As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them. Mark 5:18-20 (NLT)
Jesus left. He is never going to push himself on us. He shows up and then waits for us to ask him to stay or tell him to leave. It's our choice. The folks of the town asked him to leave so he did.
But the man he healed wanted to go with him. He knew what it felt like to have God work in his life and he wanted more. But, as with all of us, Jesus had work for him to do. He had changed his life and people needed to know how. Jesus didn't ask him to get a degree and go into professional ministry. He didn't ask him to start a big non-profit to impact thousands. He asked him to go back to his family and friends, his neighborhood and tell everyone he knew what God had done for him.
The man did what Jesus asked. And the Bible says they were amazed. Even though initially they didn't want to have anything to do with Jesus, by this man's personal testimony, their curiosity was peaked and they were willing to listen. By witnessing his life change, they were willing to hear more. Because of his story, they were amazed.
What about you? Do you share your story with others? God gives us each a story. He wants us to tell it because in every single story he is in the middle of it. That's what people need to see.