Recently, at Bible study, my pastor was stressing to us how important it is for us to have our own personal faith story and to actually share it. While I thought/think that is what I do… it’s something that has been really nudging my spirit. He explained to us that sometimes it takes more than just telling someone about Jesus. In order for them to truly see Him, they need to see and hear what He has done for us…both in good and bad times.
I think in order to be able to do this, two things need to happen. First, we must know and understand our own faith story; what is it that has happened in our life that has caused our faith to be so strong. And, second it requires us to be transparent. Now, trust me when I tell you that I truly understand how scary and even hard this can be. Sometimes we fear rejection, looking like we’re crazy and even not representing Him as we think we should. However, even more than all of that, I am really beginning to understand how seriously important it is!
1 Peter 3:15 (TLB) 15 Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.
It means so much more to someone if instead of talking “at” them and telling them what they need to do, you will share your story. Share with them what He has done for you and how He has carried you. The prayers you’ve sent up and the way He has answered them can truly soften a harden heart and allow it to open up to Christ. Explain to them that He didn’t always just take the pain away, but that He comforted you along your journey. It won’t always sound great and rosy or even feel good to you…but, it’s your story and God will work through you to ministry what is needed to help that other person.
James 5:16 (AMP) 16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
I’m not suggestion that we share our whole life’s story and its details with everyone, but to be open about our struggles is what God calls us to be. If I see you living this life with no problem or trials and you’re telling me about someone who can help me, who is living a life full of problems, then how am I supposed to believe you. In my eyes…I see someone who hasn’t a care in the world. I’m thinking to myself…how can they help me...how can their God help me???
When we speak and live with transparency we are helping others to see us as human. We’re showing others that we don’t claim to be all holy or knowing, but that we too experience pain, trials and disappointments. By being open and honest about our life we’re making ourselves approachable and allowing our testimony to be God’s vehicle to ease the pain and help someone else’s need.
Allowing others to see our own life struggles, joys and pains isn’t always comfortable or easy to do, but it’s our testimonies that truly help the heart of the people. It’s through our sincere words and heartfelt intentions that others can see just how good God is and that in Him; they too can have a peace and make it through anything.
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