Do you ever feel your story is just too messy, too painful, or even too ordinary to matter? That nobody is interested in your life? The number of influencers who share the most boring details of their lives with thousands of devoted online followers should remind us everyone’s story matters!
What is the difference between us as Christians and online influencers? Our stories include God — the places and circumstances where God met us and changed our lives forever. Psalm 66:16 says, “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, And I will declare what he hath done for my soul.” God commands us to share our stories of what He has done in our lives.
Consider one familiar Bible story about how one woman’s story changed an entire town. We find the Samaritan woman in John 4, and her story begins with a need. She went to a well for water and, instead, she found Jesus. The things He told her intrigued her, because He already knew intimate details of her life. How could He know these hidden things about her? And what was this living water He offered?
Interrupted by the arrival of Jesus’ disciples, she left her water jar and returned to her village to tell everyone about this Man, wondering if He could be the Christ. Her transparent testimony influenced her neighbors, and the Bible records many Samaritans believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony: “He told me all things that ever I did.”
Perhaps she didn’t think her story would matter to anyone. As a sinful Samaritan woman living in a male-dominated society, she was an outsider in religion, race, and gender. She had endured five failed marriages and currently lived in shameful isolation, an isolation that led her to venture out to the well at midday, when others would not be present to scorn her. She likely felt overlooked, judged, and broken.
But the Samaritan woman had an encounter with Jesus. In the place of shame and judgment, He offered water — living water! Leaving her water jug behind (and symbolically leaving her old life), she immediately ran to tell others about her new Savior. Why would anyone listen to her? Why would they pay attention? Because she had done everything right or had all the answers? Of course not. It was because she shared her experience with Jesus through her story. What can we learn from the Samaritan woman?
Stories create connection. I often speak at women’s conferences, and I enjoy getting to connect with women across our denomination. Their stories give me opportunities to pray for them, keep in touch, and ultimately find ways we can serve together. For the last two years, I’ve shared frequently about my mom’s passing and her inspiration to me in discipleship. Many women have been drawn to tell me stories of their own mothers and mentors, creating a bond that leads to discipleship moments.
When we share our stories and struggles, we feel lighter, knowing someone else is walking with us and helping shoulder our burdens. When we tell our testimonies, we highlight for ourselves and others how God worked through each situation. Giving Him the glory is the best way to connect our life stories with His glorious story.
Stories break isolation. The Samaritan woman isolated herself because she didn’t feel comfortable with her neighbors, those who knew her failures and weaknesses. But when she spoke up and allowed her own struggles to point others to the Savior, she opened doors for the gospel.
Stories show God’s grace. Our stories may be the “proof” of Jesus someone else needs to see. Sharing authentic, vulnerable stories — even when difficult — reminds others that healing, change, and ultimately, God’s grace, are more than a possibility. They are reality! When we share God’s story even when we don’t always have it all together, when our lives are messy, and when we have doubts and fears, others are reminded of the far-reaching grace God offers.
What are some practical ways to develop these God-focused stories?
Remember each story has three parts:
Before: What was your life like before God met you in a
hard season?
During: How did God show up? Through prayer, Scripture, people, or a turning point in your life?
After: How are you different now? What has changed? How did God heal, teach, or sustain you?
Keep in mind, however, honesty and transparency do not give us license to share graphic details. Avoid TMI — you know, “too much information.” Keep the focus on God’s grace and work in the situation rather than the pain or failures experienced. Point to Him, not to you. And remember, God is still writing your story, even when you can’t see the ink.
Where can your story be used? In hospital rooms and classrooms. In backyards and business suites. Coffee shops. Cars. Wherever you can have conversations. God can use both grandiose locations and dark hallways.
So, tell your story. Tell it with passion. Tell it with emotion. But, most importantly, tell it in ways that reveal God’s glory.
“Come and hear, all ye that fear God, And I will declare what he hath done for my soul” (Psalm 66:16).
About the Writer: A former missionary to Spain, Kristi Johnson and her husband Tim spent nearly three decades on the field before returning to the States. Tim teaches missions at Welch College, and Kristi is director of Women Nationally Active for Christ.
