By Andrew Williams
The Living Gospel (Week 3: Crafting Your Testimony)
Opening Prayer
Lord, help us to be good stewards of the opportunities we get to share our story, speaking with clarity and brevity so Your truth can shine.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
Ephesians 5:15-16
“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”
Our lives are a long and complex story, but we won’t always have an hour to share it. Often, the opportunity to share our faith comes in a brief conversation, a short elevator ride, or a quick chat over coffee. This is why learning to condense your story into a clear and concise version is a crucial skill. It’s about “making the most of every opportunity.”
Crafting a 3-minute testimony forces you to focus on the most essential elements. It’s not about telling every detail; it’s about telling the most important details. A good short testimony generally has three simple parts:
- Before: A brief picture of your life before Christ (the problem).
- How: The simple story of your turning point (the solution).
- After: A specific example of the difference Jesus has made (the result).
Having this concise version prepared in your heart and mind allows you to be ready anytime, anywhere. It’s not about giving a canned speech, but having a clear framework so you can share the powerful story of God’s work in your life with anyone, at any time.
Disciples’ Life Tip: Try it today! Set a timer for three minutes and try to tell your story out loud, covering the “before,” “how,” and “after.” This exercise will immediately show you what is most essential and help you gain clarity.
Closing Prayer: Father God, make me wise and ready. Help me to prepare my story so that I can make the most of every opportunity You give me to share the good news of Jesus. Amen.
