That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 1 John 1:1
A firsthand account... That's what the apostles tell us. It wasn't hearsay. It wasn't something they witnessed from afar. Their stories of Jesus were firsthand. They walked with Him. They talked with Him. They touched Him. With their own eyes they saw Him die; their hands touched His lifeless body.
Those same eyes, in three days time, saw Him again - alive! Those same hands felt the warmth of His skin. He was no longer dead. He was - and is - alive!
So many doubt, yet some believe.
That's why sharing your story is important - not someone else's story, but your own. For some will believe.
How have you encountered Jesus firsthand?
For me, I met Him in the darkest of pits. He gave me the courage to be real with those around me. He stood with me when I told of the ways I had fallen deeper than I ever dreamed possible. Then He held me - sometimes through the arms of another, but I knew it was Him. Someday, He will give me the words to share that story. Then it is my hope that some will believe.
Lord, I wish I had the words to say already, but the story is not yet complete. My journey is not yet finished, so until it is, help me to be patient. While I wait, give me more firsthand accounts to tell. Let me see You. Let me hear You. Let me touch You. Father, use me someday like You used the apostles. Help me to impact the Body for Your glory. Come, Lord Jesus!