During the many years I have been standing with The Way International and running classes and fellowships, I have often thought back on God’s perfect timing when, years ago, two friends stopped by and told me about the deliverance in their lives. That conversation absolutely changed my life for the better. These days, when I tell my own story of deliverance, people often tell me what an inspiration it is to them and how it helps them and benefits them to know our God does deliver us.
We all have a story to tell of what God has done for us—the great deliverance He has wrought for each of us individually—and how He did it. We can help people see what God can do for them by telling our story of deliverance.
Maybe you would like to tell your story and let people know what God has done for you. Here are some pointers:
THINK ABOUT THE IMPACT YOUR STORY CAN HAVE ON PEOPLE’S LIVES
When we share stories, they are personal and powerful witnesses of not only what God has done for us but what He can do for others. Sharing our stories is one way we can be God’s “hands and feet,” reaching out to others.
God has no hands but our hands
With which to give them bread.
He has no feet but our feet
With which to move among the almost dead.
We say that we are His and He is ours—
Deeds are the proof of that, not words,
And these are the proving hours.
Take some time to consider where you were spiritually before you received your deliverance, what happened, and how your life changed for the better. How has knowing God and His Word changed your life? In what ways has God’s Word opened your eyes and turned you from darkness to light? Your story may inspire a similar change in others. The Apostle Paul shared his story of deliverance and how God gave him a purpose for telling it, as related in Acts 26:18:
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
COME UP WITH VERSES THAT HAVE HELPED YOU OVERCOME CHALLENGES IN YOUR LIFE
One of mine is II Timothy 1:7:
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Then, use your go-to verses to tell your story of deliverance.
MAKE A LIST OF VICTORIES GOD HAS BROUGHT ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE
Reflecting on God’s love, grace, and mercy in your life will give you something powerful to share with others.
Psalm 71:17,18:
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
KEEP TRACK OF THE THINGS YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR
A journal could really help you remember the daily victories and blessings.
I Thessalonians 5:18:
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
THINK ABOUT DISPLAYING, FOR OTHERS TO SEE, A FAVORITE VERSE THAT HAS IMPACTED YOUR LIFE
Somebody might see it and ask you about it, which would open a door for you to share your story of deliverance. The verse could be displayed on your desk at work, in your work vehicle, on a T-shirt, etc.
Telling our story can make a huge difference in people’s lives. We cannot underestimate our story because our story can, and probably will, bring deliverance to one person or to many people.
As you tell your story, you will be proclaiming God’s goodness—what He has done and what He will do.
Psalm 107:8,9:
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.