It's Not Too Late...
To Share Your Story (Part 2)
November 21-25, 2005

You are the light of the world - like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)

Everything starts with a story. People love stories. We get stories in movies, in books and of course, through the Bible. Regardless of your past, age or background, it's not too late to share your story. Everyone has a unique story in their life to share. It's important to take it and share it with others. This is true primarily for two reasons; the first is recognition. Everyone has a powerful story to share that is unique. Second, people need to hear your story. They need help. God uses people to impact other people. Unfortunately, often people choose to use a few common excuses to avoid sharing their story. These reasons include: selfishness; they are scared or they don't believe it's worthwhile. Some lives are more plain than others and some may be filled with riveting excitement, but regardless everyone has an important story to share to help others. We are going to take a close look at some biblical ways in this study to share your story so it can impact other people for God.

MONDAY

RECOGNIZE THE POWER OF YOUR STORY.
[Your Objective: Understand that each person's story can impact other people just like the parables Jesus told.]

  • How did Jesus teach when He spoke to crowds of people? Read Matthew 13:34
  • How can stories be used as a bridge between the Kingdom of God and our world?
  • How can the stories of God using normal people with ordinary lives help others understand God's ways?

Evangelism (Mission) - God created the entire universe as one big narration. Our lives are the individual story lines in the narrative and people are wired for stories about hope, redemption, forgiveness, fresh starts, and good versus evil. The narrative is incomplete without your story. Will you recognize the power of your story to impact people like Jesus impacted people with His parables and follow His example by telling your story?

TUESDAY

ARTICULATE YOUR "LIFE-CHANGE" STORY.
[Your Objective: Realize by defining and writing out your story, you have created a tool that God can use to bring people into relationship with Him.]

A spiritual encounter (John 4)

  • In John 4:28-30, we find Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well. What did He do that amazed her, according to this passage?
  • Why do you think the people came out to see Jesus after the woman told her story?
  • Why does a good story make people want to move into action?

An "In-your-face" encounter (John 5)

  • What life-changing offer did Jesus make to the man in John 5:5-6, 8-9?
  • How could the people at the pool have reacted to the question Jesus asked the man?
  • How do people today react to life-changing situations?

A forgiveness encounter (John 8)

  • What did Jesus say to the woman who had been accused of adultery in John 8:10-11?
  • What reactions could be expected when people hear stories of God's forgiveness?

A healing encounter (John 9)

  • In John 9:25 what did the blind man say his life was like before and after he met Jesus?
  • How do stories like this tell us more about God and point us to God?

Fellowship (Membership) - Do you think your story is uninteresting or doesn't compare to the monumental life-changing testimonies you have heard? A life-changing story doesn't have to be riveting to be interesting. By writing your story you memorialize the encounter you had with God and can use it to help others. All you really need to do is answer two questions: What was my life like before Jesus? What has it been like since? Are you willing to use your story to help others find their way to Christ? Write it out and practice telling your story in your small group as a safe place to prepare you for telling others.

WEDNESDAY

LISTEN FOR STORY SHARING OPPORTUNITIES.
[Your Objective: Believe God will provide opportunities for you to tell your story to people that need to hear it.]

  • How does Colossians 4:5 instruct us to live?
  • How can listening and caring for people provide opportunities to share your story?
  • What did Paul understand about the role of believers in God's ultimate plan, according to 1 Corinthians 3:6?
  • What happens when people try to take over God's role?

Worship (Magnification) - In our fast-paced world finding someone that will truly listen is a gift. A good listener shows genuine care for the person. When the person knows you are listening and that you care then they are likely to give you the opportunity to share similar experiences and how God helped you or how you learned more about Him during that experience. Are you willing to listen for opportunities to plant a seed of faith or water the seeds that others have planted by telling your story? Pray for God to make the seeds grow in all those that you share your story with and praise Him for the lives He has changed.

THURSDAY

DEFINE AND DEFEAT YOUR FEARS.
[Your Objective: Consider why we are afraid of sharing our story due to rejection and ignorance while learning ways to overcome them.]

  • In Acts 4:18-20, how did Peter react when told not to speak or teach about Jesus?
  • Why do we have more courage when we act in obedience to God?
  • What are some ways to remember that sharing our story is a way to glorify God?
  • Look at Acts 4:16. What had all the people seen Peter and John do in their midst?
  • What wonderful miracles has God done in your life that can be shared with people?
  • What did the man in John 9:25 know about Jesus and why?
  • Regardless of who is delivering the message, why is the truth difficult to reject?
  • How can we be confident that knowing all the answers is not important?
  • Why were the people amazed by what Peter and John had accomplished, from Acts 4:13?
  • Why are people influenced by ordinary individuals who just care for others?
  • Why are ordinary people who know Jesus filled with boldness like John and Peter?

Discipleship (Maturity) - People who know Jesus and follow the examples of the disciples should not be afraid to share their story. Instead they look for opportunities, they listen and they wait for God's timing while caring for people. Everyone who knows Jesus is a disciple and has a great story to tell. They can be ordinary people that will amaze others with the simple truth about their life and the miracles that God has performed. What are some ways to spend more time with Jesus, know Him better and let His Spirit fill your life so your story is told without fear?

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Recognize your responsibility to share your story with others and use the points above to learn, listen and use every opportunity available to tell others about your life and the impact God has made for His glory.]

Your story is powerful. When you articulate your life changing story by listening for sharing opportunities and by defining and defeating your fears, you will be helping people. Don't hide your story. An important question to ask is: Who is going to be in Heaven because of your story? How can you start listening more and letting the Spirit guide you in the opportunity to share at the right time? Make a commitment to pray for the opportunity to share your story. As a small group consider taking some time out of each meeting together to share the story of each member.