Sometimes amidst responsibilities and routines, we can easily lose sight of the importance and power of personal testimony. Smiley social media posts, computer generated artificial intelligence videos, and billboards splashed with air brushed images of people who own it all, have it all, and always look great leave many of us with feelings of falling short of unreachable standards.
Reality portrays a dramatically different image of becoming transparent and vulnerable. Your everyday story contains the ability to bring hope and encouragement to untold others. Never underestimate the significance of your story. Only God knows how many people you may inspire. Our fumbles and failures may tempt us to withdraw into silence, but God calls us to tell our stories — rarely through microphones but more often through face to face relationships.
As I read my Bible, I’m impressed by the insights God gives. Each book resonates with personal testimonies of ordinary people turned extraordinary in the hands of our Great God.
“My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long — though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.“
Psalm 71:15-18
The psalmist honestly says, “I know not how to relate them.” Don’t we all feel inadequate to share what God’s grace has done in our lives? Yet, by faith, he tries his best to relate them to others.
Every Story Matters
I often encourage those I disciple to never underestimate the power of personal testimony. Almost every assignment I give my Bible students includes an invitation to share how their relationship with Jesus and God’s Word is transforming their lives. I anticipate reading these assignments, knowing I will benefit from their life stories.
Luke recounts the day when Jesus healed a demon possessed man. We can read about the encounter in Luke 8:26-39. One moment, an insane man raged in anger among the tombs — naked, unbathed, scarred from self-mutilation, and driven into solitude. The next moment, he meets Jesus. Free from demonic influence, clothed, and of sound mind, he clung to the only One who could free him from his torment. He fell to Jesus’ knees in gratitude begging to go with Jesus wherever He might lead.
“Return home and tell how much God has done for you. So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.”
Luke 8:39
Home. How long had it been since he went “home”? “Tell others how loving and gracious God is,” was Jesus’ only instruction. But who would listen to someone with such a past? The answer? Everyone! Millions of people are still listening to his story — still inspired by such transformation.
No one tells their story as boldly and simply as those who have recently encountered the love and grace of God.
Are we not all harassed by the same enemy? Though we may not wander the tombs, we can still relate and empathize with the man and feel a sense of awe. His transformation brings hope for us all.
Real People
We are surrounded by really “good” people. They live righteously, doing good to others, showing generosity and compassion. Let’s not allow their goodness to camouflage the truth. We all need Jesus. None of us are ever good enough to meet God’s holy standard.
Insecurity or feelings of inadequacy try to hold us back, hiding the “real” us — the frustrated us, the blubbering, or lazy, or selfish us, the other side of us we don’t want others to see. Perfection only belongs to God. It is okay to admit our weaknesses.
In our realness, we all have a personal testimony worth sharing. In fact, honesty opens ears and hearts to truth.
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.“
Psalm 66:16
Everyone needs a miraculous encounter with Jesus that transforms hearts and souls.
One day, I met Jesus. Not in the tombs, but beside a country road … alone … suicidal … depressed, and hopeless. He picked up the broken remnants of my lost humanity and gave me life eternal. No not a life that will begin after I die, but a life worth living every day.
Everyone who has met Jesus, has a story worth telling — a personal testimony worth sharing. Is there a more powerful message to share than, “Let me tell you what (God) has done for me”? That story never grows old. His mercy and grace over our lives continue to flow.
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
1 John 5:11
This is the testimony! God has given us eternal life, through Jesus Christ.
Tell
One of the best ways to prepare ourselves is to think of three things: my life before Jesus, what He did for me, and my life now. Simple, right? As a matter of fact, keeping it simple may be the best way. Often one sentence is all it takes to spark the curiosity of others. Before, how, and now capsulizes the difference only Jesus can make.
Let’s also be prepared to offer a three-minute version of our transformation story. We may even be asked to share our personal testimony publicly. Then we will need to expand our story into five or fifteen minutes. Practicing how to tell your story enables us to casually and comfortably share with others what the Lord has done for us.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15
By simply preparing a one minute, three minute, and fifteen minute testimony we will be ready to give anyone an answer for the reason we carry the hope of Jesus Christ.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.”
Psalm 107:1-2
Let’s humbly and speak out! He has done so much for us.
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