Matthew West is one of my favorite Christian artists. His song, “The Story of Your Life” is the best one to hear when I wonder: “Is what I’m doing worth it? Why am I going through this struggle again? When will I see victory? Will anyone notice my contribution to this world?”
It is said that God will not give us more than we can handle. While that could be true, did you know that your struggles and victories aren’t necessarily only about you? Every crisis, every trouble, every win, and every success is not only for us to learn, but also to help or teach someone else through it! By sharing your story, you can help guide someone else through the same struggle, and you can rejoice with others who have had the same victories!
In Matthew West’s song, he writes this:
This is the joy
and it’s the pain
and all the pages in between
your finest hour
your weakest moment
it’s where you’ve been
it’s where you are
it’s where you’re going.*
Everyone’s story will have joy, pain and everything in between. Unless we are willing to share what work God has done through us to get where we are, we are losing a God-given, wonderful opportunity to help others along the way.
When I was leading the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group at my church, I never told my own story of how I began motherhood until the very last meeting of my third year of leadership, when I was “retiring.” No one had asked about my story, and I didn’t share anything regarding my past, only my present. In my heart, I knew that it would not be right to leave this wonderful group of ladies without sharing an important part of my story. It was necessary for me to type the story I wanted to recount so that I had a reference in case I would begin to cry.
Afterward, I received many thanks for sharing my story, but there is one comment that I will not forget. One young mom pulled me aside immediately and told me that her story was nearly the same as mine. She shared with me what a struggle and heartbreak it had been for her too, and because I offered to share what happened to me, she had the peace knowing that she herself had made the right decisions.
Was it a little painful for me to share my story? You bet. Was it worth it? Immensely. My story is still continuing, but I plan to use the “God-given” opportunities to share with others who may need encouragement.
Remember — you are the writer, director, and producer of the Story of Your Life. Where do you want to be? What do you want to do for others?
This is the story of your life
You decide
How the rest is gonna read
This is your chance between the lines
To define the legacy you leave
This is the story of your life
Go tell the story of your life
‘Cause it’s a story worth telling
It’s worth telling
*”The Story of Your Life” – lyrics by Matthew West
Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.