The people in the lunchroom are annoyed with you because they want to tell an off-colour joke—and you’re sitting right there. Your presence makes them uncomfortable and awkward.

On another occasion, something happens that upsets them. They want to scream out, or at the very least mutter a string of swear words, but you’re close by, and they try to hold it in. And then there are times when they hold nothing back at all when you’re around.

Your Christian testimony aggravates them. They poke and jab you with stinging sarcasm. They may openly laugh at you for not doing this, or going there, or watching that.

You feel every wisecrack aimed your way. You’re not insensitive to the dislike or disdain they have for you because of your Christian testimony. You feel left out—when naturally, a person wants to be accepted and included.

But have you ever thought about this: a Christian who is honouring Christ should feel on the outside and not fully part of the group. If the unsaved are completely comfortable talking about their habits, lifestyles, and desires around me, then perhaps my testimony is very weak.

Most of the 276 onboard that ship would have been just like the people you mingle with every day—people who had no time or place in their lives for Jesus Christ. But at least three men onboard that Mediterranean voyage loved the Lord: Aristarchus, Luke, and a gentleman by the name of Paul the Apostle.

Those three likely felt the ridicule of the majority onboard. It may be speculation, but the probability is high—they bore the brunt of many not-so-kind jokes.

Then a vicious storm erupted, and it continued for days.

Oh, yes! That’s when it’s nice to have a Christian onboard.

Over the howling winds and the crashing of massive waves, Paul was able to tell the 270+ passengers that they would all survive. God had been in touch with him—and he was in touch with God.

“Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go. As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food…
And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat.
Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves.” Acts 27:32–36

There was no snickering when Paul gave thanks for the food this time. No wisecracks. No rolling of eyes.

No—they were in a storm, and this man had a link with God. “Let’s stay close to him.”

And the upshot of the story? They all made it to shore. They all survived.

So here’s the question: Is there enough light shining from your life to draw people to you when they are in crisis? Do they know about your link with God? Do they know that you pray?

When they ask what you did last night, do you ever say,
“I studied for the exam, slipped out for about an hour to attend a prayer meeting, then came home and studied straight through until after midnight.”

You don’t need to preach a sermon. Just be open about your faith. Don’t be secretive about what you do and where you go when you’re not with them.

If you’re open—but not preachy—about your connection with God, then when they hit a rough spot in life, they’ll value your prayers.

If your Christian testimony is what it should be, when the storm hits, they’ll be glad they have you onboard.