This past Sunday, we reflected on the incredible encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4. We saw how one simple, grace-filled conversation led to transformation—not just for her, but for her whole community. 

She didn’t preach a sermon or quote Scripture. She simply said, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.” Her testimony—honest, unpolished, but real—became the spark that led others to believe. Your story can be that kind of invitation, too. 

 
That’s why I want to follow up this week by offering a simple tool to help you reflect on, write, and eventually share your personal story of faith. It’s called the “My Faith Story: Framework and Template.” This is something we’re using in our Men’s Small Group this summer, and I’d love for each of you to spend time with it. Whether your story is dramatic or quiet, short or still unfolding—God can use it! 

As I mentioned Sunday: 

• I’m including the full version of this framework in this week’s Milepost Newsletter and on the church website. 

• We’re also mailing it in printed form to our homebound members and those without email. 

• I plan to walk through it in this Friday’s YouTube devotional. 

And if you would like to talk or meet with me personally about your story, I’d be honored. 

This framework isn’t just for the spiritually mature. It’s for every believer. It’s not a formula—it’s a guide. And it may just become your way of saying to someone else: “Come and see.”  

Here’s the template for you to use as you’d like: 

1. Title Your Story: Give your story a simple title—something memorable. 

2. Before Christ / Early Years – think “your B.C.” 

• Where were you born and raised? 

• What values or beliefs shaped you early on? 

• Were there key people (family, teachers, pastors) who influenced you? 

3. Turning Points / Spiritual Markers – think “your A.D. and spiritual journey.”  

In Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby and Claude King write that “Spiritual markers identify a time of transition, decision or direction when we clearly know that God has guided us. When we look back on them, we can see more clearly the directions in which God has been moving in our lives.” (pp. 124–126) 

• When did you first sense God working in your life? 

• Have you experienced a defining moment of salvation, calling, or redirection? 

• What milestones helped shape your view of God (loss, healing, success, crisis, decision)? 

4. Growing in Faith  

• What has helped your spiritual growth—Bible study, church, mentors, trials? 

• When did you begin owning your faith as an adult? 

• How has your faith helped in your roles (husband, father, worker, church member, friend)? 

5. Legacy and Calling Today 

• What are you most passionate about now as a believer? 

• What would you want your children, grandchildren, or others to know about your journey? 

• What Scripture has become “yours”—a theme verse or anchor for your life? 

6. Gospel Connection 

• In what ways has your life illustrated God’s grace and faithfulness? 

• How would you share your story with someone who needs Christ—and do so with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15)? 

Take a few moments this week to sit with these questions. Reflect. Write a few notes. Maybe even begin to shape your story in a way you could share over coffee with a friend or in a small group. You may be surprised at how God uses it—not only to deepen your faith but to open the door for someone else to meet Jesus. Let’s keep walking this journey together…