Telling Your Story Matters

What do you feel when you read this statement? “Narrative transportation theory shows that being mentally transported into a story increases persuasion, recall, and emotional response.” To be honest, I feel nothing. I hardly understand it. This sentence may be true, but it’s boring.

Now, try this one: “After the textile factory shut down, Marta used her last money to buy its dusty piano. She taught herself to repair it. She now travels village to village fixing instruments. With each repair, she rekindles songs people hadn’t dared sing in years.” This glimpse into her journey stirs something deep. I don’t even know Marta—but I’m cheering for her!

The first statement explains a fact. The second makes me feel it. That’s the power of a story. Stories are the language of memory, meaning, and the heart’s quiet truths. The language of dreams. People resonate with stories.

It’s no accident that Jesus told stories often. The whole Bible is a collection of stories that tell one great story. Have you ever wondered why God didn’t just give us a dry theology textbook? He knows us. He gave us stories instead.

And here’s the good news: God gave you stories, too!

Your victories and failures. Your joy and heartbreak. They’re all part of the story God is writing. And they matter.

The uncertainty you felt when walking into school or a job—and sensing God was with you? That matters. The despair of failing a test—and feeling God’s comfort? It matters. Looking up at the stars and sensing that God was blinking back at you? The moment you heard the gospel, understood its power, and claimed it as your own.

It all matters. And people need to hear it.

“Let me tell you what he has done for me.” (Psalm 66:16b, NIV)

The psalmist opened his heart. You’re invited to do the same.

No, your story is not boring. It is powerful. Someone needs it. No one can argue with it—you were there, and they weren’t!

At a time when people crave authenticity, you hold a powerful gift: the stories God is writing in your life. Share them with joy—they’re more needed than ever.

Application Questions:

• Think of a time when knowing God made (even a small) difference in your life. Do you remember where you were, what happened, and how knowing God made it different? That’s it–you now have a story!
• Look for opportunities to ask people about their stories.

Prayer:

"Lord, I believe that the things in my life are not happening as accidents. I believe that they are part of your intentional and unique story that you write in me. Please give me the wisdom, the courage, and the opportunity to bless others as my stories reflect you. Amen."

Roland Osvath
Budapest, Hungary
Global Digital Strategies