I enjoy hearing someone tell their story. When people share their lives, it can offer comfort that you are not the only one going through something. Also, it can help you view your past and current situations differently. It can cause you to see and focus on the positive and make some changes. It allows us to pray and encourage others. What concerns me about storytelling is when it doesn’t move into your testimony. It details a hard life and the setbacks and never tells how God interceded for you. Are you a storyteller?
Storytelling versus Testimony
There are similarities between storytelling and testimony. Both have struggles, challenges, difficulties, hurts, and inconveniences in the details. But that’s where storytelling stops. Testimony gives evidence that Jesus is alive and moving obstacles in your life. It’s in the form of your praise that the Creator positioned you to rise above the dust and ashes. You received the promotion when on paper you were not as qualified. Bills were paid when liabilities exceeded assets. Relationships were restored when hearts were deeply hardened. Just when you were about to lose it, suddenly, but truly miraculously, the floodgates of God’s goodness rushed in.
Testimony is not just praise it’s obedience. Doing what Jesus called us to do. Allowing our journey to align with the Bible. People are always watching Christians to see if and how we execute the Word of God. Storytelling lacks action and implementation.
Share your testimony
Be willing, open, and vulnerable (link) to share your testimony. Testimonies can have a lot of ungodliness, evil, and filthiness (conversion of Saul to Paul). But the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in you soars far above your past. The devil can no longer use it against you. Why, because of the DEATH, BURIAL, and RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. He forgives you and nothing means nothing, can separate you from His love, Romans 8:38 – 39.
In conclusion
Because of Christ, your testimony projects power, not shame. Sharing it helps others call and turn to the Lord. Storytelling is helpful but not as effective because it leaves out the glory of God. It states the issues but not the lessons learned or the transformation. Are you a storyteller?
ACTION ITEM(S)
- Are you living under the guilt of your story? If so, read the above-referenced scriptures and others on how God used flawed individuals.
- Are you willing to share your testimony? It can offer comfort to a hurting individual.
- Be mindful when sharing not to leave out Jesus.
Sharing my testimony daily with whomever will listen has been a mission of my heart ❤️. God has shown me that opening my heart to others with my wins, losses and everything in between shows our transparency with others. Please continue to be the light ✨️ in the darkness for all to see. We must continue to show non believers the plan, purpose and importance of choosing The free gift of Salvation offered by Jesus Christ. If we don’t tell people our testimony and truth 💯, we are not being purposeful in our walk. Nor is it helpful.
Michelle,
Well said!!! Amen!!!
Amen. So very powerful! Testimonies are Gods stories through each of us! What an amazing God we have! I have learned how important it is to be filled with the Lord and the Holy Spirit so we can have those opportunities to share! When our light is dim and out we have less opportunity!
Love your encouragement. I’m taking this into my week and beyond. Great reminder. God deserves the credit He does.
Love you .
Ashley,
Agreed! Light dim less opportunity. Thank you