The Power of a Story:
Our Story – Part 2
Scripture Reading: Acts 22
Key Verse: Acts 22:2b-3
Then Paul said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.
As we continue from yesterday’s devotional, I want to point out some key issues about telling your story. First, your story of how you came to Jesus is relevant to someone far from God. Your story will not relate to everyone, but it will to someone, and that someone matters to God! Your story may not seem special or as dramatic as someone else’s story, but God wants to use you and your story!
Secondly, most of us have a story that, if told in all of its detail, would be too long for any single conversation. We must learn to tell our story in a simple and concise way. When we develop level one friendships, they are usually friendships that won’t give us long periods of time to talk about Jesus. These new relationships can be damaged by long sermon-like stories of your spiritual journey! Write your story down on one page. If you are typing, double-space it.
Third, most of us have a “God story” that contains some strange happening that really spoke to us. However, telling someone who is far from God, a strange or weird story may not be the best “lead” story in your testimony. Try to imagine being that lost person with little or no faith in God. I think you would agree that a weird story might not impress you. Your story, and the people who entered your life that helped you come to faith, can, and should be, told to God’s glory!
Father, thank you for the journey you took me on to open my eyes to your love. Use me to help others experience their transforming moment. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.