How can you effectively recount God's works in your life to others? Setting the Scene with Moses Exodus 18:8: “Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships that had come upon them on the journey, and how the LORD had delivered them.” What Moses Models for Us • Complete honesty—he shared “all…hardships,” not just the victories • Clear focus—“all the LORD had done,” keeping God, not himself, center stage • Personal audience—he spoke to his father-in-law, adapting the story for the one listener before him • Purposeful outcome—his testimony led Jethro to bless and worship the LORD (vv. 9-12) Practical Steps for Recounting God’s Works Today 1. Recall the details • Keep a journal or digital note of answered prayers, providences, and lessons learned. • Psalm 77:11—“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” 2. Include the valleys as well as the peaks • People relate to struggle; leave in the “hardships.” • 2 Corinthians 1:8-10—Paul shares deadly pressure so others see God’s rescue. 3. Highlight God’s intervention, not your ingenuity • Use phrases like “The Lord provided…” “God opened the door…” • Psalm 115:1—“Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory.” 4. Keep it conversational and concise • Notice Moses’ summary—one verse captures months of miracles. • Proverbs 17:27—“He who restrains his words has knowledge.” 5. Tailor the testimony to the listener • Moses adjusted for Jethro’s background as a Midianite priest; we can adjust for seekers, kids, or fellow believers. • Colossians 4:6—“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” 6. Point toward redemption in Christ • Every deliverance foreshadows the greater rescue through Jesus. • Acts 4:12—“There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Helpful Formats to Try • One-minute snapshot—perfect for casual conversations • Social-media post—brief, Scripture-anchored, God-centered • Small-group sharing—longer narrative, inviting others to respond • Written letter or email—gives space for detail and thoughtful reflection Guardrails for Faithful Storytelling • Stay truthful—avoid embellishment (Ephesians 4:25) • Give credit immediately—“The LORD did…” prevents self-glory (James 1:17) • Aim for edification, not entertainment (Ephesians 4:29) • Trust God with the results; our role is to plant and water (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) Expected Impact • Encourages believers (Psalm 40:10) • Invites unbelievers to consider the Lord (Mark 5:19-20) • Strengthens your own faith as you rehearse God’s faithfulness (1 Samuel 17:37) Moses’ simple, sincere recounting changed his father-in-law’s life and set a pattern for every generation: remember, recount, and rejoice in what the Lord has done. |
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