In recent years, celebrities and influencers have chosen to post images and stories of what their lives are like behind the scenes. They’re revealing their world, and that it isn’t always about leading some glamorous lifestyle that they and the media have previously portrayed.
Shooting behind the scenes and choosing to be real; without filters, makeup, expensive clothes, and editing can make people feel vulnerable, which is something most of us would avoid at all costs. Primarily, because being vulnerable exposes us to the risk of being attacked, harmed, and misunderstood somehow.
Most people don’t have millions of followers on social media or people interested in their every comment or photo, but that doesn’t change that fact that we want to portray a particular image and narrative about our lives to the rest of the world. Even when we have a win or breakthrough in our lives, we often shy away from sharing it with others, because we fear what they may think or we like to keep our lives private. Sadly, this can lead people who are struggling or who have been through trauma or heartache to believe that no one will understand what they are going through, as everyone around them tends to make their lives appear perfect.
But it’s powerful when people choose to share what they have travelled through and overcome. It gives hope, inspiration, reminds us of God’s power and goodness and the product of not giving up.
The challenge is allowing ourselves to be vulnerable enough to share when it’s personal or has been a hidden problem or hurt. Jesus however encourages us to tell our story, as he told the man who he’d delivered from a demon and radically changed his life to “return home and declare how much God has done for you“. The man went away proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done and no doubt helped and encouraged a whole lot of people in the process. (Luke 8:39)
Today be encouraged by the testimony of those who have overcome difficulties and seen God move mountains in their lives. God is no respecter of persons but faith. What he’s done for one he’ll do for another. (Romans 2:11) Likewise, if you have something to share with others, don’t be afraid to tell your story as it might be the catalyst for a breakthrough in someone else’s life.
“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” (Psalm 105:1)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for all that you have done and are doing in my life. Please help me be bold enough to share with others when I have a breakthrough and draw encouragement from others and your Word. In Jesus name Amen