Have you ever read some of the stories in the Bible and felt like you didn’t quite measure up? There are so many examples of people with incredible faith in extraordinary circumstances, that my story can seem kind of unremarkable by comparison.
The truth is, our stories of faith today are just as impactful as the stories of the people in the Bible because the core elements are the same. We have an all-knowing, all-powerful loving God, who works through ordinary people, like us, to accomplish Kingdom-sized results. The key is understanding our stories and telling them from the right perspective.
When we look at our story through our own limited perspectives and abilities, it can be easy to underestimate the power in sharing it. But when we zoom out to an eternal, Kingdom perspective, we see that the God of infinite power and ability is the true main character working powerfully, in and around us. When we look at our stories through the lens of God’s loving hand guiding our steps and redeeming our pain for purpose, we begin to see the miraculous unfold and realize that we are being woven into God’s greater story, that spans the generations before us and the generations to come.
We see that the same God who empowered Esther to become queen and save her people, is the same God who empowers us and helps us to navigate difficult situations with wisdom, boldness, and grace. The same God who appointed Deborah to be a powerful judge to give counsel to the king, also sees our strengths and places us in positions of influence, whether it be in governments, churches, workplaces, or our families. The same God who appeared to Mary Magdalene after He rose from the dead and commissioned her to share the Gospel, also commissions us to share that same good news.
Psalm 66:16 says, “Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.”
And later in Psalm 107:1-2, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.”
The whole purpose of sharing our stories is to glorify God and help others see that He is still powerful, alive, and working in our lives, and that He wants to do the same in theirs, too. It is a way to show our gratitude to God for all He has done and to point others toward the Savior. No one else has walked in the same experience, in the same way as you. Your story could be the one thing that opens someone’s eyes to the power of God.
Author Tracie Miles puts it beautifully: “In our stories, others see the invisible God at work. We are all called to be living proof of the power of a holy, living God.”
In 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, the Apostle Paul shares the good news about Jesus, but then goes on to share his story of how he was personally impacted by the Gospel. Paul’s past was not pretty or shiny; in fact, he had aggressively persecuted Christians and the church. But he was transformed by the story of Jesus and went on to boldly proclaim the Gospel, even after he was imprisoned. For Paul, he wasn’t done sharing the Gospel until he had shared the impact it had in his own life.
Our stories don’t have to be fancy, eloquent, or even have lots of drama to be effective in God’s Kingdom. All of our experiences, everything we’ve been through, each moment where we have experienced God’s love, provision, or power, can be a story worth sharing.
When we tell others about what God has done in our lives, it not only invites them to see God in real and tangible ways, but it also combats the enemy’s lies and schemes to steal our joy and destroy our identity as a daughter of the Most High God. We have all experienced hardships or painful experiences, and the temptation to let those things define us and determine our worth is real. The enemy wants nothing more than to keep you stuck in a never-ending cycle of shame, disillusionment, and doubt.
Revelation 21:10-11 tells us that the devil hurls accusations day and night at God’s children, and we experience that today as he whispers lies that we are not enough or that we are beyond the reach of God’s grace. But verse 11 goes on to say that we will overcome the Accuser by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony. When the redeemed tell the story of Jesus at work in their life, it overcomes the enemy’s schemes.
Because our main story is the ongoing story of God’s love, grace, and redemptive power at work within us, that gives us an identity in Christ that can never be shaken. We are not defined by the messy parts of our story, but by the One who loved us through it all. This gives us boldness and confidence when we are called to share what God has done in our lives. Even in the painful places, we can still speak of the compassion, steadfast love, and life-changing power of Jesus Christ. He is the light that shines brightest in our darkest moments.
There are times when we might feel called by God to share the harder parts of our stories, so that we can encourage others, strengthen their faith, and help them see God in their circumstances. For a lot of us, the thought of sharing the messy parts of our story can feel scary and overwhelming. Speaking from my own experience, I have discovered that there is a way to share your story so that it glorifies God, blesses and inspires others, and leaves you feeling confident and secure instead of overexposed and triggered. Stay on the lookout for our next article and podcast episode, where we will dive deeper into this topic and give you some practical steps to help you discern what, when, and how to share the hard parts of your story well.
Right now, wherever you are in your story, I want to invite you to start small. Ask yourself, “Where do I see God’s handiwork unfolding in my life? Where do I see His love, provision, or power at work?”
Ask God to show you where He is working throughout your day. Maybe keep a journal or start a note on your phone to help you remember. Take notice of the seemingly little things and talk to Him about what is happening in your day. You’ll be amazed at the power of His presence and the evidence of Him that is all around.
You have significance in the Kingdom of God, and your story matters because the King of Kings knows you and loves you. As a beloved daughter of God, you have all the credentials you need. Just as the stories of the Bible strengthen our faith and encourage our hearts, your story of faith is like a pebble dropped in a still pond. The waves ripple out exponentially and impact everything they touch. God is working powerfully through your story, the good parts and the hard parts. He doesn’t waste a thing, but works all things for the good of those who love Him. Your story and who you are in Christ are remarkable. May you boldly share it with confidence so that others can see living proof of our loving God.
