Everyone has a story.
Everyone.

We hosted Next Steps last Sunday night, and this reality became clear to me once again. I have a story of how life has unfolded and of Jesus’ part in my story. Every one of you who is reading this has a story to tell. I’m fascinated to hear each one of them. I love to hear about where people grew up, what they learned, what they loved, what they hated, and why. I love to hear how Jesus intersected those stories and what He did to rescue and redeem.

That’s what a “testimony” is. It’s our story of who we are, where we’ve been, and how Jesus intersected our story and changed our lives. What’s strange to me is the contrast in what we CAN and CANNOT seem to talk about. We talk so easily about our hometowns, sports, and hobbies, how we met our spouses, how we chose our careers, and how we ended up where we live. Then we stumble awkwardly when we start talking about how we met Jesus and what He has done for us. It’s as if our brains “glitch” when we reach that part of our story. Maybe it’s because we think it’s awkward or only for the most private of conversations. Maybe it’s because we believe it will offend. So let me help with something a dear friend said.

My friend was in a conversation with someone, and when he started talking about his faith experience, the person got a little irritated. So instead of shrinking back, he said this:

“What just happened? You seem bothered all of a sudden. I listened to you as you told your story, and I wasn’t put off by your career, your interests, or your passions. Why are you put off by mine? My faith in Jesus is part of who I am and how I invest my life. Is that a problem? I’ve been polite and tolerant of your life story, why can’t you do the same with mine? I’m not trying to manipulate you. I’m just trying to tell you my story, just like you told me yours. Is that a problem?”

OUR stories are important. And if someone is uncomfortable, maybe this is a discomfort that God wants to use in that person’s life. Perhaps your story is the exact one that person needs to hear, but it may be that discomfort that God uses to make a difference.

I have told my story many times, and sometimes I have been teased or mocked because of my small-town background, where I went to school, or how I asked my wife to marry me. I reacted to those with bravado or laughter at myself. So, if we encounter resistance due to our faith story, surely we can find a way to handle that kind of resistance in a consistent manner.

Make no mistake: Your story matters, and it may be the exact story that someone else needs to hear so they can meet Jesus.