5 Steps to Writing Your Story

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5 Steps to Writing Your Story

Each and every one of us has a story. We were born into certain circumstances. We grew up in a certain family. We attended a particular school and formed friendships that had a lasting influence on us. Most importantly, we came to know Christ through a certain experience.

You may find some stories are more exciting or harrowing than others. Perhaps you’ve never experienced pain or a rebellious phase; maybe your life experiences have been pretty even-keel. Regardless of your journey, you have a story to tell, and there is someone who needs to hear that story. But to share your story, you first need to write it out in preparation for telling your story.

When we prepare, we overcome any trepidation we may have about sharing our struggles and our challenging seasons with others.

Sometimes our fear of sharing our story with others stops us from sharing. It’s not easy putting our truth out there for all to hear. Unpacking our journey exposes us, and many of us are not comfortable when we feel vulnerable. We wonder just how much of our past we should share with others, and how we tell our story without hurting those close to us — those who are a part of our story.

We may ask, where do we even begin? Just the thought of sharing our story can be overwhelming, let alone putting it into words. That’s why this week, we’re taking a look at 5 steps on how we can write our story in preparation for sharing our story with others.

Story vs. Testimony

A question often asked is, What’s the difference between a testimony and a story?

Nothing—and everything.

A story can be anything. An unbeliever can tell a story. A story can be fictional or non-fictional. Every person has experiences, both good and bad, and these experiences become the stories we share with others. I have a few friends who are amazing storytellers. They have a gift for sharing their life experiences with others in a creative and colorful fashion. I can listen to them share their stories for hours. These same friends also possess the remarkable ability to craft fictional stories that are both entertaining and enlightening to many.

However, a testimony is a powerful story that believers use to share their personal experiences of salvation. I like to say it’s when God showed up. Your testimony is your account of what God has done in your life. It is a testament to God’s goodness. We, as believers, are called to witness to who He is and what He has done – and this is done through sharing our testimony.

In my mentor sessions, I simplify this with the following questions: this is who I was before Christ, this is who I am with Christ, and this is how I got here – how I came to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior.

God doesn’t need you to share. He is all-powerful and can do anything, regardless of what choices we make. But He invites us into His Kingdom, into partnering with Him to bring the lost world back to Him. Sharing our stories is Kingdom-building at its best, so let’s get going and write those stories!

5 Steps to Writing Your Story

1. Spend time in prayer seeking God’s will for your testimony. Remember, your story is God’s story.

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

2. Highlight significant life moments.

The first step in writing your story is to recall significant times in your journey. There are several options for completing this initial step. I encourage the use of a timeline to help you document your life stages by decade or by age.

The years can be divided into 5- or 10-year increments based on your age and preference. You can create a visual aid to assist you by outlining your early years, formative years, high school years, college years, young adult years, marriage years, and so on.

Complete the timeline by documenting or highlighting significant moments in your life. The top half of the timeline will include your positive life experiences, achievements, and celebratory events. The bottom half of the timeline will consist of negative life experiences, hurts, and losses. Take time to reflect on people who influenced you and made a positive impact on your life, as well as family memories that shaped your journey.

A few tips:

Life Division by Years: create a timeline using years, beginning with the year you were born

Life Division by Age: Create a timeline using age in 5- or 10-year increments based on your age.

“God has helped me right up to this very moment, so I can stand here telling my story to both the humble and the powerful alike.” Acts 26:22 The Voice

3. Recall the place in your life when you came to Christ.

Once you’ve completed your timeline, reflect on your life before Christ and the moment you accepted Jesus and became a believer. Identify where you were, what was happening, and how you felt before and after coming to Christ. As you spend time recalling the moment you came to Christ, write your thoughts down as if you were telling your story to a close friend. Write as you speak, so when you practice your story, you are speaking authentically to your audience or group.

“Again I say, we are telling you about what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you may share the fellowship and the joys we have with the Father and with Jesus Christ his son.” 1 John 1:3 TLB

4. Reflect on who you were before Christ.

This step can be both enlightening and challenging, and it will require thought and courage. Take time to reflect on your life before you came to know Christ. What choices were you making? Who were you allowing to influence you? How did your choices impact your life? Were you finding your identity and worth in people or things? Who and what were you spending your time and money on? What did this time in your life look like, and how can you use these experiences to share with others who might be making the same life choices?

Can you recall the moment when you realized the life you were living was not the life you were meant to live, and that you wanted to live for Christ? When did God show up?

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 CEV

5. Complete your testimony.

Now it’s time to take your notes, reflections, and outlines and write your story. Remember to use your voice, writing out your story as if you were telling it to someone. No need for fancy jargon or big words, just write out your story. As you write, prayerfully ask God to allow His purpose to shine through. We are sharing our story for His glory, so it’s essential to let His Word guide us.

“Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.” 1 Peter 3:15 CEV

Congratulations on completing your story! Now, the only thing left to do is to share your testimony with others. I guess this could be a bonus step!

Sweet friend, you are so courageous! I so wish I could be there with you to encourage you to share your story with your friends or anyone God is calling you to witness to. It’s so amazing when we share our journey with others. Our journeys are unique to each of us. And, trust me, there is someone who needs to hear your story of redemption. Your story will inspire and equip them on their journey, so don’t hold back. Step out in bold faith and allow God to use you for His glory.

If you need a guide or mentor, please reach out! I would love the opportunity to hear your story. The most significant moments in mentoring are when someone shares their story with me. It is such an honor for a woman to share her journey – the good, the bad, and the ugly. And, if you’d like me to share my story, I’m happy to share my journey with you, but I’ll warn you to buckle up before we take off!

Most importantly, whenever you need a reminder of God’s faithfulness, reflect on your journey and remember how gracious and kind our God is!

“But I promise you this – the Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will be filled with power. And you will be my messengers to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces – even to the remotest places on earth!” Acts 1:8 TPT

Keep on shining!