Sharing How God is Working

In the last few months we have intentionally taken time in some of our Sunday morning services for people to share what God is doing in their lives. We have done this in hopes of creating a culture where we as a church are regularly sharing how God is working. As we have done this, we have heard from many about how encouraging it was for them to hear stories of God’s work in the lives of others. We want to continue providing opportunities to share, and I wanted to provide some explanation and direction on where this concept comes from and what it looks like.

First, what we are doing is nothing new.

In the Corinthian Church, Paul exhorted the people that when they come together everyone should have “a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation” and that these things were to be done for “building up others” (1 Cor 14:26). The psalmist also said, “I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation” (Psalm 40:10). 

The goal of church is to strengthen people in their faith.

Reading and hearing God’s word taught is an important part of the service, but there is a congregational element that should be visible as well. There is a priesthood of all believers, and people need to be stirred up on how God can and is using others. Here are some verses that point to the place of the congregation sharing with others:

• And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24-25).

• But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).

• Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16).

What to Share

Let me give some guidance on what this sharing time looks like:

1. Share what God has done in your life. God may have worked miraculously in your life to provide, heal, guide, direct, encourage. He may have worked in ordinary ways too. When we see him at work then let’s give him praise. 
2. Share how God has shaped you through his word. God gave us his word to shape and equip us for every good work (2 Tim 3:16-17). His Spirit illuminates his word and convicts us. When we experience that it is deeply encouraging to us, and it can be encouraging for others to hear that as well. It may be something that strengthened you, provided new insight, or convicted you of a particular sin or pattern. All of these are examples of God working in your life through his word. 
3. Share about Christ’s work. As Christians we believe Jesus is the Savior of all and his work is our greatest need. We will never move past his work, but only into a deeper and more profound understanding of what he has done. As God grants greater illumination, let’s share that with others. 

Tips for Sharing

Here are some tips in case you feel led to share something but are unsure how to do it. 

• Don’t feel like you have to share everything. Certain stories need a little elaborating, but sometimes the too many details can distract from the main point. Being succinct and clear is very powerful.
• Don’t feel like you have to be perfect. No one is perfect. We want to do things well, but if we wait for the perfect words and timing, we will never share anything. 
• Do get advice. If you are unsure about something ask a friend or a pastor for advice or direction on if or how you should share it. They can help guide you in it. 
• Do point people to God. Remember we want God to get the glory, not us, nor our sin and shortcomings, nor other people. Does your story make Jesus, his character, and work greater? If so then share it.  
• Do point people to God’s word. We want our lives to conform to his word and we want to make sure we are understanding life in light of his word. Let’s use his word to interpret our lives, and let’s use our lives to point back to his word.

Let’s be quick to declare the praises of God, and let’s pray that God would use each of us to stir up his church to greater faithfulness.

Check out our most recent Pastoral Encouragement post entitled, “How I am Praying for the Election.”