Sharpen your story
Ecc 10:10
If your axe is dull and you don’t sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead. GNB
Six easy steps
First a word of encouragement…
Sceptics may debate the validity of Scripture or argue the existence of God, but no one can deny your personal experiences with him believe me I know! When you tell your story of how God has worked a miracle in your life, or how he has blessed you, transformed you, lifted and encouraged you, perhaps even healed you, no one can argue or debate it. You go beyond the realm of knowledge into the realm of relationship with God.
These steps are designed to help you write your story. They apply for long and short, written and spoken testimonies. Whether you are planning to write down your full, detailed testimony like me and my book or simply preparing a quick 2-minute version of your testimony to share at a moments notice, these tips and steps will help you tell others with sincerity, impact and clarity what God has done in your life.
1. Realise the Power of Your Testimony
First and foremost – remember – there is power in your testimony! Revelation 12:11 says we overcome our enemy by the blood of the Lamb and by the power of our testimony. And our words can be Gods words:
Heb 4:12 says;
Heb 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ESV
…and verse 13 says;
Heb 4:13
Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word.
We can’t get away from it no matter what.
2. Study an Example of a Testimony from the Bible
Read Acts 26. Here the Apostle Paul gives his testimony.
3. Spend Time in Thought Preparation
(Read Revelation 2v4)
There are a few things to consider before you start writing your testimony. Think about your life before you met the Lord. What was going on in your life leading up to your conversion? What problems or needs were you facing at the time? How did your life change after that?
4. Start with a Simple 3-Point Outline
A three-point approach is very effective in communicating your personal testimony. The outline focuses on before you trusted Christ, how you surrendered to him, and the difference since you’ve been walking with him.
Before:
Simply tell what your life was like before you became a christian. What were you searching for before coming to know Jesus? What was the key problem, emotion, situation or attitude you were dealing with? What motivated you? What were your actions? How did you try to satisfy your inner needs? (Examples of inner needs are loneliness, fear of death, insecurity. Possible ways to fill those needs include work, money, drugs, relationships, alcohol, sex.)
How:
How were you changed? Simply tell the events and circumstances that caused you to consider giving your life to Jesus. Take time to identify the steps that brought you to the point of saying yes. Where were you? What was happening at the time? What people or problems influenced your decision?
Since:
How has your with God made a difference to you? How has his forgiveness impacted your life? How have your thoughts, attitudes and emotions changed? Share how Christ is meeting your needs and what a relationship with him means to you now.
5. Important Tips to Remember
Stick to the point. Your conversion and new life in Christ should be the main points.
- Be specific. Include events, genuine feelings and personal insights that clarify your main point. This makes your testimony tangible – something others can relate to.
- Be current. Say what is happening in your life with God now, today.
- Be honest. Don’t exaggerate or dramatise your life for effect. The simple truth of what God has done in your life is all the Holy Spirit needs to show others his love and grace.
6. Things to Avoid
Stay away from “Christian” phrases. These words can put off and confuse listeners and readers and keep them from identifying with your life. Here are some examples:
- Try to avoid using “born again.”
Instead use: Spiritual birth, or come alive spiritually, given a new life, given a second chance - Try to avoid using “saved”
Instead use: rescued, or delivered from despair, found hope for life - Try to avoid using “Gospel”
Instead use: God’s message to man, the good news about Christ’s purpose on earth - Try to avoid using “sin”
Instead use: doing things wrong, messing up, falling away from the right path - Try to avoid using “repent”
Instead use:admit a wrong, change your mind, heart or attitude, make a decision to turn away, turn around, a complete u turn from what you were doing
In this part copy down and answer the 3 point questions using the things you have learnt in the previous six steps, and keep working on it, you’ll get there!!!
My Sharpened Story
Part 1: What was your life like before you met Jesus?
Part 2: What happened when you met him?
Part 3: What is your life like now?