“If you’re not sharing your story, what’s the use of even being alive?”
Bro. Perry Williams
As I do every Monday morning, I came into the office, booted up the computer and went to find the most recent sermon video on Facebook from my church where I work full-time. I do this to find nuggets to share in the newspaper article we publish each week for the Church News section. As I listened to the sermon, I heard pastor expound upon the idea if we are not sharing our story, why were we even here?
He was speaking of the importance of believers sharing Christ. It’s our mandate; it’s our mission; our reason for being.
And many of us are neglecting our duty.
Sharing Jesus
Now, I spend most my days around Christians; and it’s not my nature to preach on street corners, but I can definitely do a better job of testifying what Jesus has done for me.
He shows up for me on the daily; why am I not telling more of His acts of goodness in my life? I tell myself since I’m a bible class teacher, my congregation hears from me all the time. Is that a cop-out? Do I hesitate to let people get all up in my business to hear the latest blessings in my life because exposing the day-to-day feels a little too personal?
Sharing My Words
Not only did Pastor’s words shake me up as a Christian, but also as a writer. I consider giving up so often feeling like my story is not that interesting. But, what if my purpose for even being here is to share the stories of deliverance and encouragement I’ve experienced?
Time’s Up!
My five minutes of writing on the prompt, “story,” is up.
I stop to consider what if. What if the time is almost up for opportunities to share the things I’ve learned from God? Do I want to meet my Maker and say, “Well, even though I felt You’d given me a talent to write about You, since the response was not what I imagined it would be, I gave up.”
Such an excuse might mess up my dream of someday hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
What do you think? If you’re a believer, are you actively sharing your story? If not, why not?
Suppose you have never made a decision for Christ; why you might not even know who He is! If that is true, I invite you to read my post on the Journey, “A Ticket Home.” It’s my hope the words there will resonate with you.
This post was written in response to the prompt, “story,” supplied by the community at Five Minute Friday. Check out all the other stories at the link: here.
Sharing at Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Tell His Story, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
Beautiful, Jerralea, we all have a story to share, which God gives us for a purpose. may we seek to share that story with others today!
Yes! I need to know I’m not alone. Hearing your story helps me.
What an encouraging post Jerralea! So timely for me too as for some unknown reason I’ve had a slump blogging.
And then I receive a message like this to keep on keeping on, sharing my story of God’s amazing work.
Bless you, Jennifer
Thanks, Jennifer. It is so easy to get discourage and back off from sharing!
Amen! Being bolder about my story – and that Jesus is the hero of the piece! – is something I’ve been thinking about lately too. Visiting from FMF#10
Kym, may God give us both a holy boldness to share how Jesus makes the difference in our lives.
This scripture came to mind when I read your post
So, regardless of the consequences, let us boldly share the gospel of Jesus Christ. But, since persecution is certain, what should we do when we face it? When persecuted, continue speaking the gospel with boldness (Acts 4:5-22).27 June 2018
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Leisa. It looks like being bold is the way to go!
They say that sharing is caring – sharing our stories is, perhaps, the first step in someone finding faith.
Amen, Heather! How will people know Christ makes a difference if we don’t tell about it?
No, I will not share my story,
violent, and much too odd.
In the war there is no glory,
and it’s hard to still see God
in the dreadful stinking places,
abattoirs, and graves for many.
I could not tell just where Grace is,
but at that moment dropped the penny,
and God was in the midst of all,
mourning a Creation given
to the devil and the fall,
that from Paradise was riven.
Why, my friend, must I tell
a story from the heart of hell?
I understand your point, Andrew. But maybe you need to share so that others who have been through hell know there is hope?
This is so encouraging, Jerralea!!! We really all need to tell our story of His faithfulness, regardless of how significant we think it is and what the previous response has been. Thanks for sharing. Kath, visiting from FMF #12 this week.
Yes! We tell it for our Audience of One and trust Him with the consequences.
Love this reminder, Jerralea. In my own experience, it’s the story that seems to resonate with others—especially those that are harder to write.
I love this, Jerralea. I work with many non followers of Jesus, and God often gives me opportunities to share my story. I pray for these opportunities and that I will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
I love hearing other’s stories of how they experience Christ. Thanks for the reminder to tell others what He’s done for us!
Jerralea, this is most encouraging >> “what if my purpose for even being here is to share the stories of deliverance and encouragement I’ve experienced?” Indeed, what if? May we be faithful to tell the stories He is writing on the pages of our lives.
I totally understand what you said about working in a church. I think it kind of appeases our consciences to think we are involved in “God-things” all week long. I have tried to be more purposeful outside of church but I know I need to focus on it more.
Thank you for this. It is the story we must tell cos it is God’s story in us. That was what I wrote about too. Blessings. Dawn #25