Your “3MS”

Do you know how to share your “3MS” with others?  What is that, you ask?  It’s your 3 Minute Story, of course!

We should each have a 3-minute testimony that shows God’s redemptive power in our lives.  My challenge for you this week is to write it up… work it through… have it ready to go.

In today’s microwave society, sometimes 3 minutes is all you’ve got.  Need an example?  Here is my 3MS…

I’ve had a very “Jerry Springer” past.  That I am standing today demonstrates that we serve a mighty God with unmatched redemptive power.

The truth is that I’ve been handed an interesting set of life experiences.  From addictions to self-esteem issues to power struggles to abuses of every kind… I learned from a young age the definition of a victim.

I remember wondering how – if God loved me – He could allow so much to happen to one of His children.  When I couldn’t make sense of it all… I looked to the world.

Rather than go to a God who seemed to not care what happened to me, I limped into a world that was more than ready to give me what I needed.  At least for a while.  The problem was that I came up empty every time.

Through my teen years, I “rededicated” my life to God several times only to find myself back in my worldly cycle of living within just a few months.  I lived a roller coaster of fits and starts with no real direction.

While I had some head knowledge of God… my heart had been broken and wounded so many times that I determined to do it all my way which continued to leave me hopeless.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that God became real to me.  My husband and I were struggling and knocking on divorce’s door.  We had two babies – which as some of you know is an exhausting time on its own – and we both tired of fighting for the marriage.

But God showed up and turned us both around 180 degrees.  I’ve never experienced divine intervention on such an epic scale before… and because of it, we are about to celebrate 11 years together as a married couple.

It was at this point in my life, however, that God turned my “victim” mentality into my “Toolbox” mentality.

I realize that all the hurts, habits and hang-ups I’ve experienced were strategically allowed by God and He uses them in my ministry to serve others.  Jeremiah 29:11 confirms it. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God took a life so far down in the pit of sin and self-loathing and anger… pulled me from the miry clay… and set my foot on solid ground.  God redeemed my life… pure and simple… and then turned it into a ministry calling to glorify Him.

• Yes… my toolbox is heavy.  But there are few things I cannot relate to.
• Yes… God keeps adding to it.  But it keeps me relevant and able to connect with others.
• Yes… it becomes cumbersome at times.  So I find I can only carry it in His strength.

God gave me certain life experiences, allowed me to feel specific things, and divinely wired me a particular way… all for His glory… and I thank Him for it.

Each of our stories are unique and inspiring… and if shared with others will help bring Him glory.

I’d love to hear your 3MS.  Will you share it with me… and others?