Satan, our enemy, is defeated by two powerful weapons. Believe it or not those weapons are stories: the salvation story of our Savior, the Lamb of God, and our own story. Stories are extremely powerful and influential. No one argues with a story. Usually people do not forget stories either. Many Christians actually never share their stories except at the time of baptism. That is most unfortunate. If we keep silent and not share those two stories we will be the ones defeated and Satan will win the victory. Let’s look first at sharing our own story.
Susan came up to me after a meeting and told me she could not share a story because she had not been rebellious like me – she had just been raised in a religious environment. I was amazed that she thought she did not have a story to share with Muslims. Since she had been raised in religious traditions she would be able to identify with devout Muslims easily. And she could tell them that religion is not able to make one right with God. Everyone who has been born again by the Spirit of God has a life-giving story. You do, too. We just need to understand how to tell our stories to our Muslim friend. Here are some tips:
1. Know what the contents of your salvation story are. There is a beginning to it and it progresses. What were you saved from? Who saved you from that? How did that happen? What changes followed? What is God doing in your life right now?
2. We can share our story in segments. We are not sharing an obituary that gives an overview of an entire lifetime only selecting the impressive or good things and is heard in one sitting. We can share a little bit of our story now and a little bit later.
3. Be transparent and vulnerable. Illustrate personally what sin is all about, not just give theological doctrinal truths. I intentionally share my sin about lying, cheating, times of jealousy, and rebelliousness and the need for a Savior.
4. Stay focused when you share your story. There will be distractions when the listener can lead you off on useless rabbit trails or the baby starts crying and your story gets shut down. You will know by the listener’s body language when you have said enough or she shows discomfort. Do not worry. You can pick it up next time where you left off. I repeat my story many times with one person.
I have found it useful to ask my Muslim friend when she became a Muslim and how that happened. Her answer will lead into an opportunity to share your story, no matter how insignificant you think it may be. She will listen eagerly because she loves hearing stories. Enjoy telling your story. It will be new information to her that one is not born a Christian but chooses to follow Jesus. Satan is defeated by our story telling, no matter how imperfect that may be, and we will gain the victory in the battle over truth.
Dear heavenly Father, please help me to know how to put my story together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
