read the devotional below, “Testimony.”
2. Not all Jesus stories are dramatic or miraculous. Sometimes they’re small and quiet. But encounters with his love are always worth sharing. Have you ever told anyone about an experience of Christ’s love you’ve had? A moment that changed you, strengthened your faith, consoled you, unstuck you and helped you move forward, or simply made you know you are loved? If you’ve never told anyone that story, what holds you back?
3. Have you ever been inspired, strengthened, encouraged, consoled, or changed by someone else’s story of what God has done in their lives? Remember it now. Did you thank that person for sharing it? If not, why not tell them today what it meant to you?

Devotional 

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down. – Mark 4:38-39 (NIV) 

I love gospel stories. They’re our ancestors’ testimonies: “This is what Jesus did for us. Here’s what we want you to know about him.” 

I love hearing people’s testimonies today, too: the gospel according to Melissa and Fred, the different ways Jesus is still being Jesus in their lives.  

I have stories. I know you do, too. I’ll tell you one if you promise to tell one of yours, too. OK? Here goes:  

Years ago, my boat was adrift in a relentless storm of depression. I’d stopped eating. I’d also pretty much stopped talking. My friends were worried; I never didn’t talk.  

On New Year’s Eve, I hunkered down for ten straight hours of Hogan’s Heroes re-runs, counting down to midnight with Bob Crane in Stalag 13. During a commercial, a stray thought arrived: “You should pray.” 

Somehow, I obeyed. While Schultz was on the phone impersonating Clink to secure the release of Hogan’s sabotage team, I cried out to Jesus like the medieval mystics I was studying in grad school.  

Something stirred. It was Jesus. Up from his cushion, he took my hand, slapped the Yellow Pages into it (remember them?), and said, “For God’s sake, woman, call a therapist!” 

Well, Jesus in a friend incessantly ringing my doorbell, that is. He pushed in, gave me his therapist’s number, and stood over me menacingly until I left her a message. Next day he chucked me into his car and delivered me to her.  

It took a year for the winds to die completely, but after that weird night I always knew there was a shore.  

I wouldn’t wish that brutal storm on my worst enemy. But I’d pray hard for them in storm and calm to know the love of Jesus, who saves. 

Prayer
Now, your story here…

About the Author
Mary Luti is a long time seminary educator and pastor, author of Teresa of Avila’s Way and numerous articles, and founding member of The Daughters of Abraham, a national network of interfaith women’s book groups.