“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story...” Psalm 107:1-2 NIV
The National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee was delightful for me to experience. People from throughout the United States and even other nations told a diverse variety of compelling stories there. Some were laugh-out-loud funny. Others were tear-jerkingly sad. Many shared elements of adventure. Whether or not the storytellers mentioned God in their stories, every single one said something important about what they learned and how they grew as a result of what happened. I left the festival grateful and inspired by the power of storytelling to reach our minds and hearts with important messages.
Our stories serve as a powerful reminder of God’s love transforming our lives for the better. So, the Bible encourages us to tell our stories of redemption to others. Telling our stories is an important way of expressing gratitude to God for his good work in our lives.
Don’t hesitate to tell your own story of faith to people who are searching for hope. Here’s why it’s valuable to share your story:
-Encouragement: In this fallen world, everyone’s lives are filled with challenges and moments of doubt. By sharing your testimony of how God has worked in your life, you offer hope to those who may be going through similar struggles and need encouragement. Telling others how God intervened to help you overcome difficulties assures others that God can do the same for them. Your story encourages fellow believers to persevere in their faith, knowing that God will help meet their needs just as he helped meet your needs. Stories are living testimonies to God’s unwavering faithfulness. When you share how God worked in your life, you not only witness his goodness, but you also demonstrate God’s trustworthiness to others. Your story reinforces the belief that God keeps his promises and that God’s love is truly powerful.
-Strengthening the body of Christ: The church is a community of believers who support and uplift one another – and an important way we do so is by telling each other our stories. Sharing our testimonies strengthens the bonds within the body of Christ. When we hear how God has worked in the lives of our brothers and sisters, it deepens our connection with one another, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity.
-Overcoming fear and shame: Many people struggle with the fear of judgment, guilt, or shame about their past mistakes. Sharing our stories of redemption and transformation helps remove the burden of shame and fear from our lives. When you tell people how God has turned brokenness into beauty for you, that instills hope in the hearts of those who may feel unworthy of God’s love. They can imagine how God’s unconditional love can reach into their own lives.
-Evangelism: Sharing our testimonies is a powerful tool for evangelism. Spiritual seekers often find it relatable when they hear how God has transformed the lives of ordinary people. Your story can serve as a bridge for them to come to faith, as they see the reality of God’s love and redemptive power at work in your life.
-Glory to God: Ultimately, sharing our stories is about giving glory to God. Your story is a reflection of the wonder of God at work in the world. When you share your story, you proclaim God’s glorious greatness to the world.
Your story isn’t just about you; it’s about God’s work within you and in our world. It is a vivid reminder of God’s enduring love, his boundless mercy, and his transforming power. By sharing your testimony, you become a vessel through which God’s love flows into the lives of others who need hope!
Wonderful Heavenly Father, thank you for your everlasting love, and for transforming my life for the better day by day. Please remind me of the power and value of sharing my testimony. Empower me to overcome my fears and doubts, and give me the courage to proclaim your great work through my story of faith. Let my testimony be a source of encouragement, hope, and strength for those who are walking through the challenges of life. I pray that my story will serve as a beacon of light for those in darkness who are searching for hope, and a bridge to your salvation for those who don’t yet know you. As I share my story, may you be glorified. Let my whole life be a living testament to your faithfulness, your mercy, and your love. Thank you for the privilege of being your child and for the opportunity to tell the world about your powerful love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Tom Merton
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Originally published Friday, 10 November 2023.
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