The Only Way Forward Is Back by Jackson TerKeurstਨਮੂਨਾ

TELL YOUR STORY

Over the years, I’ve had many opportunities to tell my story. I’ve been able to be a voice for all Liberian children who survived the war and didn’t know how to speak about what we’d been through. I’ve been able to share what it’s like to be an orphan who found a family.

God gives stories to each of us. Stories only we can tell. But, like Moses when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, we think our weaknesses disqualify us. We look at our struggles and say what Moses said to the Lord: “I am telling you, I am not a good speaker. I have never been able to speak well. And that hasn’t changed since you started talking to me. I am still not a good speaker. You know that I speak slowly and don’t use the best words” (Exodus 4:10).

To our excuses, the Lord replies, “I will be with you when you speak. I will give you the words to say” (Exodus 4:12).

We can keep making excuse after excuse about why we can’t share our story or tell others about what Jesus has done in our lives. In response, God says, “So go.”

Nervous about telling your testimony? So go.

Worried about everything not coming out perfect? So go.

Scared of your own pride or guilt? So go.

Debating all the complexities around how it will be received? So go.

Have a stutter, accent, or foreign dialect? So go.

Intimidated to talk to people of a different race, culture, or socioeconomic level? So go.

When we feel as if our own words may fall short, God’s Word will always go the distance. We must be bold enough to ask Him to fill our mouths with His voice to speak.

So look back at your life and then move forward by courageously sharing your own God-given story. Because when we tell of what God has done, we give hope and proof that He can do it again. That’s why it’s called a testimony.

Out of excuses yet? Great. So. Go.

Lord, thank You for the story You are writing in my life. Even when I feel unqualitifed, uncertain, or afraid, remind me that You are the One who speaks through me. Where are You asking me to tell my story? Where are You calling me to speak hope today? Amen.