God has given you a unique life-story to share with others.
We may not be the smartest or the most gifted or eloquent. But are we willing? How do we go about “Telling My Story” of my relationship with Jesus?
In the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul shares his personal story three different times. “Telling My Story” is a very simple tool to begin to develop your three-minute testimony. View others as image-bearers full of vast potential (even if the image is presently shattered). The Father is already at work in the world around us (John 5:17) so He wants us to have eyes to see. Join the Spirit in testifying as a witness.
“When the [the Spirit of God] comes,…he will testify about me. And you also must testify…” (John 15:26-27).
The Spirit testifies through our voice and touch, and when needed with trans-rational demonstrations, like healing, words given to us by God, or freeing others from evil spirits as we see in Jesus’ ministry. By this, I simply mean that the Spirit works in ways that are beyond our rational explanation…unless we know Him personally.
Read one of the Gospels through rapidly, like the Gospel of Mark, especially the first three chapters. Notice how Jesus brings people to Christ with a Word-works ministry, sharing the Good News verbally and watching the Spirit use Him to heal, to give words of knowledge, to cast out demons, and at times to raise the dead.
In 1 Thessalonians 1:5, Paul states that the Spirit brings deep, inward conviction, like with Paul on his way to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). What this means is that we have a Divine Partner, the Spirit of God, who comes alongside us as we share our faith with others. He adds His unlimited love and power to our attempts, no matter how feeble they feel.
Paul gives us perspective on personal benefits to growth as we give away what we have experienced of the life of Jesus.
“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ” (Philemon 6, emphasis added).
Did the “so that” in this verse grab your attention? God made it so that sharing our faith with others releases in us a fuller understanding of “every good thing we have in Christ.” Spiritual insight and growth on our journey come as we give His life away to others. No wonder Jesus called people to Himself, then immediately began training to tell others about how stirring the Father, Son and Spirit are.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17).
“I will make you…”
How does this work? Let me suggest a couple ideas.
First, God fashioned us to be “givers,” so I continue telling my story
The divine Giver fashioned us in His image according to Genesis 1:26-28 are image-bearers so we are like God as no other created being (see also all of Philippians 2). Acts of obedience flowing out of faith stimulate spiritual growth. When we freely pass along what God has freely given us, we grow more like Jesus.
Second, God deepens our own spiritual experience of Him as we rehearse what He has done so I continue telling my story.
We tell others and God gives more insight to know Him better. I cannot count the number of times I have related some facet in which God has worked in my life. During the very act of recounting the experience, I receive fresh insight, my heart softens, my love for the Father, Son, and Spirit deepens, and/or I experience His joy and pleasure more deeply.
Has Jesus done something in your own life? Then develop your three-minute testimony and “Telling my Story“ (or the suggestions). Give to get to give to get to give some more….