Sharing Your Story

Many Christians struggle with sharing their faith. It is one of those things that they know they are supposed to do and sincerely want to do, yet they struggle to find the right words or the best “technique” that fits their circumstances and personality.

Thankfully, God is much less concerned with technique than He is the communication of truth. And He has given all Christians a relevant, personal way to share their faith: through the telling of their story. Your story of what Jesus has done in your life is a powerful vehicle for truth as you share it with others.

In Acts chapter 26 the Apostle Paul gives us an excellent example of how to do this as he shares his story with King Agrippa. He divides his story of what Jesus has done in his life into three parts: what his life was like before Jesus (Acts 26:1-11), how he became a follower of Jesus (26:12-18), and what his life has been like since trusting Jesus (26:19-23).

In the first part of Paul’s story he shares with Agrippa enough details about his life before becoming a Christian to inform, but not get bogged down with unnecessary details. Paul relates with Agrippa and his Jewish background so he shares with him that Jesus is the promised Messiah (26:6-7). Paul also shares what his concept of Jesus was before his conversion (26:9-11). 

When Paul shares about his conversion he tells of the events surrounding his coming to faith in Jesus (26:12-17). He also is sure to include the truths of the Gospel (26:18). People do not come to faith through hearing our story; they come to faith through hearing the Gospel. So Paul is sure to include in his story what it is that Jesus does for sinners who trust Him.

As Paul brings his story to a close he shares with Agrippa how his life is now different. He tells him that while he was once disobedient, he is now striving to be obedient to what Jesus has called him to do (26:19). Paul also stresses that what Jesus has done for him He can and will do for others (26:20, 23). At the same time Paul is careful to show that Jesus does not make one’s life problem free (26:21).

After sharing his story Paul then calls for a response (26:24-29). The communication of God’s truth always calls for a response on the part of the listener.

As you share your story with others seek to emulate Paul’s example. Talk about your life before Jesus and what it was like. Do not feel that you have to share all the sordid details of your past; just help them to understand what you used to be like and how you used to think about Jesus and Christianity. Then include how you became a Christian. In this part seek to clearly and concisely share the truth of the Gospel. Let them know what it means to become a follower of Jesus. Then finally talk about how your life is different now: how has Jesus changed you since becoming His follower.

While sharing your story use memorized Scripture to help convey what Jesus has done in your life. Also, try to avoid language that tends to be “churchy” or that people may not understand. Consider writing out your story and practice saying it out loud. This experience will help put you at ease when you share it with others.

But more than anything you have to tell your story. The only story that God cannot use is an unspoken and unshared one. So go and tell others of what Jesus has done in your life and pray that God would use it to “open their eyes in order to turn them from darkness to light” (Acts 26:18).