Don't Write Off Your Own Story!
4/10/2024
Written By: Jenni Purtlebaugh
It is really easy to write off your own story with thoughts like “who would even care to listen?” Or “I’m not qualified to share my story and how God impacted me”. I have had struggles with these exact thoughts about my story, so much so that I feel I have almost given up on sharing my story.
I often have found myself struggling with the same thoughts of doubt as Jeremiah. Jeremiah was not convinced at first that he could share the word of Jesus because he felt that he was too young. The Lord's response to that was, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.” Jeremiah 1:7. This is something I am still working through because sometimes I just don’t feel qualified to speak about Jesus to other people, I feel like I don’t know enough.
However, Jesus clearly states here in the book of Jeremiah that the Lord will create the word for us that other people specifically need to hear. We just have to rely on him and trust him when we are in uncomfortable conversations, that Jesus will show up and say what he needs to say THROUGH us. That is easier said than done, and I know that I have failed in this many times before but I pray through each failure that I can grow a little closer to God and learn from it.
Another person I have found myself relating to is Moses. He did not have the confidence or communication skills to speak to others about God. The Lords response to Moses’ fears was, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:11. Aaron ends up helping Moses speak, I I think it’s important to know that although it angered God that Moses wouldn’t speak for himself, he understood enough to provide him a helping hand through that personal challenge. God is understanding and wants to help us so that we can best serve him.
With all that to say, I wanted to share my story, even if I don’t feel qualified and even if I don’t always feel confident speaking to others, I know that God still wants to use me and my story for his glory.
I didn't start going to church consistently until my freshman year of high school. The reason I started attending church was because my dad had passed away. In December 2015 we took my dad to the hospital because he was having trouble with muscle fatigue and his vision had blurred. By the beginning of February 2016 we found out he would not be returning home and had terminal cancer. As a 14 year old I didn’t really know how to cope with this. My dad was my best friend and I kept praying that Jesus would heal him and everything would be okay. I remember sitting with him in his final moments and crying because deep down I knew this was it. When it was my turn to have my last alone time with him, I had no words, only tears. He just smiled back at me and said “I know.” When he passed away I lost myself for a while. I felt isolated and alone, I focused on schoolwork and sports to avoid dealing with what I was feeling.
Eventually, the wall I had started building began to crumble down a few months later. I could no longer hold the burdens by myself, and that’s when Jesus showed up for me, very late one night that summer. I was at my wits end with crying and anger. When I finally decided to look to Jesus, he was there. I prayed and prayed about everything I had been feeling; and I just felt a rush of hope that everything would still be okay because I had Jesus. That’s when things started to turn around for the better. I started going to church, I went on a couple missions trips throughout high school, went to college, and met my now husband who inspires me everyday to keep looking to Jesus. I thought there was no hope for me at one point in my life. I am so thankful that now I can share how Jesus literally saved my life.
No matter what you think about your story, Jesus always has a plan to use it for his glory and to help you get to the point where you can share it to others. People want to listen to your story. Jesus will give you the strength and words to do so, just focus on him through the scary parts. I challenge you this week to write down your story and work towards telling someone it.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9