The Power of Your Story

The Bible says in Revelation 12:1, "They overcame by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony." 

Is there truly power in telling your story? What happens when we step out of our comfort zone and share the truth, even when it hurts, even when it's uncomfortable, and even when it means re-living a painful part of our past? 

We don’t just share our testimonies for people to hear a good story or so that people know about our lives or the things that we've been through. Rather, we share what God has done in our lives to encourage others that He can do the same in theirs. The word “testimony” comes from the Hebrew word “eduth.” This word literally means “do it again with the same power and authority.” So, when we speak out or even read a testimony, we're literally saying, "Do it again, God."  

Trauma-Free Testimonies

Many people say they get triggered and re-traumatized when sharing the painful parts of their past. However, when you’ve gone through the process of inner healing with Jesus, and you're on the other side of the pain, and you've seen what Jesus has done, it becomes a testimony. Then, when you share, you're actually releasing faith and the power of God.

No one is ever too far gone for the restoration and redemption of Jesus in their life. I had no hope for my future and thought I was too far gone. But as I gave Jesus the little bit I had each day, He increasingly encountered me in ways I did not think were possible. Now, I can share my story without pain or shame, knowing that God will use my life to set others free. 

I know people and have prayed with people on their deathbeds who gave their lives to the Lord moments before they passed away. For some, the journey to knowing Jesus takes years. For others, seconds. God is constantly drawing us to Himself. He is pulling testimonies out of our lives where it seems like there is no hope so that He might get the glory. The phrase "That they may know that I am the Lord” shows up over and over again throughout Scripture. It is clear God wants to make Himself known.

Telling My Story

I did not intend to write my story. I'm an engineer by trade, not a writer, and by no means “creative” in the typical sense (though I do love to cook). But, as God began to heal and transform my heart, my life, and my family through my growing relationship with Him, I just couldn't help but write. Just to give you an idea of my story… My daughters suffered unspeakable abuse at the hands of someone close to our family. As a result, they fell into a lifestyle of drugs and violence, resulting in the murder of my eldest daughter, Abbe. I’ve suffered the loss of three marriages. I’ve gone through million-dollar lawsuits. And Jesus showed up and rescued me and my surviving daughter, Bryn. He’s delivered us from shame, addiction, hopelessness, and death. He’s restored our relationship that was once broken beyond repair. We’ve tasted and seen that God is good in the land of the living. 

Stories in Your Church 

What place do testimonies (stories) have in your church or congregation? Countless people have been saved by the impact of someone willing to share their testimony. People every day are encouraged by stories of God’s goodness in someone’s life. I, myself, have been impacted by other believers who have shared their unique stories through books, film, from the pulpit, and especially in person.  

As you enter a new ministry season, I encourage you to find a place for stories in your church. Here are a few suggestions, but the options are endless: 

• Create space at staff meetings to have other pastors or leaders share stories from their ministries.
• Designate a separate meeting time where staff, volunteers, and leaders are invited to share what they’ve seen God do in the last week, month, or quarter.
• Be intentional to ask leaders about what God has been doing at camps, special events, classes, or other meeting times. 
• Ask your church members what God’s been up to in their lives or where they have seen Him move. 

Consider designating someone on your team to document the stories shared. But don’t stop there! Actually do something with these stories. Share them in a video testimony during a weekend service. Ask church members to share their story on stage or at your next small group meeting. Post blogs about what God has been doing in people’s lives, and don’t forget to post them on social media or send them out via email.  

God can and will use all things for His glory. Let us not hold back from sharing about His goodness in our lives. 

Your Testimony

I want to take this moment and pray over you: 

Lord, You’ve got plans that You prepared before the foundation of the earth for each and every person reading this. There's no one too far gone for You. You have a beautiful testimony in store for every story. I declare, “Arise and shine” for the glory of the Lord is all around you. I declare you are blessed. I declare you are highly favored. I declare the redemptive power of the Lord Jesus Christ over your life. In Jesus' mighty name, amen.

I believe that no matter how broken the relationships between fathers and their children may seem, or any other relationship for that matter, God's grace is sufficient for restoration. I can say this from personal experience! I hope my story inspires you to, first of all, let God in and make your story a testimony, and secondly, that you will share your testimony with others.  

If you want to learn more about our story, check out my daughter Bryn’s book, Dying to Live, and my book, More than Gold (both available on Amazon). Also, check out the podcast that inspired this blog.