What’s Your Story?
What’s your story?
Has anyone asked you this? Did you have an answer prepared or were you confused on where you should start?
This question means different things to people, but for Christians it's an open door. Often, sharing our life story with people is the first part of the scriptural charge we see in Matthew 28:19-20 to go out and “make disciples of all nations” (ESV). The Word tells us in 1 Peter 3:15, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (ESV).
It's easy for me to mention my faith in passing to people, but it’s harder to talk about real things…things of eternal worth. What's made this easier, however, has been practicing my story.
I started by asking myself what my story really was. Where was I before Jesus saved me? What are the good things He has done? It took time to get my script right. In the beginning, I left in too many details of past things that had already been healed, which just ended up hurting me all over again.
I learned that there are certain ashes-turned-beauty that don’t need to be shared as a part of my story. With Jesus’s lead, there is wisdom in “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:14). After a while, telling my story became easier and I was able to candidly share what it’s been like to know and follow Jesus.
If you haven’t yet, I want to encourage and challenge you to do a few things;
1. Write down your story
2. Ask Jesus what parts to share
3. Ask someone what their life story is
4. Take the opportunity to share your story with someone
In some cases, this has led to a closed door. In other situations, it’s led to church invites and incredible opportunities to share about our Savior. I'd encourage you to know your story, to learn to love your story, and to share it. Afterall, only you have your story. May God get all the glory for it!
