Sharing Our Stories: The Power of Personal Testimony

Devotional

Day 1: Be Prepared to Share the Reason for Your Hope

God calls every believer to be ready to share the story of their faith, not just with eloquence but with authenticity and preparation. Whether in casual conversation or unexpected moments, being prepared means thinking through your own journey with Christ and being willing to speak about the hope you have in Him. This readiness is not about having all the answers, but about being open and available for God to use your story to impact others. As you go about your week, consider how you might prepare your heart and mind to share your faith story when the opportunity arises. [27:40]

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to prepare yourself to share your faith story if someone asks about your hope in Christ?

Day 2: Your Story Is Powerful—Not Cleverly Invented

Every believer’s testimony, no matter how ordinary it may seem, is powerful because it is rooted in the real work of Jesus Christ. You don’t need a dramatic or sensational story; what matters is the truth of what God has done in your life. The Holy Spirit uses honest, simple testimonies to reach hearts, and your story—just as it is—can be the very thing God uses to draw someone to Himself. Trust that your experience with Christ is enough, and be willing to share it without embellishment or comparison. [38:10]

2 Peter 1:16 (ESV)
"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty."

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to downplay or exaggerate your story? How can you embrace and share your testimony just as God has given it to you?

Day 3: The Power of Before, How, and After

Paul’s example in Acts 26 shows us a simple and effective way to share our faith: describe your life before Christ, how you met Him, and what has changed since. This structure not only clarifies your own story but also helps others see the reality of transformation in Christ. Take time to reflect on your own journey—what was your life like before Jesus, how did you come to know Him, and what is different now? Being able to articulate these three parts will help you share your story with clarity and impact. [46:55]

Acts 26:2-23 (ESV)
"2 'I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? 9 I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities. 12 In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ 19 Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.'"

Reflection: If you had to write your “before, how, and after” in one sentence each, what would you say? Take a moment to jot them down and pray for an opportunity to share them this week.

Day 4: The Holy Spirit Moves When You Share

When you share your story, it is not just your words at work—the Holy Spirit is already moving in the hearts of those who hear. God orchestrates encounters and uses your testimony, no matter how simple, to draw others into the reality and power of His presence. Even if you feel nervous or inadequate, trust that God is using you as His instrument, and that your obedience can plant seeds that He will grow in His timing. Sharing your story not only impacts others, but also energizes and encourages your own faith as you see God at work. [41:55]

John 16:7-8 (ESV)
"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment."

Reflection: Can you recall a time when you sensed God’s Spirit prompting you to speak or act? How might you respond differently the next time you feel that nudge?

Day 5: Your Story Invites God to “Do It Again”

The Hebrew word for testimony means “do it again”—when you share your story, you are inviting God to work in someone else’s life as He did in yours. Your testimony is not just a record of the past, but a living invitation for God’s grace and power to be experienced anew. As you share, pray that God would “do it again” in the lives of those who hear, bringing salvation, healing, and transformation. Remember, your story is a tool God uses to multiply His work in the world. [44:10]

Psalm 66:16 (ESV)
"Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."

Reflection: Who is one person you can pray for today, asking God to “do it again” in their life as you share your story or pray for their salvation?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s grace and the unique stories He is writing in each of our lives. As we welcomed guests and shared in worship, we were reminded that our church is a place for all nations and backgrounds, and that God is actively at work among us. We heard about the importance of connecting with our international neighbors and the power of meeting practical needs as a bridge to sharing the hope of Christ. Through the testimony of our missionary Philip and the ministry he’s doing both here and abroad, we saw how God uses ordinary people to reach those who have never heard the name of Jesus.

The heart of our time together centered on the call to share our personal stories of faith. Drawing from Paul’s example in Acts 22, 23, and especially 26, we explored how every believer has a story worth telling—no matter how dramatic or “ordinary” it may seem. Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa followed a simple pattern: before, how, and after. Before Christ, Paul was a zealous persecutor; his “how” was a dramatic encounter with Jesus; and his “after” was a life transformed and devoted to sharing the gospel. Each of us is invited to reflect on our own journey: what was life like before Christ, how did we come to know Him, and what has changed since?

We were encouraged to be prepared, as 1 Peter 3:15 instructs, to give an answer for the hope within us. Sharing our story is not about us, but about pointing others to Jesus and inviting God to “do it again” in someone else’s life. The Holy Spirit is already at work in the hearts of those around us, and our willingness to share can be the spark that draws someone closer to Christ. Even if the response isn’t immediate, every testimony plants a seed that God can use in His timing.

We closed with a reminder that our stories matter, and that God wants to use each of us as instruments of His grace. Whether you’ve walked with Jesus for decades or are just now considering faith, today is an opportunity to respond, to prepare your story, and to be ready for the divine appointments God will bring your way this week.

Key Takeaways

1. God uses ordinary stories to accomplish extraordinary things. You don’t need a dramatic past to have a powerful testimony; what matters is the reality of Christ’s work in your life. Your story, no matter how simple, is uniquely equipped to reach someone who needs to hear it. The Holy Spirit empowers your words and uses your experience to draw others to Jesus. [31:10]
2. Sharing your story is an act of obedience and preparation. 1 Peter 3:15 calls us to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have. This means intentionally reflecting on your journey with Christ and being ready to share it in everyday conversations, whether with friends, neighbors, or even strangers. Preparation is a spiritual discipline that honors God and opens doors for the gospel. [27:40]
3. The pattern of “before, how, and after” provides a simple and effective way to share your faith. Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa models this: he describes his life before Christ, the moment he encountered Jesus, and the transformation that followed. This framework helps clarify your story and makes it relatable, showing others that real change is possible through Christ. [41:20]
4. The act of sharing your testimony is both a blessing to others and a source of spiritual energy for you. When you recount what God has done, you invite the Holy Spirit to work afresh in your life and in the lives of those listening. Even if you don’t see immediate results, you are planting seeds that God can grow in His timing, and you’ll often find your own faith strengthened in the process. [36:55]
5. Every encounter is a divine opportunity, not a coincidence. When you sense the nudge to share your story, trust that God has already been preparing the other person’s heart. Your willingness to speak may be the answer to someone’s prayer or the beginning of their journey with Christ. Don’t underestimate the impact of your obedience—God delights in using you to “do it again” in the lives of others. [51:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[05:45] - Invitation to Wednesday Night Dinner
[08:30] - Children’s Church Dismissal
[10:20] - Celebrating Growth in Youth Ministry
[12:00] - Giving and Generosity at Woodhaven
[14:30] - Introduction of Pastor Philip and Missions Update
[19:43] - Prayer for Philip and International Ministry
[22:10] - Series in Acts: Sharing Your Story
[27:40] - The Call to Be Prepared (1 Peter 3:15)
[31:10] - Why Your Story Matters
[36:55] - The Power of Testimony: “Do It Again”
[41:20] - Paul’s Testimony: Before, How, After
[51:44] - Angela’s Testimony
[65:32] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
[67:29] - Dismissal and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 26:1-23 (ESV) — Paul shares his testimony before King Agrippa, following the pattern of his life before Christ, his encounter with Jesus, and his life after coming to faith.

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) — "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Observation Questions

In Acts 26, what three main parts does Paul include when he shares his story with King Agrippa? How does he introduce each part? [41:20]
According to 1 Peter 3:15, what attitude should we have when we share the reason for our hope? [27:40]
The sermon mentioned that the Hebrew word for “testimony” means “do it again.” What does this suggest about the purpose of sharing our stories? [36:55]
What practical examples did the pastor give for how we might naturally bring up our faith in everyday conversations? [27:40]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul uses the “before, how, and after” pattern when sharing his testimony? How might this make his story more relatable to others? [41:20]
The sermon emphasized that sharing our story is not about us, but about pointing others to Jesus. Why is this distinction important? [31:10]
1 Peter 3:15 calls us to “always be prepared.” What might it look like to be spiritually and practically prepared to share your story? [27:40]
The pastor said that sharing your story can energize your own faith, even if you don’t see immediate results. Why do you think this happens? [36:55]

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to reflect on our own “before, how, and after” story. If you had to write your story in one sentence for each part, what would you say? (Before Christ, how you met Him, and what’s changed since.) [41:20]
Think about your daily routines—work, school, neighborhood, family. Where do you see opportunities to naturally share your story, as the pastor described? What holds you back from doing so? [27:40]
The pastor mentioned that you don’t need a dramatic story for it to be powerful. Have you ever felt like your story was “too ordinary” to share? How does today’s message challenge that thinking? [31:10]
The sermon said that every encounter is a divine opportunity, not a coincidence. Can you recall a recent moment when you felt a nudge to share your faith? What did you do? How might you respond differently next time? [51:44]
Preparation is a spiritual discipline. What is one practical step you can take this week to prepare your story—maybe by writing it down, practicing it, or praying for boldness? [27:40]
The pastor shared that sharing your story can energize your faith. Have you ever experienced this? If not, what do you think might happen if you took a step of faith to share your story with someone this week? [36:55]
The message closed with an invitation to be ready for “divine appointments” this week. What would it look like for you to pray each morning for God to give you an opportunity to share your story? How can the group encourage each other in this? [01:05:32]

Sermon Clips

Many times that I've shared my story and at the end I've said, "Does that make sense? And can I share with you about what Jesus did on the cross?" And they were, "Would you please?" And I've prayed with someone and they've come to know Christ. And other times they're just like, "Hey, thanks for sharing. I think that's enough for now." But I planted a seed that's going to be there that they're going to think about, and at the right time, at the right place, if they don't come and ask me about it again, they're going to come and ask somebody else. [00:56:05] (31 seconds) #YourHowIsNow

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