Storytelling is an art. Every great story has characters, a plot, some conflict and a resolution. Without these elements our stories can easily become rambling, disconnected and uninteresting. We often think, and feel, that in order to answer the questions of those around us about life, science, faith and God we need to be expert in lots of different things. We don’t, we need to engaging in the way we tell our own story. Whether you have a dramatic story to tell, or one that feels more mundane – can we communicate just what Jesus has done to transform our lives. Have we ever tried. Can we simply articulate what my life was like before I met Jesus, how I met Him and the difference He has made since then? That the story that those around us want us to be an expert in.

Jesus shares His story

The pharisees were are group of religious leaders who upheld the law, at all costs and above everthing else. We meet them all through the Gospels, usually complaining at Jesus or accusing Him of being a drunkard because He spent so much time with sinners. One of this group, Nicodemus, has heard enough of what Jesus has been saying to be more than interesting. He wants to know more and so comes to see Jesus – in the dead of night (presumably so no-one will see him!).

Why are we so reluctant to share our story?

There is that famous saying attributed to Francis of Assisi (although he almost certainly never actually said it), “preach the Gospel, using words were necessary.” If we are going to bless our neighbours and change the world, words will be necessary. So, why are we so reluctant to use them? Here are some of the common reasons we give:

1. I just don’t have what it takes.

2. I don’t want to impose my beliefs on my friends and family.

3. Sharing my stories makes me feel uncomfortable.

I was blind but now I see

In John 9 we read of the account of Jesus encountering (and healing) a blind man. He couldn’t contain his excitement (or his story) at what Jesus had done for him. When we hear the story of what happens, we see that the blind man (who can now see) hasn’t even tried to fully explain what has happened to him. I’m sure he was probably a bit wary about sharing the spitting part, but he couldn’t contain the story of how his life had been completely transformed.

There are things we can’t explain, things we struggle work out – but our story is that we’ve chosen to stake our life on Jesus anyway. That’s our story, and it’s always compelling.

Telling my story

One of the best ways to overcome most of discomfort, and our questions is to be ready for how we will tell our story – when we’re asked. Here’s a really simply way:

1. My life before Jesus.

“I was blind” the man said. This is who He was before he met Jesus.

2. How I met Jesus.

“He put mud on my eyes” the man went on to say. This is how he met Jesus.

3. My life since I met Jesus.

“I was blind…but now I see” is how he describes his life because of Jesus.

Am I really ready to B.L.E.S.S. my neighbours and change the world? I have a story to tell, am I prepared, or am I scared to tell it?