Share Your Story

Uncategorized // April 17, 2021 //

I have the joy and privilege to lead the college agers small group, alongside my fiancĂ©e, every Monday evening. We have a rather large small group that’s comprised of a wonderful mix of Campbell students, CBC “homegrown” 18-25 year olds, young couples, and their friends. Every week, I’m encouraged by their desire to grow in Christ, live in Christian community, and simply enjoy one another’s company. Most of the spring semester was spent walking through the book of Ecclesiastes. I thought about writing about our study, but decided it would be meaningless… then again, all is meaningless! (If you didn’t realize that was a joke, read practically every other verse in Ecclesiastes and you’ll understand.)

Since that study wrapped up, we’ve been spending time to intentionally talk about what God has done in our lives through sharing our testimonies. It’s been an immense blessing to hear one another being vulnerable and transparent while pointing each other to God’s great work in their lives. Since most of us have been together for the school year, or at least this semester, there is a level of trust and openness that allows for deep, meaningful conversations to occur naturally.

If you’re anything like me, I’m more often than not hesitant to openly share my testimony in a group setting. When you grew up in church and your testimony doesn’t include a dramatic before and after life change, it’s easy to view your own testimony as less powerful in comparison to those saved from x, y, z.

That’s a lie from the devil to keep you quiet.

Every testimony of salvation is powerful because God took you from death to life. He freed you from the bondage of sin. He gave you His Spirit to dwell in you.

And that’s worth sharing! Why?

1. Your testimony is more about God than it’s about you.

When you share what your life was like before Christ and compare to your life after Christ, the difference is obvious: CHRIST! Whenever you share your story, make sure it points others back to God. Nothing we have done or can do to “be better” is from our own strength or goodwill. Transformation is found in humble obedience to God and faith in His power to change your heart. The Spirit at work in us is our story. The good news of the Gospel is our story. The heart of God is our story.

2. The more you share, the more natural it becomes.

Practice makes perfect, right? God doesn’t desire for us to remain silent when it comes to His goodness. Make it a habit to share what God is doing in your life to other people. You don’t have to formally share your testimony to a group of people that often, or ever. But I believe that there are times every day that we can speak truth and encouragement into the lives of others. God puts people in our path that need hope. Be ready and eager to share!

3. You need reminding.

We are forgetful people. We too easily fail to remember that God has done a mighty work. He has made promises that He has kept. He has answered prayers. He has done exceedingly more than we can ask or imagine. And He’ll do it again. The more we recount God’s faithfulness and goodness, the more our eyes become fixed on Him. Forget yourself. Forget your circumstances. Remember Christ.

4. It’s never over.

The testimony I shared in high school is different (and a lot shorter) than the testimony I share now. Granted, you don’t have to share every single detail each time you share your testimony. Follow God’s lead and know your audience so they hear what God wants them to hear. My point is, as you grow in your walk with Christ and life happens, your testimony will expand. There will be more answered prayers, comforts in loss, peace in storms, and unmerited blessings to share.

If it’s been a while since you’ve shared your testimony – I encourage you to do so. Start in a safe space with a friend, family member, or your small group. Be ready to share with a non-believer. They need to hear the Gospel and they need to see God at work in the lives of ordinary people. For His glory, share your story!

About Jonathan Waggett

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