February 22, Tell Your Story
Today’s Journey Through Acts excerpt is:
Tell Your Story
At the height of tensions in Jerusalem, Paul was taken into custody by the Romans in an effort to control the riot that was breaking out over his presence at the Temple. We concluded chapter twenty-one with Paul asking for an opportunity to address the crowd. Certainly, after touring for the last several years around the region, Paul was about to pull out his most dynamic sermon. Without a doubt, he had built up quite a repertoire of messages that would move a crowd to surrender their hearts to the Lord. Proceeding with permission, Paul then addressed the crowd in their own Hebrew language.
The words that followed were not a masterfully crafted lesson in sermon preparation. Instead, he recounted his life leading up to and including his conversion story in Acts chapter nine. This passage is a perfect parallel to the original story found in that chapter. We will find that Paul used this same strategy later on in his testimony to King Agrippa.
One of the most powerful sermons that can be delivered is a life that has been changed. 2 Corinthians 3:3 tells us:
"And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
With one opportunity to deliver a message of Christ to the crowd, Paul chose to recount the story of his life that had been changed. Most believers don't realize that they have something in common with the greatest missionary the world has ever seen: we have a story. If your life has been changed by the power of the Gospel, you too have access to the greatest sermon that can be preached. The enemy of your soul would love nothing more than for you to live and die and never tell the story of Christ's power in your life. Next time you have an opportunity to share the goodness of Jesus, don't fret over needing fancy theological words or a deep dive in hermeneutics—just tell your story. Your story is packed with power. Revelation tells us that we are made overcomers by the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony. There is life-giving power in your story. Don't be afraid to tell it!
Reflect on the journey:
Take a moment and reflect on your story. Do you remember the moments that your life has been changed by Christ. Recall the story and take time to express your gratitude over the work of God in your own life.
Through your prayer time today:
Read Lamentations 3:21-24. As you recall God's faithfulness in times past, be reminded that your story isn't finished. Ask God for opportunities to share your story as He continually brings new mercies day by day.
Lamentations 3:21–24 (ESV)
21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
