Our Questions: God's AnswersShembull

Are you prepared to share your testimony?

I want to answer three questions for you today. First, why should I be prepared to share my testimony? Second, what's the most effective way to do that? Third, how do I share my testimony? Then, I'm going to share a testimony from my own life quickly, and finally, I want to pray for you for boldness to get out there and share your story.

First Peter 3:15 says always to be ready to give an account to everyone who asks for the reason for the hope that you have. People love to hear stories; it helps them connect with you and experience situations differently. Your story is special and unique. When you share it, people connect with you and hear about your Creator from a new point of view. Most importantly, it can show the Love of Christ to others so that they, too, can become free.

What's the most effective way to share your testimony?

Statistics show that if you can share your testimony in under three minutes, it has the greatest impact. This might be hard to imagine, but giving too many details can distract from the point. It can also make you the focus instead of Christ or give the enemy too much credit. People have a short attention span today, and you don't want to lose the power behind what you're trying to say. So, stick to the significant and impactful pieces and leave time for questions and conversation at the end.

How do you share the testimony in under three minutes?

This is easy. You break it into three parts, answering each part with three to five sentences and keeping each part under a minute. I have a little worksheet on my website if you want help. It's free; you can download it at katiehauckministries.com.

• What was life like before you encountered Jesus? Three to five sentences and under a minute.
• What happened during your encounter with Jesus? Three to five sentences and under a minute.
• How is your life different now? Make sure you use words that people, not just Christians, understand. Tell the person you're talking to that they also can have a relationship with Jesus because that is the main purpose here. Lastly, practice and be intentional about finding someone to share it with.

Here's a quick testimony from me. I felt like I was born believing in God. I remember being about four years old and praying for the starving children I'd seen on TV commercials. I didn't know about Jesus or that I needed to have a relationship with Him until I was 27 years old. When I found out, I accepted Him. It wasn't a dramatic emotional moment, but I went home and thought, "Well, now I need to learn about this God and this Jesus that I now know."

So, how do you do that? You read the Bible. Someone suggested starting with the New Testament, so I began with Matthew and read through the Gospels. They were great—I loved the stories and hearing about Jesus. Then I got to the letters, and those were okay. Revelation was a little confusing; I didn't understand everything, but I liked the stories and saw that we win at the end, so that was great.

Then, I started reading the Old Testament. Genesis was okay, but it went downhill from there for me. The more that I read, the more confused I became. I saw a God that didn't appear to be the God that I knew. This God seemed to be a god of judgment, harshness, law, and punishment. I couldn't understand His justice because I didn't understand His Love or know how it all fit with the New Testament. By the time I got to Jeremiah, I was done. I put my Bible down and refused to pick it up for years. I started thinking that maybe I don't even like this God I serve, and I didn't like that feeling.

Years went by before I picked up the Bible again. I did so because I was praying and felt the Holy Spirit convict me. He said, "You must know Me, and to know Me, you must know My Word." I said, "I can't. I don't understand." He said, "I will help you." I prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to open my eyes, reveal things to me, and make it make sense. Let me tell you, after I did that and started reading the Bible, everything changed for me. I started to understand. Hebrews 4:12 tells us the Bible is living and active. This phenomenon is known as inspiration, and it means physically breathing into someone. When God breathed into Adam, he physically came to life. When the Holy Spirit breathes into you through His Word in the Bible, your spirit begins coming to life.

Once I could see God through the lens of a Loving and Compassionate Father, the rest started to fit in. Instead of seeing Him as judgmental, I saw His Grace over and over every time we fail again and again. I have this deep and beautiful relationship with Him, and my spirit is alive and free. You can have this, too.

So, there's a story that I share. It's my testimony. It wasn't hard at all. It's not my Salvation Story because it is not this beautiful, dramatic, emotional thing. You might be like me. You might have a story that's not dramatic. You don't have to make your testimony your Salvation Story; it's an encounter with Jesus. If sharing the Gospel or telling someone your testimony scares you, I would like to pray for you for boldness. Would you please join me today?

Heavenly Father, I know You fill those who are hungry, so I come to You asking to give everyone who is listening a hunger and thirst for sharing the Gospel—a hunger and thirst that is deeper than any other. Put Your desires in their hearts, the desire to be an Ambassador for Christ. Even though they might be afraid, Lord, You Called them to proclaim the Kingdom of God with boldness. But they need access to the confidence that only comes through faith in You. Help them to remember that You are their Helper and that man cannot do anything to them. Give them confidence to draw near to Your Throne of Grace and the words to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel. I know that You did not give them a spirit of fear but of Power. So, today I proclaim that they will not be ashamed to share what they believe. Fill them with Your Spirit and empower them to complete the Calling You have placed on their lives. Remind them that with You they will not fear and will not be shaken. We love You and we praise You, Lord.

I pray you can be more confident about sharing your testimony. Narrow it down to three minutes, start practicing, and find someone to share it with. God bless.

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We hope you have enjoyed this Plan of learning more about God's answers to life's problems. Visit Katie Hauck Ministries for more resources on living life in God's Way.