Story Sharing #2 - Sharing Your God Story
“We are creatures of story, created by a storytelling God, who created the very fabric of our reality in terms of his story. Rather than seeing our existence as a series of unconnected random events without purpose, storytelling brings meaning to our lives through the analogy of carefully crafted plot that reflects the loving sovereignty of the God of the Bible.” - Brian Godawa
We are all creatures of story. We binge-watch series, get lost in novels, and recount our weekends to coworkers.
Why?
Because we were created by a storytelling God who wove the fabric of reality into a narrative.
But when it comes to sharing our own spiritual story—our testimony—we often get stuck. We might feel our story is too boring, too messy, or we simply don't know where to start. Often, we make the mistake of making ourselves the main character. But the truth is, while it is your story, you are not the hero. Jesus is.
Sharing your story is one of the most natural ways to talk to friends and neighbors about Jesus. To help you structure it, we can look to the four movements found in the "Big Story" of the Bible: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.
This guide is designed to help you write and share your story in a way that points back to the Ultimate Author.
1. Creation | Origin & Identity
The Big Picture: God created everything to be good. He is the author, and we are His image-bearers, created to worship and enjoy relationship with Him. Since God is the author and main character of the story, all things find their worth and value in Him.
Your Story: All of us have looked to someone or something other than God to define us, to give us a sense of worth and value. As you begin your God Story, consider: Before you knew Jesus, what defined you?
Key Gospel Questions:
- Who or what most shaped your understanding of yourself?
- What did you look to for worth and value (e.g., career, approval, success) instead of God?
Other questions to consider:
- Where were you born and what was going on in your family at the time?
- Talk about your relationships with your family members (parents, siblings, or other important people).
- Early on, who and what were some of the main influences in your life?
- What did you believe about God?
2. Fall | Brokenness & Responsibility
The Big Picture: Humanity rebelled against God, choosing to disobey Him. This "Fall" introduced sin, death, and brokenness into the world. We are not who we were made to be.
Your Story: God's story shows us that our own sin is the primary thing - though not the only thing - that wreaks havoc on our lives. As you tell your gospel story, talk about specific ways that your sin brought about pain and destruction in your life. Also consider sharing significant ways you were sinned against. Include failed attempts at fixing the brokenness in your life.
Key Gospel Question:
- How was your relationship with God and others not the way God created it to be? Why?
Other questions to consider:
- What were some of your most painful experiences?
- How did you respond to the pain?
- What temptations did you fall into on a regular basis?
- What was broken in your life? Relationships? Behavior? Attitudes? Health?
- How did you try to fix the brokenness?
3. Redemption | Rescue & Deliverance
The Big Picture: We could not fix ourselves. God sent Jesus to live the life we couldn't live and die the death we deserved. He is the only One who can rescue us.
Your Story: This is the turning point. This is where you declare your faith in Jesus as the Hero who rescued you. It isn't about a philosophy or self-improvement plan; it is about a Person. Talk about how you placed your trust in Jesus to save and rescue you from your sin and from the brokenness in your life. Describe how Jesus' life, death, and resurrection have brought redemption to specific parts of your story.
Key Gospel Questions:
- How has Jesus redeemed and rescued you through his death on the cross?
- How did you come to put your faith and trust in Him to save you and restore your life to the way God intended it to be?
Other questions to consider:
- What people or things failed to rescue you?
- How did the Spirit lead you to put your faith in Jesus? Did he use people, the Bible, a supernatural experience, difficult circumstances, a powerful message?
- What were some of the effects of your belief in Jesus? How did you begin to experience God restoring you back to the way you were originally created to be?
4. Restoration | Hope & Transformation
The Big Picture: The story isn't over. Jesus will return to make all things new. Until then, He gives us His Spirit to transform us and empower us to live for Him.
Your Story: Following Jesus doesn't mean life is perfect instantly. It means we have a new hope and a new power at work within us. Talk about what the Spirit is doing in your life now. Share some evidences of his grace, indicators that you've been made new, that his restorative work has already begun in you.
Key Gospel Questions:
- What has changed and is changing in your life now?
- Who and what is the focus of your life today?
Other questions to consider:
- What are you hoping will change in the next week? Month? Year? 5 years? 10 years?
- Who is the focus of your preferred version of the future?
- What are some specific ways you've seen the Spirit make you more like Jesus (consider the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23)? Examine restoration in your attitude, your behavior, and your relationships, and be as specific as you can.
- What aspect of the new heavens and new earth are you most excited about?
Practical Tips for Sharing
Keep it Brief: Aim for 10–15 minutes. You don't need to share every detail; just the key themes that highlight God's grace.
Write It Down: While not essential, this will help you stay on track and will ensure you include the most important aspects.
Use Everyday Language: Avoid "Christianese" or insider church jargon. Tell your story in a way that anyone can understand.
Be Honest: You don't need to paint a picture of perfection. The Father knows your story and accepts you fully because of Jesus, so you have the freedom to be vulnerable.
Your story is part of the Greatest Story ever told. When we align our personal history with God's history, we find our true purpose. Who in your life needs to hear how the Hero has rescued you?