No, you did not pass through a time warp and wake up in December. Yes, that is indeed the first line of the well-known Christmas carol – the 2nd line being “over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born”.
How many of you are singing the tune now? 😊 You will once again be forgiven for thinking that I am not of sound mind. A little context may assist in making sense of my ramblings. A few weeks ago, we engaged in Christmas planning – due to our Rector’s planned sabbatical. It was rather alarming to think that by the time she returned, Christmas would be upon us.
With much debate – we decided on the selection of carols for the appropriate service. It is during that session that “Go tell it on the mountain” wormed its way into my brain and refused to leave. I have been humming it for several weeks now. It has become what my stepdad called – an “ear worm”. I do believe that it became an ear worm for a reason. Just as an earthworm introduces nutrients to soil – this little worm put the cogs of my rusty mind into action.
I began to dwell on the power of what we hear. This led to far deeper musings as to the number of times that God stresses the importance and necessity for people to hear not only the word of God, but testimonies – witness testimonies.
Mark 16:15
And He said to them “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation”.
Paul stresses that people cannot believe unless they hear! We are told of this in Romans 10: 14-15
“How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? How can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
The message is clear – It is not only important – but necessary – to share the gospel and good news for others to believe.
This is where I paused for a very long period of “musing”. I found myself wondering why I would readily call for prayer for someone who is in need – no hesitation necessary – yet on the other hand think twice about taking the opportunity to share good news of answered prayers when the opportunity arises. It is not only during “testimony time” that we could share what God is doing in our lives. It is also during coffee time, in small groups, time in a queue in the grocery store….in fact anywhere that the spirit may prompt us to do so.
Right there the penny dropped – it is by the Holy Spirits’ power that we are courageous enough to share.
I don’t believe that I am the only one who thinks twice before sharing. There are so many reasons to hesitate. What if my story sounds small and silly? What if I don’t express myself correctly? What if it makes me sound as if I am a mad hatter on a flight of fantasy? What if all I do is make an absolute fool of myself?
When “testimony time” is filled with small snippets of how God has worked in the lives of the people of St John’s, these stories have encouraged those of us who may not be as far down the road. The seemingly small stories of others have often served to encourage me and ignite a small flame in my spirit.
It is not only good news that is shared or is useful – I have listened to testimonies from people who were navigating tough times that often led to moments of revelation or growth in trusting God for the way forward. One persons’ learning can become an “AHA” moment to another – helping them to understand where they are in climbing a mountain.
The most successful mountain climbers will tell you that when embarking on a challenging climb – it is not merely personal physical strength and fitness that will enable you to attain your goal. Your success depends on mental strength and the encouragement, support and advice of those in your climbing party. At times it is merely knowing that you have someone who is behind/beside you in the climb that spurs you on.
It is common for a mountain climber to eagerly share accounts of their journey to the summit of a challenging mountain. This inspires others to follow in their footsteps.
God teaches us that sharing is to be viewed as both a command and a privilege.
“You will be my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sumaria and to the end of the earth”. Acts 1:8
St John’s is hosting Alpha during September, and I pray that not only those attending – but all others who are associated with the community of St John’s, experience the opportunity to share in conversation and build meaningful personal relationships as well as a deepened relationship with our Father God.
I encourage everyone in our community to call on the power of the Holy Spirit in courageously sharing in conversations of witness & encouragement.
Go tell it on a molehill if you prefer – but don’t hesitate to tell it.