Your Story For God's Gloryနမူနာ

The Power of Telling Your Story   

Several years ago, we had the opportunity to speak at a Christian high school and middle school in the northeast. Normally, we would have spoken three times per day over the course of five days. But this occasion would be different.

Upon arriving at the school, we were informed that the main gym/auditorium would be unavailable due to a fundraiser taking place this same week. Homemade pies were being baked by the dozens and then transferred to the gym until they sold.

As a result, we would need to visit one classroom after another each day in order to reach all the students with the messages we had prepared. By the end of the week, we had each spoken nearly forty times! The word exhaustion would be an understatement. Upon leaving that school, we were in need of a lengthy break from speaking.

But the responses we received from students made this speaking marathon worth every minute. We were able to share our stories related to forgiveness, sexual purity, struggles with pornography, and the healing we’ve received in Christ.

As we became vulnerable and shared our own authentic stories, students were given permission to share their own struggles with similar issues. By hearing the story of another, they were encouraged to share some of their own story.

And let me tell you, when you have the opportunity to share your story nearly forty times in five days, you become pretty good at it! It becomes more natural as you refine it down to the most important details. You don’t necessarily need to share all your dirty laundry. We ultimately want the attention to be focused on Jesus and the transformation He brings.

Five years after we had the marathon week at that school, we received an invitation to return. Several juniors and seniors who were now on a committee to invite chapel speakers were deeply impacted when they heard us as sixth and seventh graders that first time. What a privilege it was to share our stories with another crop of students coming up through the ranks. By the way, we made sure they weren’t holding any pie fundraisers that week.

How about you? Can you think of a personal story you’re not proud of but saw the Lord work in and through? Would you be willing to risk sharing this story for God’s glory? 

Prayer:

Lord, give me the courage to share my story in order to encourage others. Help me to be authentic as I share my own struggles and victories. May You be glorified as I step out in faith. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.