Thursday, March 12, 2009

Share Your Story

1 Peter 2:9-10, The Message
"But you are the ones chosen by God, 
chosen for the high calling of priestly work, 
chosen to be a holy people, 
God's instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, 
to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you--
from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted."

I want to hear your God-stories, the story of your salvation in Jesus Christ.  And then I'd like to share it.

I've extended my 200th Post Giveaway to March 31st. The reason is that I don't want to rush the process. Excuse me while I repeat myself: THERE IS SO MUCH POWER IN OUR SALVATION STORIES. I know I've said that a bunch, but almost every time I go to the book of Acts, I'm reminded. Paul shared his story over and over and over. My favorite is in Acts 26, especially verses 28 & 29: "Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?' Paul replied, 'Short time or long--I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.'"

Don't you just love that? I highly doubt any of our testimonies are quite as exciting as Paul's, but the point is that at least a half a dozen times (that's what I counted), he chose to use his personal transformation to tell others about Christ. We have a story to share, too, and I know the Lord wants us to use any method of communication we've been given to tell it.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, 
but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord...
but join with me in suffering for the gospel, 
by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--
not because of anything we have done, 
but because of His own purpose and grace."
2 Timothy 1:7-9a, NIV
You don't have to be a writer, speaker or preacher to do this...just reflect and share on these questions: 
How old were you when someone first told you about Jesus?
When did you become open to the gospel?
What compelled you to give your life over to Jesus?
What Scriptures were particularly meaningful to you?
If you were saved at a young age, when did you finally start living it? What changed inside of you?
How do you think your life is different since you made Jesus the Lord of it?

It also doesn't have to be long or too detailed with the circumstances. The most important part of a testimony, I believe, is that Jesus is glorified, and that it is clear that HE is responsible for the transformation in you. In other words, we want Him to receive all the glory!

My plan is to publish some of these testimonies on my blog on Easter week. If I get a bunch of them, I may extend it. Just let me know if you are open to me publishing it or not. Feel free to send me an email, post it as a note on Facebook, post it on your blog or website, or whatever. I will enroll you in my book and CD giveaway as well, which I mentioned on my 200th post. Just remember, the deadline is March 31st.

So pray about it. Pause. Ponder. Then if you feel led by the Holy Spirit, take a moment to send me your testimony. We'll praise Him for it.
"Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore--you're the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of His Son, whom He raised from the dead--Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom."
1 Thessalonians 1:7-10, The Message
If you haven't yet read mine, I wrote it in short-story fiction format HERE,and I plan to write it again "conversational style" in the next few weeks.

23 friends shared a comment:

LAURIE said...

LauraLee, I wanted to stop in and say thank you for visiting AT THE WELL today. Your comment on my devotion really blessed me. I am so excited that you join me in striving to be a "blessing" in your marriage. Blessings to you! -Laurie

Joanne Sher said...

Just to encourage others to share - here's a link to my testimony: http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-level3-previous.php?id=10533

Laurie Ann said...

I am going to write my story, His story, tonight. I love this idea! May God bless you, LauraLee. You are such an inspiration, encourager and a seed-planter for Christ!

Patty Wysong said...

I'm so glad you're extending this--it will keep it on my mind to do, and I REALLY want to do this. (simply cuz I really want to post my testimony)
Huggles!

Laurie Ann said...

My post is up, dear friend!

Denise said...

Such a great idea sweetie. I will post mine tonight, will let you know when it is up. I love you my friend.

Anonymous said...

I've always wanted to do this... so thank you for the challenge.

Denise said...

My post is up dear friend.

LauraLee Shaw said...

Thanks, Laurie Ann, Denise and Jo! I already have your stories planned for Easter week if I have your permission. I'm excited to share these amazing, powerful testimonies with my readers as well.

Patty & heartreflections, I can't wait to see yours as well...

For the sake of the gospel,
LauraLee

LauraLee Shaw said...

Oh, and Lynn Squire posted hers too thru my website. Thanks to you as well, Lynn:

name-contact = Lynn Squire
email-contact = lynnsquire@gmail.com
comments-contact = I've posted my testimony on my blog http://faithfictionfunandfanciful.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-personal-testimony.html and made a link to yours. What a wonderful idea - I'm so glad you did this.

Denise said...

Of course you can use my post Easter week, love you.

God's Girl said...

I enjoyed reading your blog. Your love for the Lord shines here.

Thank you for sharing your heart for Jesus. It blessed my heart.

Sandy @ The Scoop on Balance said...

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for adding me to your blog roll. ("do you mind?" she asks...ha ha)

You are awesome. I'm already blown away by the depth in the responses I've received by this series. I can't wait to see what wonderful things God will do through our pain.

Looking forward to seeing much more of you.

Blessings,
Sandy

Melissa, Multi-Tasking Mama said...

This is such a wonderful idea. I posted the answers to your questions here http://www.feelchicboutique.com/2009/03/oh-how-i-love-jesus.html and will be posting my testimony later this week.

God Bless,
Melissa

Josh said...

Laura, I posted my testimony on my blog, and you can feel free to use it if you would like, but no pressure. I just think this is a wonderful idea to share these with each other. What a great way to encourage each other and praise God for His salvation!

http://joshjanoski.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-testimony.html

Unknown said...

Here is a link to my testimony. I posted it on my blog back in October.
http://riikartsrose.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-salvation-testimony.html

LauraLee Shaw said...

Melissa, Josh & Stina...my heart was truly blessed and challenged by your testimonies. Thank you for taking the time to share them.

GodsOwn/Bernice said...

This is my very 1st time i put "pen to paper" so to say to write about Godsstory in my Life.This is the link to it http://myjourney-godsown.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-story.html
And thanks for the oppurtunity

Bernice

LauraLee Shaw said...

Bernice,

What a lovely testimony. You are a beautiful daughter of the King, sis in Christ! Thank you!

Brook said...

I just recently posted my testimony on my blog. It is in devotional form.
http://snipssnailsandpuppydogstails.blogspot.com/2009/03/new-creation.html

Karen Hossink said...

Ahhh, this was great. I just wrote mine and it will be posted on Tuesday - the 31st.
Thanks for the encouragement to write.
Oh, and you are free to use my story if you would like!

LauraLee Shaw said...

Brook, that was a phenomenal testimony, and I'm SO glad you shared it here.

Irritable Mother, I'll be excited to see it!

Thank YOU!!!!

Mari said...

Okay, Laura...it's ready if you want it. God is good, indeed.

http://marita-mariflower.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-salvation-story.html