13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.
18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas[a] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.
21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me. – Galatians 1: 13-24
Paul’s story of conversion seems to have been hot news in his time. Paul’s story was clearly well known to Christians in general and especially to those he had personally ministered to. If Paul was among a group a people for a while and preached the gospel to them, surely he shared his personal testimony of God’s grace. Not all of us have as dramatic of conversion stories like Paul did. Our value of a personal testimony is not found in the drama of the story. We see the glory of God’s work just as much in our stories as the early church saw in Paul’s story.
My imagination tells me that Paul’s delivery was probably very well performed and rehearsed. I know that my testimony over the years has been well rehearsed through my preaching, but most of us do not preach every week. I think sometimes this leads us to believing we should not tell our story. Perhaps even further, most of us do not know how to tell our story.
Well, our daily study is here to help. Our testimonies are divided into three easily memorable categories.
When you break it down, sharing your testimony doesn’t sound so hard. Paul’s story has the same arc that yours does! There was a time when you did not follow God. There is a time where you encountered God. Subsequently, your life changed when you encountered God.
This three step approach simplifies the process. Everyone can explain their life before Christ. Everyone can explain their encounter with God. Everyone can explain how God changed their life. So do not be afraid to share your story!
Your story may be simple or it may even be more dramatic than Paul’s. Our job is to share it. Share it easily. Tell a friend what your life was like before Jesus. Tell a coworker about your encounter with God. Tell anyone and everyone you see. Your story matters. Your life matters. We are in a spiritual battle. A battle that has been raging behind the scenes since the time of Christ. We win this battle by sharing the story of how Christ won the war (on the cross).
Amen