We all love to hear a good story. Consider the elements of a good story. There is 1) the main character to whom we connect 2) the difficult situation or challenge the character faces, which typically includes other ‘bad’ characters, and 3) there is the unfolding of events where our main character ultimately overcomes the challenge. We love happy endings because they inspire us to overcome our challenges.

The same three elements make up the stories of real life. We love to hear the story of our friends. These are the people to whom we have come to love and care about (our main characters). Every time we meet with a friend, we tell them our latest story and hear their story. “This morning my garage door did not open, (the challenge I faced) and so I had to disconnect the door and open it myself, (how I overcame the challenge).” Pretty much every conversation we have about our lives includes the two elements of the current challenge and our overcoming of the challenge, (or the current status of our efforts).

For years, as I attended various classes on evangelism, I was taught how to present the Gospel. But in real life, I had few opportunities to present the Gospel. Consider the dynamic that is typical when we try to present the Gospel. We enter into ‘preach’ mode and dictate to our friends what they need to do to get right with God. This only works if they are genuinely interested.

But people love a good story. Our friends care about us and they are interested in our stories. As followers of Jesus we have compelling stories of the challenges we face, and how God has helped us overcome the challenges, (or is guiding us through). What are the stories you can tell?

Story telling is a skill. As believers we need to develop our skills in telling our stories, beginning with our salvation story. (My life before Christ, How I came to know Christ, and My life Following Christ). Then comes the art of telling our Everyday Life Stories where God worked in our lives. A well crafted story is compelling and thought provoking. The Holy Spirit can use our story to soften the hard soil of our friend’s heart.

Consider the Biblical examples of people telling their story:
The woman at the well, John 4:7-30
The demon possessed man, Mark 5:1-20,
and the shortest story of all, “I was blind, now I see.” John 9:13-38
Can you find 2 examples of Paul telling his story?
Who do you know that needs to hear your story?

May the Lord use each of us to be part of a Disciple Making Movement within our sphere of influence.