In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

We are all breathing, walking, living epistles with a story to tell! And God wants our lives to reflect His work in us. But how should we share our testimony as a part of the gospel message with the sole purpose of drawing others to Christ? Here are a few pointers:

What Exactly Is Your Story? – Sometimes we’re stuck in the middle of our mess, we forget about the past victories won, past hurdles jumped, past blessings rained down. Other times we have so many stories of God’s goodness towards us, we can’t decide what to share. Either way,

• Start with a journal and begin chronicling your journey. Just write.  (Link to resources about Journaling and/or to journals for purchase or download)
• Re-read your journal entries and look for evidence of answered prayers (healed from illness, financial breakthroughs, children blessed, marriage revived, professional opportunities, etc.). Recognizing all the times that God has come through for you not only strengthens your faith, but can serve to encourage someone else in their faith walk. (Link to resources for additional help)
• Re-read your journal entries and look for evidence of seemingly unanswered prayers or areas in your life that serve as a source of pain, conflict, or that seem to be reoccurring habits/mistakes. As you pray and seek God’s guidance as to how to overcome, resolve, let go or move on from the pain/conflict; your life will be greatly changed and your testimony of your struggle and journey can serve to bless someone else. (Link to resources for additional help)

What If I’m afraid  to publicly share my story? God wants us to be a witness for Him. He wants us to share our stories, but sometimes we might be hesitant to share. Will I offend? Will my story sound trite? What if my words get all jumbled up and I began to ramble? What if I can’t recall the Bible text or story? DON’T WORRY. Just remember:

• You are connected to a power that is greater than You! –  “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8
• God can and will equip you share. If he can do it for Paul, he can and will do it for you! – And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” I Corinthians 2:1-5
• Don’t let fear stand in the way. We are called to be Christ’s ambassadors. – “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
• Practice your testimony ahead of time. Be prepared. Read and reread. Share with a friend or mentor and get feedback. – “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” —1 Peter 3:15
• Don’t be ashamed. – “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.” (II Timothy 1:8)
• The only qualification needed is your love and commitment to God. Even the least amongst us are equipped to testify of God’s goodness, even before kings. – “I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame.” – Psalms 119:6

How Can I Prevent My Light From Dimming Someone Else’s? – Have you ever been around someone who was “unbearingly happy”, seeming to have no problems, just blessings? Perhaps basking in “their light” served to highlight the darkness in your own life, instead of brightening your life.  So while God calls us to “be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16)”, be “the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13)”, and to “run throughout the town and share our story (Mark 5:19)”; He also cautions us to ensure that or stories serve to season or add flavor and that our lights reflect and point to Jesus and His message of hope and love. In a nutshell, it’s all about Him, His message, and His work in our lives and NOT ABOUT US!!!! So how can you share your story as part of the gospel message? Here are a few pointers:

• Remember, it’s not about you. – “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” – I John 5:11
• Build relationships first. – “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
• Wait until invited. – “So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.” (Acts 26:1-3)
• Make sure your testimony is relevant. – “It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.” Daniel 4:2
• Be a character witness, giving a firsthand account of Jesus’ work in your life. – “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard”  —1 Jn. 1:3
• Make it personal. Avoid religious jargon and doctrine. Be authentic. – “Let love be genuine.” – Romans 12:9
• Ensure that sharing is reciprocal. Avoid the “I’ve got it all together, you can learn from me, I’m right you’re wrong” trap.  – “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 5:12

Remember, God’s got you!

PRAY PREPARE PROCLAIM 

We’d love to hear your story! Follow the link here and share your 2 minute testimony! We pray that your story will be a blessing to someone else and that through sharing, you too will be blessed!