We have heard him ourselves...

 This was the response of the Samaritans to the Samaritan Woman after they heard Jesus themselves. Their testimony is that they have come to believe not just because she shared her testimony but because they have now had an encounter themselves. 

Could this be advice to Christians who sometimes preach like they are trying to force Jesus down people's throats? Yes, our words should always bring people to Christ but the work of salvation is not ours to do.

As Christians, we should be willing to support people in taking baby steps. While we patiently show them as much love in our engagement with them, and our prayers for them behind the scenes. 

I was once part of a fellowship that had someone who attended regularly but yet to believe in Jesus, but we weren't poking fingers or trying to force salvation on him. After all, many people have claimed to accept Jesus as their saviour yet return to their old life without any remorse or willingness to be and do better. 

So when people sincerely tell us they are not convinced, don't force it. Rather do more preaching, we should rather opt for doing more demonstrating as we keep praying to God for an opportunity to preach to them. 

I was once led to having lunch with a female colleague, it turns out she was taking a walk to book an appointment with a beauty salon during lunch that day, and I obliged. As we walked to and fro, for about 30 minutes in all. As we drew closer to the office, she asked what is the difference between meditation and prayer? I was super excited to hear this. I hadn't made any conversation about church or God through that afternoon, but the Holy Spirit opened a window through her question.

I made sure to make the best use of that window. A seed was sown in her heart. Weeks later she was not feeling too well in the office, and I offered to pray with her, and she obliged. Her testimony was instant that day. Now she is experiencing the healing power of God. I did gift her a Bible, hoping she opens it. 

I still pray for her and call once in a while, even though it's been over two years we last worked together. 

Let's never be discouraged that we preach and people don't get converted. Our assignment is to sow the seed of the word, and of course water it in prayers, but salvation genuine salvation - is the work of the Holy Spirit. 

In all let's preach more and facilitate the opportunity for people to come to experience God for themselves, either by encouraging them to pray even when they are yet to believe or praying with them. When people experience the power of God for themselves they are more likely to believe that when all they hear is your own testimony. 

Your testimony might raise people's interest in God, like that of the Samaritan woman, but it is their own personal encounter, which is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, that will seal the deal of their salvation.