[Mark 5:18-20 KJV] “And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.”
(Reference: Mark 5:1-20)
The story the text referred to is about the man of Gadara, out of whom the Lord cast out a legion of demons and he regained his sanity. The following are a few lessons we can learn from his encounter;
God is calling every one of us as missionaries to where we live, work, and play. We know that aside from where we worship, many of us go to three other places: home, workplaces and playgrounds. At the place of worship, the pastor is the witness. At the place of worship, I do the witnessing and sharing but you are appointed and commissioned to be the witness at home, workplace, and playgrounds. Remember to influence the people where you live, work and play. Let your light so shine that in your light they shall see light.
It is important to understand that an effective witness must possess three things; experience, courage, and evidence. When you stand before discerning people to give your account, they will be looking for three things: were you there when the thing happen? Have you experienced it yourself? Are you sure of what you are saying? Do you have any proof? That is why God is committed to giving you;
- An encounter
- An anointing
- A sign
[1 John 1:1-3 KJV] “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
You will become an effective witness when you;
Continue steadfastly in fellowship, in the word, and prayer:
This is how you receive an encounter. The man of Gadara needed a touch or an encounter to set him free. I pray that as you have stepped for, the Lord will give you an encounter. Luke 5:15-17, the came to hear and to be healed; receive the word and the healing! Every witness must have an encounter; a personal experience with the power of God.
Learn to ascribe all the glory to God:
Many people receive miracles but explain them away. Many think it is by their might that they have gotten where they are. Only humble and grateful people can witness and testify. Only a humble and grateful person can tell everyone they meet that they are who they are because of this man or woman of God. Many people feel good to say that I am self-made. Many people don’t witness because they are proud and ungrateful. (See Deuteronomy 8:18)
Receive the Holy Spirit:
He is the spirit of truth and He will give you the boldness you require to stand before people and tell your own story. Every witness must receive the Holy Spirit and power. The anointing is what will transform you into the witness you need to be.
Learn to pray for all men and Kings and people in authority:
Every witness must learn how to pray for all men, kings and people in authority (See 1 Timothy 2:1-8)
Dress decently, especially the women:
Remember, people will see what you are wearing before they hear what you have to say.
May the Lord give you an encounter that will change your life forever; may He anoint and awaken you to prayer and intercession and thanksgiving.
Stay blessed
