Having worked with kids for the past five years, I found one thing to be true: kids love telling stories! I can’t count how many times a child has raised their hand to “ask a question a question,” and launched into a story about their dog, their bike, or the creature they found in the backyard. 

Stories are one of the most common ways we communicate with one another, and it’s no different for kiddos. They love hearing, telling, and sharing stories. Think about your child for a moment and the books or movies they tend to consume repeatedly. Chances are, there’s something about the story of that book or movie that captivates their heart or mind. Oftentimes, they learn something about themselves through the stories they’re taught or told. As teachers, parents, and guardians, we can model good storytelling, too!

What’s even better is when the stories are true! As adults, we know the definition of a “testimony”. But for children, it can be a hard concept to grasp. So, we have a responsibility and opportunity to teach them that a testimony is a true story about who God is, and the good that He has done in our lives. A testimony is a story that we can use to remind us, encourage us, and call us to trust God.

Take a moment this week, whether it’s at the dinner table, in the car, or before bed, to model what a testimony sounds like to your child. Think about a God Statement you can attach to your testimony.

For example, “I was scared when the thunderstorm came, but I chose to pray, and the Holy Spirit comforted me. I learned through this that The Holy Spirit Comforts.”

Ask them if there’s a testimony that they would like to share with you or a friend at school. What have they recently seen to be true about who God is in their life? Sit with them as they piece together their story and help them identify a God Statement if they’re having a hard time.

This is one way we, as believers, can share the good news of Jesus – by telling others of His good deeds towards us through the power of our testimony!

Psalm 71:15-18: My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.