Can I get a witness!
Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too. (Acts 14:27 NLT)
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Paul was a world traveler. He went all over preaching and proclaiming the Gospel. He saw, heard, and lived through some amazing experiences seeing Gods faithfulness in many ways.
I'd image many stories could be told. In an age without pictures, videos, the Internet, and at a time when knowledge was more regional than global, Paul still told stories to the believers. It wasn't really about tooting a horn, raising money, or creating a buzz of momentum. While some of that may have happened, it really was about faith.
He was building faith to be more exact.
When we testify or share our story, God receives glory; and the listener with an open heart, has their faith built. A story captures the heart of the listener and often stirs them to action - giving, prayer, to share their story, re-tell the story to someone they know will be blessed by it, or perhaps move to believe God wants to use them too.
Although I am someone who personally loves story and has seen the power of it , recently i've been wrestling with its use. Within my role at our church, I'm responsible for much of the communication - including helping re-tell a story or testimony. We recently launched a section on our website called the story corner. We wanted to give people an opportunity to share their story and all God has done in them an through them. We've filmed a couple and look forward to doing that more and more.
But I've been internally wrestling - Privacy concerns, should we put people's names on them, does it help anyone, is it manipulation, and the thoughts go on.
I realize those are good/healthy questions to ask. My desire, and I know the heart of our pastoral staff, is to build faith in the listener. To enlarge their belief in God. To help them see that God is at work in their life.
Paul never lost sight of that. I don't want to lose sight of that.
Father,
Thank you for your Word that gives illumination to my path. May I steward the responsibility you give me faithfully...full of faith. Love you Lord.
Amen.
Created 4 months ago
