What's Your Story?
Yesterday I had the chance to hear an old friend share her story. It's been years since I've seen Kim and quite honestly, we were never really very close. We knew each other through a church we both used to be a part of and would share bits and pieces of life here and there. You can see more about her story here on her blog.We both kept our struggles to ourselves.Everyone faces difficulties and stresses in life and typically, we don't invite one another into those struggles. Every has their own issues, why open up and ask someone to share in MY issues?Well - the reason is for the power of our testimonies.Revelation 12:11a (NIV)They triumphed over him [the accuser]by the blood of the Lamband by the word of their testimony;they did not love their lives so muchas to shrink from death.There is so much to be gained from sharing in our struggles. So much more than the fear of being judged or misunderstood...or even worse, mistreated. Our stories of the struggles we face and then still seeing God's faithfulness through those struggles could literally save someone's life. But we'll never know if that opportunity exists if we don't share.Now let me take an aside here. It is important to be cautious and careful when sharing our stories. We do need to use wisdom and discretion. Being led by the Lord is a great place to start, and if there's ever a squeamishness or major discomfort (I'm not talking about just being pushed out of your comfort zone) when considering sharing your story, then wait. It may not be the right time or the right person.Jesus spoke about using discretion in Matthew 7:6“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."These are the treasures of your heart. They are the triumphs in which you've see God prevail. These are sacred.How many times have we missed an opportunity to speak life to someone by sharing? How often do we shrink back from the fear of being misunderstood or judged? All too often we can shy away from putting out there what miracles God has done in our lives.ButThere are many moments we may encounter in which God may use our stories to speak life, hope, faithfulness and goodness to one another.You'll never know what someone else is going through unless they tell you. And most times, you must be a friend first. Open up a bit. Begin to share your story. Always point back to God's goodness and faithfulness. Always. He'll do all the work in that person's heart. That's not your responsibility. You simply testify of God's goodness and watch him work.Your story could be deliverance for somebody.So don't worry about adding onto the stresses of another. God is so much bigger than that. If you have the thought to share your story with someone, lean into it. Let Him show you if it's something you're to continue in or not. And just step back.