The Power of Our Story

Editorial by Carlos Portanova

How many times have we heard, “Share with others what Christ has done in your life?” Yet, many believers hesitate because they feel their testimony is not remarkable enough. We compare our experiences with the dramatic stories of Daniel, David, Esther or Ruth, and conclude that our own story is too ordinary to make a difference.

The power of a testimony, however, is not found in how extraordinary it seems—it is found in the God who is at work within it. The same God who transformed lives in Bible times is still changing hearts today through the power of the Holy Spirit.

One of the clearest examples is the Samaritan woman in John 4. She came to the well searching for water but left having encountered the Messiah. She immediately shared her experience, and through her testimony, many people came to believe in Jesus. Her story reminds us that encountering Christ naturally leads to witnessing, and witnessing leads others to Him.

Jesus affirmed this mission in Acts 1:8: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me” (NKJV). We are not called to rely on perfect words or flawless lives, but on the power of the Holy Spirit working through our experiences.

Remember, your testimony matters. God can use your unique journey to point others to Jesus. Instead of asking God for a new story, ask Him to use the one He is already writing in your life.

Carlos Portanova is the treasurer of the New Jersey Conference.