As Christians, we have all experienced the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. We all have a story to share about how God has worked in us and out of that God will do a work through us. Sometimes though we may feel like our story isn’t worth sharing, or that we don’t have the words to articulate it well. We may be hesitant to share our story because we don’t want to seem boastful or draw attention to ourselves.
The truth is, our stories are powerful testimonies to the goodness and grace of God. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Our stories can be a source of encouragement and inspiration to each other. Sharing with others the work God has done and is doing in our lives is a great way to encourage one another in our faith journey.
A while back someone pointed out to me Revelation 12:11, and maybe like me you’ve read it but just kept going. Listen to what John says in Revelation, “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Our stories can be a powerful weapon against the enemy, as we share how God has brough us through trials and struggles and given us victory in Christ.
In the 2nd Century, a man named Polycarp who was a disciple of the apostle John and was known for his unwavering faith and dedication to Christ. One day, Polycarp was arrested and brought before the Roman authorities, who demanded that he renounce his faith in Christ. Polycarp refused, and he was sentenced to death by burning at the stake.
As he was being led to his execution, Polycarp was given one last chance to renounce his faith. He replied, “for eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” Polycarp’s testimony of his unwavering faith in Christ even in the face of death had profound impact on those who witnessed it.
Polycarp’s story is just one example of the power of sharing our testimonies. The truth is though, we don’t have to wait until we are facing death to testify to God’s work in our life. When we share our stories, we are not only proclaiming the work of God in our own lives, but we are also inspiring and encouraging others to remain faithful in their own walks with Jesus.
One of my favorite songs by Elevation worship, “my Testimony,” says it well:
This is my testimony from death to life
‘Cause grace rewrote my story, I’ll testify
By Jesus Christ the righteous, I’m justified
This is my testimony, this is my testimony
If I’m not dead, you’re not done.
Greater things are still to come.
Oh, I believe
And the classic hymn “blessed Assurance” reminds us that our story is our song:
Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
So it’s not a matter of if you have a story, but whether you will share it. While our team would love to sit down and hear your story and possibly share it with our church family as an encouragement of God’s goodness and grace. I want to encourage you to look for places to tell of what God is and has done in your life.
Our stories our powerful tools that God can use to encourage and build up His church. As we’ve seen, the Bible encourages us to share our stories with one another and to use them to overcome the enemy. Our stories are not just about us – they’re about God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives.
Let’s continue to stir up one another to love and good works, and give glory to God through our stories. Maybe your story will be the one that someone else needs to hear to be encouraged in their own walk with Jesus.
Let’s be a community that encourage and uplifts one another through sharing all that God is doing and has done.
If you’re interested in sharing your story, we would love to sit down with you and hear it. You can contact me at KCannon@thewocc.com to setup a time to chat.
Kyle Cannon
Digital Experience Pastor
White Oak Christian Church