Friday, July 28 – Acts 26:28-29

Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you are going to persuade me to make a Christian of myself.” And Paul said, “I would wish to God that even in a short or long time not only you, but also all who hear me this day would become such as I myself am, except for these chains.”

 

There is a difference between sharing our story and sharing our testimony. Our story is the description of the things that have happened in our lives. In our stories, we are the main character, but our testimony puts God at the center of the story. One gives insight about us and the other speaks to God’s transformational work in us.

 

Agrippa thought Paul was sharing a story with him; a story to prove what had happened to Paul and what could happen to Agrippa. Agrippa placed himself at the center of the story: “Do you think you can persuade me?” Yet Paul pointed out his faith wasn’t in a story about his experience but in a testimony of what God had done in his life.

 

Throughout Paul’s testimony, God’s grace and mercy were on full display. As he shared, Paul’s goal was not to get to know these men better or even get out of punishment but to share God’s redeeming work through Jesus so that others would be reconciled to God. Can we say the same When we share our testimony with others or even have a simple opportunity to share about ourselves with a stranger, what is most important to us? Is it our hope that they come to know Jesus through the work they see in our lives? What are the main themes in what we share? Is it about the work we have done and what we have accomplished, or do we share of everything God has done? Our hope and aim should be for all to come to know God deeply. When that is the case, we will spend our lives making much of Him and giving Him glory in all we do and say.

 

• Why do you think we like to make ourselves the main characters in our stories?
• What are some ways God is on display in your testimony?
• Pray and ask God to show you how you can make much of Him as you share your testimony with others.