The Power of a Story

If I had to guess, I believe that everyone of us loves a good story. Since the invention of the Motion Movie picture, people have been going to the movies for decades. Just this past Wednesday, Brenley and I went and saw the new Jurassic World film. We all love a good story.

Now, Imagine standing at the edge of a battlefield where every personal struggle, every hard-fought victory, and every tear shed in silence becomes your most potent weapon against the enemy. Today, we’re exploring “The Power of a Story,” drawing from Revelation 12:11 which reminds us, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” This isn’t just history or doctrine—it’s a call to arms for every believer.

Consider your life as a book. Each chapter, whether filled with beauty or blemish, composes a narrative uniquely yours and incredibly powerful. There are no dull testimonies; every experience is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus. Just as the woman at the well, with her messy past, ignited revival in her community by sharing her encounter with Christ, your story too has the power to break chains and bring hope where darkness abounds.

Today, we delve into how God uses ordinary lives for extraordinary impact. As you listen, realize that the words you share about Jesus’ work in your life don’t just illuminate your journey—they challenge and overcome the very forces of fear, shame, and deceit that the enemy uses to keep you in bondage. Your testimony is a beacon, a flashlight in the darkness, simply shining forth to push back the shadows.

So, as we begin, I ask you: Who is waiting on the other side of your story? Let us prepare to write, to share, and to wield our personal narratives as the powerful weapons they are—bringing glory to our Savior and transformation to the world around us.

Everyone has a Story - Your Journey Matters

Have you read any good books lately. Many good books will keep you on the edge of your seat. I have read some books that make it hard to put down. I couldn’t wait to read the next page to find out what happens. I would say to myself, “just one more chapter.”

Take a moment and think about your life. Think of your life like a book, some of the chapters are hard, some are beautiful, but every page has value.

There is no such thing as a boring testimony. If Jesus changed your life, it matters. Your story matters, no matter what you think. Jesus saved you and changed you and because of that you need to tell your story to everyone. Because it is your story.

Psalm 107:2 NIV

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,

Your story may not sound dramatic enough. There may not be enough action in your story. There may not be enough suspense. But it is your story. Do not disqualify your story just because it doesn’t sound dramatic.

You must tell your story so that others will hear it.

God Uses Ordinary Stories for Extraordinary Impact

A perfect example of someone’s story that made an impact on her entire village is the story of the woman at the well. The story is found in John chapter 4. If you have your Bibles with you go to John 4.

We can break this story down into three sections. Take a look at the text.

She had a Past

John 4:7–18 NIV

7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

The woman at the well had been married several times and the man she was currently living with was not her husband. Jesus knew her history, she knew her history. It was messy.

It didn’t matter because this is her story. For whatever reason that she go to this point, everything in her life was about to change. Why?

She Met Jesus.

Go to verse 19.

John 4:19–26 NIV

19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

That one conversation with Jesus would change this women’s life forever. What is the next thing she did?

She Went Back to Town and Told Her Story.

John 4:28–30 NIV

28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

It was a messy story, but she told her story. Many people there probably already knew her story. She made it known to them that Jesus knew everything about her.

And what happened?

Revival Came to Her Community.

John 4:39–42 NIV

39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

God doesn’t need perfect people—He uses real people. You are real and your story is real. You need to tell someone your story. It is your story that can change a life.

Your story might be the bridge someone else needs to meet Jesus. You must tell your story. You cannot keep your story to yourself.

Testimony Brings Triumph

Our scripture verse today, Revelation 12:11, reminds us that spiritual victory comes not only through Jesus’ blood, but also through our testimony.

When you speak what Jesus has done, you literally push back darkness.

Revelation 12:11 NIV

11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Imagine you walk into a pitch-black room. You can’t see a thing. The darkness feels heavy, disorienting—even a little scary. You fumble around, unsure of where to step. But then, you pull out a flashlight. You don’t have to yell at the darkness. You don’t have to push it back with your hands. You don’t have to fight it or figure out where it came from. You just turn on the light—and the darkness goes.

That’s what your testimony does.

You don’t have to have all the answers.

You don’t need a theological degree.

You don’t need to debate or defend.

You just need to shine—to tell the truth of what Jesus has done in your life.

Because light doesn’t argue with darkness—it simply shows up.

And when it does, darkness can’t stay.

Your story might feel small or insignificant, like a tiny flashlight in a vast night. But even the smallest light breaks through the blackest dark. When you share how Jesus changed you—how He healed you, rescued you, forgave you—His light shines through you. And that light reaches someone else who’s still stuck in the dark.

So don’t underestimate the power of your story.

You don’t need to be loud. You just need to be lit.

Let your life speak. Let your light shine. And let God use your testimony to drive back the night.

Your testimony is what silences shame. If there is someone that is fearful, it is your testimony that silences fear. If people are struggling with the lies that the enemy is telling them, it is your testimony that can silence the lies of the enemy. You have to tell your testimony.

It is time to Write Your Testimony.

This week, I want each of you to write your testimony down on a piece of paper or you can text it to me or email it to me. If you can do it, make a video of your testimony. I want it to be 100 words or less. I am giving each of you a guide to help you write down your testimony. Then we want to use your testimonies on our social media pages. We want to get each of your stories out. If you make a video, make sure that people can hear your words clearly. Make the video 60 seconds or less.

Here are the three things we want you to use to make up your 100 word testimony.

1. Before Jesus

What was life like before you cam to Christ? Keep it simple. We don’t need all the detail. Just use a few key words. What were you searching for?

2. Meeting Jesus

What was it like when you met Jesus? How did you come to know Him? What it through a friend or something at church? Who helped you?

3. Life Now

Now that you have decided to follow Jesus what has changed about your life? How is your life different today?

If you can say it in 100 words, you can say it anywhere.

Then, after you write it down, I want you to practice it out loud. Then post it to your social media page. Text it to a friend or relative. And tell it to someone you meet.

The time is now for us to tell our story. People can argue theology, because they do it all the time. We have different beliefs and we interpret scripture differently, but your story is your story. No one can dispute how Jesus changed your life.

As we come to a close today, I want to ask you a simple but life-shaping question:

Who is waiting on the other side of your story?

There’s someone out there right now—hurting, broken, confused, ashamed—waiting to hear your story. Not a sermon. Not a theological debate. Your story. Because your story is a bridge to Jesus.

Just like the woman at the well—she didn’t have it all figured out. She didn’t clean up her past. She didn’t memorize Scripture. She simply encountered Jesus… and then she told someone. And an entire town was transformed.

Let me say it again: You don’t need to be loud. You just need to be lit.

Let Jesus shine through your story. Because when you speak what Jesus has done, you push back darkness.

And some of you here today… maybe you haven’t started your story with Jesus yet.

You’ve been searching for meaning, identity, purpose, and peace. You’ve tried turning the pages of life yourself, but it’s felt like chapter after chapter of disappointment. Can I tell you? The Author is in the room.

And today, Jesus wants to write a new chapter in your life.

If that’s you—and you’re ready to begin your story with Jesus—right now is your moment.

He already knows everything you’ve done—just like the woman at the well—and He’s not running away. He’s inviting you in.

🛑 So here’s the call today, and it’s for three groups of people:

If you’re ready to start your story with Jesus—to be forgiven, made new, and begin a life that matters—come forward or raise your hand right now. Don’t wait.

If you’ve been silent about your story, but today you feel God calling you to share it—to speak it out, write it down, and shine your light—this altar is for you too. Come receive boldness.

If you’ve forgotten the power of your story and let shame, fear, or the lies of the enemy silence your voice, come and let God remind you: you are His masterpiece, and your testimony is a weapon.

Let’s move now. Come.

And as people respond, I want to pray over you:

🙏 Prayer:

“Jesus, thank You that You are the Author and the Finisher of our faith. Thank You that every person here has a story that matters, a testimony that can shake the gates of hell. Today, we surrender our shame, our fear, and our silence—and we receive boldness. Let our stories be light in dark places. Let our voices break chains in the lives of others. And for those starting their story with You today—thank You for saving, forgiving, and beginning something brand new.

Use our stories for Your glory, and let revival come to our homes, our schools, our city—just like it did through the woman at the well.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”