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One way to grow as a witness is being prepared to share your story of how God has worked in your life. We see this modeled in Scripture. The book of Acts is the account of the missionary adventures of the apostles, and one of the most repeated events in the the book (other than the death and resurrection of Jesus) is the conversion of Saul. It is shared three times in the book (Acts 9:3-8, 22:6-11, 26:13-19). Paul used it as a launching pad to strategically share the good news of Jesus with people, even people fiercely opposed to Jesus. He also used it in other books to remind people of God’s work in him, the chief of sinners (1 Tim 1:12-15, Phil 3). He was a persecutor of the church but became an advocate of the church. God’s grace changed him. He was dead but Jesus brought him life. 

Another compelling account is John 9 when Jesus heals a man born blind. The blind man has his life changed by Jesus, and all he knows of Jesus, is that Jesus changed him. After the healing, he is brought to trial by the Pharisees and asked to give glory to God and tell them who the man is that healed him. In a powerful testimony he says simply, “I don’t know who he is, but one thing I know. I was blind, and now I see” (John 9:25). This is a powerful account and a powerful testimony. He was not a trained theologian, but he gave a powerful witness! God’s work changed him and defined him, and I am convinced that man continued to share the same testimony the rest of his life. He never forgot who he was and what Jesus did for him. Fifty years later he could still share that concise and powerful testimony, “I was blind but now I see.” The simplicity was theologically profound and practically compelling. 

You have a story as well, and you need to share that story with others. Doing so will remind you of how God has worked in your life. It will give you hope and remind you of what is important, and it will allow you to share the life changing good news of Jesus Christ with others. So how do you get started with this?

The first place to start is by answer some simple questions: 1) What was your life like before Christ 2) How did God change you and bring you to a point of trusting in Christ 3) What is your life like now? These are three important questions that you should be able to answer and they will allow you to present the gospel to others. 

I find these questions very helpful but they often lack focus and power. People may ramble through this a bit or you may present it in a way that doesn't quite connect. You have a short time to gain peoples attention and you need to speak concisely and power. You can gain this clarity and power by doing what I call a Fifteen Second Testimony. This can function like a these for your story and it may present more opportunities to share seeds of God's work in your life.

To come up with a fifteen second testimony,  complete the  belowsentence (And feel free to modify the sentence as fits you. Its a guide and not a commandment):

There was a time in my life when I was 

______ and _____

But then I made Jesus #1 

and now my life is

______ and _____

I like the phrase “there was a time in my life” to mark out what life was like before Christ or when you were not looking to him. It can refer to when you knew nothing of Christ, but it can also refer to a pivotal time in your life as a believer. Even believers go through ups and downs so if a big changed happened after trusting in Christ you can use this to share it. Sometimes people think of sharing testimonies only in regards to their conversion. That is very important, but there are also other things God has done in your life that might be a key part of your story.  

The main thing is that the description you share in your testimony should reveal what life was like without Christ or what you were missing when you were not walking in the fullness of what he has for you. For me to share my story I say “There was a time when I was angry and confused.” The blind man might say “There was a time I was blind and alone.” Paul might say “self-righteous and merciless.” 

The next part is the key change that came about. Some say I trusted in Jesus or made him my Lord and Savior. I say “made him #1” because it cuts through religious jargon that many people seem immune to. Make this your own, but also make sure it gets at the core change you experienced.

And finally is the resolution of the tension in your life. This is where Jesus brought you. It’s what people are looking for. I found “peace and joy.” My confusion and anger were healed. I could rest in him and who he made me to be. He changed my life, and I want people to hear that if he could do that to me then he can certainly do it to you. 

Now take some time to write out your fifteen second testimony, and then after doing that go share it with someone. Start with trusted friends and branch out. Don’t feel like it has to be perfect to share. You will refine it each time you share it. You can also ask your friends for help and input (and bring them into the process and your life!). And then look for ways to share it with others. 

A few key ways to share it with others is simply to work it in wherever you can. When someone says “Hello, how are you?” bring it up. Share it with neighbors or people you meet at church. Be on the lookout for people who are going through struggles similar to what you did. When I hear of people sharing about drinking too much or struggling with anger and depression and addiction I will share it. I have also learned that when people are having a hard time they are often looking for help and hope, so when people talk about the disappointments and hurts of life I will try to share my story with them.