In recent years our culture has really tapped into the power of testimony. Groups and assemblies of storytellers sharing wisdom gleaned from personal experiences have been cropping up in the US and Canada. Listeners are motivated, inspired, and guided. ‌ Confessional style storytelling of average people has been popularized by a non-profit called The Moth. They stage over 500 shows per year across the US. The Moth Radio Hour was launched in 2009 and is now on 500 public radio stations and has one million weekly listeners. The Moth's weekly podcast is downloaded over 73 million times annually. Executive Director Sarah Haberman told Forbes that "no matter where you're from and whatever your background, your story has the power to unite people, to break down walls—even when you can't be in the same room. That pursuit feels urgent right now." ‌ Author Richard Wagamese wrote: "All that we are is story. ... It is what we arrive with. It is all we leave behind. We are not the things we accumulate. We are not the things we deem important. We are story."

The apostle Paul in Acts chapter 26 has this monumental task of sharing the the good news of Jesus with a very influential audience: Governor Festus and King Agrippa II. There were probably a number of different strategies Paul considered while waiting to address these dignitaries. However, despite impressive education and vast knowledge of Scripture, Paul chose to simply tell his story. Is this a lesson we should consider when it comes to sharing the gospel? Your story, whether you realize it or not, is compelling. Think of how many times you have been convinced to do something simply based off of someone's personal experience. This is why one of the most powerful resources you have in sharing the good news about Jesus is your story of faith. Here's why: Your story opens hearts so God's story can change hearts. To learn more give a listen to part 15 of our series, To The Ends of the Earth.