The power of story is a powerful way to tell others how the Lord has worked in your life. I remember hearing a testimony of a young man who was a sailor. He was a drunk, rude, self-centered, and anti-Christian. But God had other plans for this young man. His bunkmate happened to be Christian and never gave up on him, no matter how rude he was.
There came a day when the self-centered sailor hit the wall, and there was his friend showing him the love of Jesus. It wasn’t long before the drunken sailor asked Jesus into his heart, and God began a lifetime of reconstruction. After he left the Navy, the sailor dedicated his life to telling others how Jesus changed his life and how He could also change their life. It was the power of his story that drew people to Jesus, giving them hope!
Stephen Told the Story of Israel
Stephen used the power of the story of the nation of Israel to convey to the religious leaders their acts of rebellion against God. It also allowed Stephen to talk about Jesus. Stephen wanted them to turn from their sin and turn toward God, where they could find true hope.
Acts 7: 1Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these accusations true?” 2 This was Stephen’s reply: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor Abraham in Mesopotamia before he settled in Haran.[1] Stephen went on to tell the story of the nation of Israel from Abraham to the death of Jesus on the cross. Stephen’s story was powerful, but their hearts were so hard they stoned him instead of repenting.
Was anyone listening to what Stephen said? Did he give his life for nothing?Acts 7:57 Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him 58 and dragged him out of the city, and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.[2]
What is Your Story?
How did you come to know Jesus as your Savior? In what way could the Lord use your story to lead others to Jesus and give them hope? A personal testimony is a powerful tool for sharing our faith in Jesus. People tend to be more open to the Gospel when people share personal stories of how the Lord changed their lives.
The psalmist reflected on his experience with the Lord in Psalm 66:16Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. [3] The story of how the Lord turned your life around can touch hearts in a way that will lead people to want to know the God we love and serve. Your story can be the light in the darkness for someone.
To learn more about the power of story, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/light-in-persecution
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.