Your Story Counts
By Rev. John B. Sorensen
Evangelism Explosion International
Do you have a story – the story about what God has done in your life? Do you share it?
Our stories are powerful. In fact, the Bible says our stories help us live victoriously. “And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony…” (Revelation 12:11 NLT).
The problem is many Christians simply don’t believe it. We think our stories are too simple or ordinary to matter, but they do. Your testimony – the story of how God has changed your life – could be the very thing that God uses to reach someone with the Gospel.
But how does God do this?
God uses simple things. We often feel our own personal stories fall short compared to the testimonies of miracles and great faith. But 1 Corinthians 1:27 says that “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (NIV). Sometimes it’s the simple stories of child-like faith that someone needs to hear in order to see God.
Our story is tangible. God meets us where we are in our experience and in our personality. Each encounter is unique. When we share that story, we allow others to see with their own eyes the transformation that God has made in our lives. It demonstrates His power, not just 2,000 years ago, but today.
Our story is continual. Our story is simply about the steps of faith we take toward following Christ. Of course, the first step we took was to accept God’s free gift of eternal life. But our testimony doesn’t end there. Throughout the rest of lives, we continue to take steps of faith, steps that lead us into a deeper, closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. Those stories are just as powerful.
Our story brings life. Our testimony points to the One who provides eternal life. It is not about us; it’s about Him. We were once dead and now are alive. We were once blind, but now we see. Our story is powerful because of what Christ has done in us – not because of anything we have done ourselves. We point to Him when we share our testimony.
Our personal story is the most original contribution we bring when we share the Gospel. It’s personal, and it’s powerful. But to make your story count, it must be shared. If you’ve never shared your story before, begin by writing it down. Then practice sharing it. Most importantly, allow God to use it to reach others.
If you need help writing your story, visit our free testimony-building tool at whatsmystory.org.
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Rev. John B. Sorensen, D.D. is the President/CEO of Evangelism Explosion International, headquartered in Arden, N.C. EE has been a leader in equipping Christians to share their faith for more than 50 years. For more free tips and resources, visit evangelismexplosion.org, or follow John on Twitter, @jbsoresen.
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