There are times when I enjoy seasons of great victory. I love talking about the wins God gives me. But I don't share my glorious moments to showcase myself, to brag nor to be prideful. I do it to proclaim my gratitude towards God who blesses my life in so many wonderful ways. I have discovered, however, life isn't always a victory. I struggle. Sometimes these less than pleasant seasons are short lived while other times they are long term. Some struggles are more difficult than others. I'm not ashamed to talk about my challenges, but I don't talk about them to draw attention to a problem nor to manipulate people's sympathy. I share my difficulties to glorify how God is my strength when I'm suffering weakness. (See 2 Corinthians 12:9.) The Bible tells of those who were blessed and of those who struggled. But in reference to those who struggled, it says they overcame because of two things: the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. (See Revelation 12:11.)

When reading Psalms it is striking how David talks about both high and low places on his journey with the Lord. In Psalms 40:2 he tells how God lifted him out of a pit, and in Psalms 18:19 he tells how God brought him to a spacious place simply because God delighted in him. The book of Psalms is full of David's story. Like David, I feel compelled to testify about both the easy and difficult parts of my ongoing journey with the Lord. I have to share my story.

Maybe someone needs to hear about my victories. Sharing wins with others is exciting and increases faith. But maybe someone needs to hear about my struggles, too. Sharing struggles with others creates common ground. Transparency about imperfection helps people feel less alone and consumed by their own problems, and it has potential to strengthen others to carry on. I have to share my story because He is God of my story. He is God of both my mountains and my valleys. So whether I tell about my good days or my bad days, my story could be what introduces someone to Jesus.

#Godofmystory #overcomingdifficulty #strengthinstruggle #mytestimony