Luke 8:38-40 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

The delivered man in today’s Scriptures wanted to follow Jesus on the boat. Instead, Jesus gave him a specific mission field: his own household. Your family should be the very first to hear your testimony. They know your past struggles, making them the perfect witnesses to God’s transforming power in your life. They “knew you when,” and because you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) they will see the fruit of your conversion.

Obedience starts at home, but it does not end there. The man took Jesus’ command and multiplied it. He did not just whisper his story to his relatives; he published it throughout the entire city. Your testimony is too powerful to keep contained within four walls. Because one man was willing to speak up, an entire community changed. When Jesus returned to that region, a crowd was waiting to receive Him gladly. Sharing your story breaks up hard ground. It prepares the hearts of neighbors, coworkers, and strangers to welcome Christ when He moves in their lives.

Your personal story of deliverance and blessing is a tool for revival. Start with those closest to you, then let your gratitude spill out into the wider community. What have we done for the spreading of God’s goodness?