Scripture

Acts 1:8

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses

3 Marks of a Resilient Storyteller

A resilient storyteller is one who can stand firm and share their faith story despite challenges, fear, and doubt. This resilience is grounded in their ability to reflect on God’s goodness, discern divine timing, and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s explore these three marks in depth.

1. Seeing the Signs of God’s Goodness in Your Life

One of the key marks of a resilient storyteller is their ability to look back at their life and see the fingerprints of God. Even in the toughest seasons, they recognize God’s faithfulness and goodness. We often sing the words, “All my life you have been faithful, all my life you have been so so good,” which reminds us of this truth. But sometimes, in our fast-paced world, we forget to pause and reflect on how God’s hand has been guiding us.

Just as the apostles needed convincing signs to believe that Jesus was truly alive after His resurrection, we too need to look for the signs in our own lives. The apostles witnessed Jesus’ physical appearance after His death, saw Him perform miracles, and even ate with Him. These were “convincing proofs” that He was alive.

The question is, what are the convincing signs in your life that point to God’s work? Sometimes, these signs are clear: a miraculous healing, a near-death experience, or a prophetic word coming to pass. Other times, they may be subtle: a door that opened at just the right moment, the people God placed in your path, or even the way your life’s circumstances shaped you into who you are today.

For instance, I was called into ministry but unexpectedly chose to attend a secular university. Looking back, I see God’s purpose in this, as I was surrounded by others who were also called to ministry and we were able to impact hundreds of lives on campus for Christ. This was no coincidence; it was a sign of God’s sovereign plan.

Resilient storytellers are reflective. They don’t attribute their lives to random chance but recognize that the God who created the universe is actively at work in their story.

2. Knowing How to Discern God’s Timing

Another mark of a resilient storyteller is the ability to discern divine timing. In Acts 1:6-7, the disciples asked Jesus if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel. But Jesus responded, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority.” In other words, the disciples had to trust in God’s timing and wait for the Holy Spirit.

Waiting is not something most of us enjoy. Whether it’s waiting for a career breakthrough, the right relationship, or answers to prayers, waiting requires faith. Yet, resilient storytellers understand the power of preparation and divine timing. They know that God’s plans are often bigger and better than what they initially expected, and they trust that He will act at the appointed time.

In my own life, I was called into ministry at a young age, but it took 15 years of preparation before I was ready to plant The District Church. During those years, God refined me through various experiences, teaching me to lead, serve, and grow in my faith.

Resilient storytellers know that sometimes the season they are in is one of preparation. Whether it’s waiting for the right moment to share their story with someone or waiting for God to reveal His next step, they trust in His perfect timing.

3. Receiving God’s Power

Finally, resilient storytellers have received power from on high. Sharing one’s faith story requires more than just desire—it requires supernatural strength to overcome fear, opposition, and doubt. Jesus understood this, which is why He promised the Holy Spirit to His followers. Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”

This power, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, is essential for sharing our stories boldly. It’s not just about having the right words or the right setting; it’s about relying on the Spirit’s power to give us the courage to speak up.

When the Holy Spirit fills us, two things happen: we have assurance of our salvation, and we gain boldness for God’s mission. This assurance is what gives us joy, even in difficult circumstances, and the boldness empowers us to speak about what God has done in our lives without fear.

As resilient storytellers, we don’t just keep our stories to ourselves. We share them with others in our church, in our families, in our workplaces, and even on social media. We can’t help but speak about what we have seen and heard because we are filled with God’s Spirit and empowered to be His witnesses.

Conclusion

To be a resilient storyteller is to see the signs of God’s goodness in your life, to know how to discern His timing, and to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. These three marks equip you to stand firm in your faith and share your story with confidence, no matter the challenges you face.

God’s story is still unfolding, and as resilient storytellers, we have a role to play in sharing His work in our lives with the world. So, I encourage you to pause, reflect on what God has done, trust in His timing, and ask for His power to boldly share your faith story. Your story is part of His bigger story, and through it, others may come to see the goodness of God in their own lives.

The above post is a summarized version of the full sermon. Please click the link below to watch the full message: