February 10, 2020
Greetings in Jesus Christ,
When I was brand-new to the Christian faith, I remember being introduced for the first time to many of the classic hymns of the church. Back then, I remember the hymn penned by Katherine Hanky that went like this: “I love to tell the story. For some have never heard. The message of salvation. From God’s own holy Word.” There is great power in the redemptive story of Jesus Christ’s work at the cross.
Have you ever felt that your story of salvation wasn’t all that impactful? For some people in the church, they feel that they need a dramatic story to capture people’s attention. In some of their opinions, they feel that their story is, well, boring and uneventful. This seems to be true of some of my friends that have grown up in the church and knew God’s goodness and grace at an early age. I assure you that many people will be moved by a story of God’s grace in your life at an early age.
I’ve also spent a lot of time with people on the other end of the story, counseling those whose past is so sordid that it would make you blush. They have stories filled with addiction, lost relationships, and deep regret. They tend to think that what they’ve gone through is too heavy to share with others. On the contrary, I believe they can be a powerful witness to the Lord’s working in the lives of people.
No matter what the details are of your story rest assured that God can use it to encourage others. Stories by their nature pique our curiosity. Think about the last time your mind was wandering while listening to a public speaker. Even if you tuned out somebody for 10-15 minutes I bet you paid attention to when they shared a story. Stories have the power to knock on our hearts. While you and I are quick to dismiss our stories as uneventful, too eventful, or unimportant know that is not true. Someone wise once said, “Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.” God has given you a story to share with the world around you.
As you begin to share your story of redemption with others I want you to consider a few essential lessons I have learned along the way.
1. Point to Jesus in the sharing of your story because it’s about Him. The power of the story we share always centers on Jesus’ work at Calvary. In Romans 1:16, St. Paul says,
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
2. Practice your story. Whether you became a Christian six days ago or 60 years ago one of the best ways to be an effective story-teller is to write out your story. Use simple words. Be concise. Avoid clichés. And always focus on Jesus’ saving work at the cross.
3. Remember that God has allowed you to experience the journey you have been on in your life. Commit the story of God’s loving and gracious work to Him. Trust that God will use the story of your life to touch other people’s hearts. The Apostle Paul wrote,
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).
When you step out in faith to share the story of God’s redemptive work in your life I believe it will make a difference in people’s lives. God uses people’s stories to point to His story—the Good News—that ultimately brings the change of hearts, minds, and lives.
As Jesus’ disciple Peter shared:
“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” (I Peter 3:15).
If someone ask you why you believe in Jesus, are you prepared with an answer?
Remember to:
- Point to Jesus and His redemptive work
- Practice your redemptive story.
- And trust that your journey in life can touch other people’s lives.
God has done a wonderful work in your life. Don’t think it’s too uneventful or too eventful. Tell the story every chance you get.
I love being your pastor!
Many Blessings,
