Will You Share Your Story? - Encouragement for Today - April 9, 2026

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April 9, 2026

Will You Share Your Story?
LYSA TERKEURST

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“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

For many years, whenever I stepped out to do something I felt God calling me to do, the voices of criticism and condemnation were there to greet me. Early on in ministry, the voices were loud and cruel. You’ll never be a speaker. You are not wanted. Look at you. Do you really think God could use someone like you?

Sometimes I measured myself against other people. She’s so clever. She’s so educated. She's so connected. Who am I compared to all that? Gradually, I shrank back. I pulled away. I put up a front of perfection.

Polished on the outside yet completely undone on the inside.

Eventually, the Lord called my bluff. I was reading the books Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson. Often tears streamed from my eyes while I attempted to get through the lessons. But one day it was more than just tears. It was sobs pouring from a chest so heavy with burdens I thought I might literally break apart.

Down on my face, I asked God to speak to me. What I sensed in reply was one simple, life-changing question: Will you share your story?

Yes, I will share my story, I told Him. The good parts that are safe and tidy and acceptable.

But safe and tidy and acceptable was not what God was looking for. He wanted the impossible. Absolutely impossible … in my strength.

God met every one of my arguments with scriptures about relying not on my strength but on His, like 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

He untangled my need for others’ approval and challenged me to live for an audience of one. He helped me see where the voices of doubt were coming from and challenged me to consider the source. Quite simply, God kept whispering He loved me, over and over again.

The first time I shared my story was an act of absolute obedience. I kept my head down and my guard up. I expected the ladies listening to stone me … especially when I got to the part about my abortion. The shame of childhood abuse and rejection was nothing compared to the shame of my choice to abort my child.

I’d wept over that choice.
I’d repented.
I’d gone to God hundreds of times and asked for forgiveness.
I’d laid it down every time there was an altar call.

But nothing brought the redemption that day brought. As I shook at that podium, I shared exactly what God asked me to.

And then the miracle happened.

When I finished and dared to look up, tear-stained faces were looking back at me. Mouths were whispering, “Me too. Me too.”

Seeing God use the very thing that made me feel utterly worthless to help others changed everything. I was finally breaking free from Satan's chains of shame and could see his lies for what they were. In that moment, I felt victorious — not in my own power but in the Lord's strength and ability to use all things for good.

My “yes” to God gave others the courage to say yes to Him as well. Burdens were lifted. Lives were changed. Hidden secrets were touched by grace. It’s a beautiful thing when women say yes to God. In what way is He calling you to say yes?

Dear Lord, thank You for making the impossible possible. Thank You for taking every event in my life and using it for good. You are worthy to be praised. I want to follow Your plan for my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

If you’ve ever felt the Lord nudging you to share what you’ve been through but instantly thought, There’s no way or That feels impossible, this free resource from Lysa TerKeurst will meet you right where you are. “3 Lies That Keep You From Sharing Your Story (and God’s Truth To Replace Them)” will unearth what’s been holding you back and equip you with biblical reminders so you can confidently move forward with what God has called you to do. Get started here!

ENGAGE

Find everyday encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Revelation 12:11, “They triumphed over [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony …” (NIV).

How does it help you to know that the Lord can use what you’ve been through in a powerful way? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

© 2026 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org