Living a fulfilling life where you are

5-minute read

When trying something new feels risky

Have you ever wanted to try a new hobby, skill, sport or activity but have been nervous to look dumb or silly because you wouldn’t be good at it? As soon as you begin, you realize it’s harder than you thought and you have this feeling that you will never figure it out, or you might not ever be good at it. You feel stuck in this middle ground wanting to learn but tempted to give up. It is easy to get caught up in wanting to quit because you aren’t immediately successful. In the process of pursuing new hobbies, there can be quite a learning curve and yet, it’s still easy to tell yourself:

“I’m not a dancer until I’ve made it to Broadway.”
“I’m not a farmer until I’ve made a living selling my harvest.”
“I’m not a photographer until I’ve made X amount of money.”

Growth often starts small

When the COVID-19 pandemic began back in 2020, many people took up new hobbies including doing puzzles, Tiktok dances, making sourdough or developing home gardens. Thanks to YouTube, you can learn how to do just about anything. As most American millennials grew up being told – with the right attitude and hard work, you can do or be anything you want to be, even though that’s not entirely true. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to try new things and experiment. During Covid, everyone was experimenting, so it was a safe time to try new things. But maybe your first loaf turned out quite dense or a bit flat. Maybe the tomato seeds you planted seemed to die off pretty quickly in the summer sun.

It’s harder when you’re the only one

It can be much harder to try new things when you are the only one. Maybe you just became a Christian, and no one around you knows who Jesus is. Maybe everyone around you is a Christian, but no one else is sharing their faith. It can be really scary to talk about something no one else is talking about. It can be challenging to ask questions about something that seems controversial or taboo. Just like planting a garden, there is a process that has to take place for fruit to be harvested, or for you to see flowers bloom. And you may not get it right the first time.

Living a fulfilling life does not mean you are going to be perfect at something on the first try, or even the fifth try. Sometimes you try twelve things for an entire season and you don’t know until the harvest if any of it worked. Maybe you change four of those things next season and it takes five years of gardening to get it to work. That doesn’t make you any less of a gardener; it just means you are better equipped to know what does and doesn’t work.

Faithfulness is not perfection

Living a fulfilling life does not mean you will not fail. It means you are being faithful to what God has called you to, wherever he has planted you. You can be faithful in the waiting and also still move toward what you are working for. The fulfillment is in the journey. It’s the faithfulness in the small steps each day. I would hope every season of life is rich and full long before you have “retired” near the end of life. Don’t wait until you’ve “arrived” to see the opportunities God has given you to grow and bloom where you are.

God calls you to be faithful right where you are

In the process of whatever you are doing and wherever you are going, God calls you to be faithful where you are. He repeatedly commands Christians to be obedient in Scripture.

John 14:15 (English Standard Version) – “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
Acts 5:29 (ESV) – “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”
1 John 5:3 (ESV) – “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”

Wherever you find yourself right now, be faithful to today, be faithful at school, at home, in your neighborhood, in the waiting, in the pauses and in working toward the goal you are seeking.

The fulfillment is in faithfulness

Living a fulfilling life happens when you do the things God has asked of you. Often you wait for the big girl job, or you wait until you get the degree, until you make the team, or get the award, but you don’t have to. You can be part of fulfilling the Great Commission wherever you are today by planting seeds. You can be faithful today by watering the garden or tilling the soil. It’s not always time to harvest.

Jesus lived the most fulfilling life, and he only lived 33 years. He didn’t travel the whole world, he didn’t have a degree, and he wasn’t married or a parent. He was a single, broke, homeless, wandering carpenter who was faithful day by day to the things he was called to.

One faithful step at a time

Before leaving Earth, Jesus gave the command to go and make disciples of all nations. You can be part of that today by asking questions, listening well, learning from others, sharing parts of your story, asking others to share their story, and taking one step at a time.

A fulfilling life is doing the work wherever God has called you right now. That might not be where you want to be. It might be in a season of hardship, temptation or waiting, but that is the beauty of life; it’s always going to change, and yet God doesn’t. He asks you to trust him, to follow him and for you to make disciples while doing it.

How to share your faith story: A step-by-step guide

4-minute read
*Adapted from a Cru Compass lesson

Why share your faith story?

Sharing the story of your faith journey is powerful. Why? Because your story can be the spark that ignites someone else’s journey with Jesus. And putting your experiences into words can also help you better understand your own faith.

Sharing your faith story is about connecting with others and showing them how faith can change lives. So let’s get started on understanding how to prepare and share your story.

Reflect on your faith journey
First, jot down some key moments of your faith journey. Ask yourself:

When did I first encounter God?
What challenges have I faced that strengthened my faith?
How has my relationship with Jesus changed over time?
What’s the biggest lesson God has taught me?

Don’t worry about making it perfect — just get your thoughts flowing.

Find your story’s themes
Now look at what you’ve written. Do you see any patterns? Maybe you’ve learned a lot about trust, or forgiveness keeps popping up. Pick 2-3 main themes that really stand out to you. These will be the heart of your story.

For example, your themes might be:

From doubt to faith.
Finding purpose through serving others.
Experiencing God’s love in tough times.

Putting your story together
Now it’s time to structure your story. Here’s a simple framework to follow:

Before: What was your life like before your faith journey began? You want to paint a picture of what your life was like before you came to Christ. But don’t dwell on how bad you used to be or revel in past sin.

Turning Point: What happened that changed things for you? This section is how you came to Christ. Make sure you speak in such a way that the person you are talking with, and anyone who overhears you, can understand how you became a Christian and how they can become a Christian too.

After: Share some of the changes that Christ has made in your life as they relate to your theme. Emphasize the changes in your character, attitude and perspective, not just the mere changes in behavior. And be realistic. We still struggle as Christians. Life is far from perfect, isn’t it? But what makes it different for you now? How has your life and perspective changed since then? This is an educational aspect to your story, so that even if your listener is not interested right now, they’ll be able to make a decision down the road to follow Christ because you’ve equipped them with the right information.

Invitation: Close it out with a summary statement that ties your story together according to your theme. You could close with a verse, but don’t just throw one in to sound spiritual. Use one if it’s meaningful and relates to the story you’ve just told. Then finish it with an invitation. What would you say to encourage others on their own journey of faith?

Remember, your story doesn’t have to be dramatic to be powerful. God works in all kinds of ways!

Make your story come alive
Now, let’s make your story shine. Here are some tips:

Be real: Don’t sugarcoat things. People connect with honesty.
Show, don’t tell: Instead of saying, “I was scared,” try, “My hands were shaking as I opened the Bible.”
Keep it simple: Avoid churchy words that might confuse people, like “sanctification.”
Focus on feelings: How did you feel during key moments? Help people connect emotionally with your story.
Be brief: Aim to share your story in 3-5 minutes.

Share your story
You’ve got your story — now what? Here are some ways to share it:

One-on-one: Share over coffee with a friend who’s curious about faith.
Small groups: Offer to share during a Bible study or prayer group.
Social media: Post a short text-based version or create a video for your followers.
Church events: Ask if you can share during a testimony time.
Write it down: Start a blog or contribute to your church newsletter.

Get feedback and keep growing
Sharing your story is just the beginning. To grow in skill and effectiveness, ask trusted friends or mentors for feedback. They might help you see parts of your story you hadn’t noticed before.

Some questions to ask:

Was anything in my story confusing or unclear?
What part resonated with you the most?
Is there anything you’d like to hear more about?

Use this feedback to refine your story. The more you share your story with others, the more comfortable you’ll become.

Your story matters
Remember, your faith story is unique and valuable. It’s a testament to God’s work in your life, and it has the power to inspire and encourage others. So take a deep breath, trust in God’s guidance, and share your story with someone.

Want to be prepared to share the gospel more effectively if someone is interested after hearing your story? Download the GodTools app today and explore resources that can help you share your faith easily and confidently.

Explore 4 Ways To Join Someone On Their Spiritual Journey

3-minute read

No two faith journeys are alike — they’re personal and unique. We know that a conversation about Jesus isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about tuning in and understanding each individual’s life journey.

1. Recognize that every person is on a spiritual journey

Everyone is on a spiritual journey; they may or may not view their life through a spiritual lens, but Jesus is spiritually pursuing them, making it essential to recognize where they are on their journey in order to come alongside them as a spiritual guide leading them toward Jesus.

As stated in Romans 12:4-5 (New Living Translation), “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”

The life experiences of others contribute to the beautiful mosaic of the Church once they follow Jesus; however, even before following Jesus, they are still incredibly valuable, with a unique journey and story to tell.

2. Practice curiosity

Flexibility in your conversation means being curious, not assuming. Curiosity leads to awareness recognizing that your view of Jesus and someone else’s view of Him are affected by different life experiences — joy, seeking, or even skepticism.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NLT)

Curious questions show you care. They help you walk in another person’s shoes and honor their spiritual journey.

3. Spiritual conversations are not one-size-fits-all

Let’s peek into different possible conversations about Jesus:

Jack shares how God used a simple question about budgeting from a coworker at a cancer research hospital to initiate a spiritual conversation, revealing how his faith in Jesus transformed his views on money and planted a seed of curiosity about Jesus in his coworker’s mind.
Carlos heard his buddies mention Jesus and got curious. Open, honest talks helped him piece together his own faith puzzle.
Cristi was afraid to try to share with her 77-year-old mom since she didn’t live nearby. She decided to go for it anyway and used Godtools while on a video call to tell her mom about the gospel, which led to faith in Christ despite not being in person.

These snippets remind us that courage, patience and empathy can truly shape our faith conversations.

Sharing your own stories about how Jesus has changed your life can help others see his words in action. When you journey with someone, you connect, grow and experience a life of faith together.

4. Try stories and lessons learned

Jesus used parables to show life’s wisdom. These parables aren’t just relics of the past; they’re active, ready to impact your everyday life. Let these stories resonate with your life and spiritual journey so that you can share how the life and teachings of Jesus impact your life directly.

“And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest” (Luke 8:15, NLT).

Parables are stories with a lesson in mind. They can be real or fictional examples because the point is the lesson, not the facts of the story. This can sometimes cause confusion. A great way to navigate this complexity when reading is by asking yourself, “What are the one or two main lessons Jesus wants his audience to understand?”

Reflections on your spiritual journey

As you reflect on your spiritual journey, you’ll see how your stories shape your views. Joy, trials, or simple wonder — each step draws you nearer to grasping your beliefs and Jesus’ place in your heart.

Here are a couple of questions to mull over:

How can you find unity in spiritual conversations, even when someone’s paths and beliefs differ from yours?
Which parable stories from Jesus have impacted you, and how can you share them to uplift and encourage others?

Every conversation is an opportunity to learn and flourish together in faith. Swing by our Instagram for more tips on sharing your faith.

How to Discover Hope Through a Life-Changing Relationship With Jesus

Have you ever felt like you’re on the edge, looking across a wide chasm that seems to separate you from hope itself? It’s like carrying a heavy chain from your past, thinking it’s too late to break free. But here’s the good news: Jesus offers a bridge built on grace that spans any chasm, welcoming you and those you know into an abundant relationship.

Rest for the Weary: A New Beginning

As you flip through the pages of the New Testament, you’ll find story after story of fresh starts and second chances. Pentecost, the day when the promised Holy Spirit filled the disciples with power, Peter spoke words that pierced hearts, leading the crowd to ask, “What should we do?” His answer was simple and profound, offering change and the gift of a new companion, the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:37-38, New Living Translation). This is the essence of hope: neither your past nor a friend’s past can disqualify you or them from a future with Jesus.

An Open Invitation: Jesus’ Boundless Love

You probably know this verse, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NLT). That little word, “everyone,” includes you, your friend, your mom, your grandfather, your neighbor, everyone you know —no exceptions, no small print. Jesus’ resurrection provides the way for a true relationship with God, so don’t stop sharing the message of Jesus with the people around you.

GodTools: Your Guide for Conversations About Jesus

Everyone’s path to Jesus is as unique as their fingerprint. Some journeys are resilient, weathering life’s fiercest storms. Others are reflective, always seeking deeper truths. Some are hopeful, chasing the light at the tunnel’s end. Some journeys experience hopelessness until they encounter Jesus. But they’re all deeply personal, just like your own story.

Your story is powerful because it’s God working in and through you. It’s also powerful because people connect with stories. Think about the last movie you watched, there were probably high moments and very low moments, a climax, a resolution, or possibly an open ending. People connect with spiritual journeys; they connect with stories. Learn to share your story with the lesson, “The power of your God story”, found in the Lessons section of the GodTools app.

Grace’s Empowerment: Jesus’ Welcoming Arms

Jesus isn’t on the lookout for perfection; He’s in the business of perfecting those He calls, taking broken pots and making them whole again. His message is one of empowerment, where grace overflows and failures lose their sting.

Whether they’re taking their first step toward Jesus or returning after a long absence, their story isn’t finished. With Jesus, hope is always on the table, and nobody is too far gone. Allow that truth to sink into your heart and overflow into the conversation. Spiritual journies often take some time, but be patient asking God to move in your friend’s heart. When you can share the good news: a relationship with Jesus isn’t a mere possibility—it’s a guaranteed promise for those who believe and follow him with their life.

Do you know someone who needs a little help? Check out GodTools: a wealth of resources is there, ready to help you introduce him to others, so they can experience true hope and abundance.

You can carry that spark of hope from Jesus wherever you go, and watch as it ignites every conversation, every relationship, every quiet moment. In Him, the people in your life who seem far from God can actually have an anchor of hope that stands strong through all life’s seasons.

Diving A Little Deeper: Verses of Hope and Connection

Acts 2:37-38 – A welcome into forgiveness and the embrace of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:16 – An assurance of everlasting life through faith in Jesus.
Romans 8:38-39 – A promise that nothing can ever disconnect us from Jesus’s love.

As you continue to explore the New Testament, the theme of hope will wrap around you like a cozy blanket. Romans 5:5 reassures you that “this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (NLT). It’s a vibrant, active hope that’s alive and at work right now.

The letters in the Bible also speak with the enduring nature of hope in Jesus. Hebrews 6:19 describes it as “a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” It’s the kind of hope that steadies you when life’s waves hit hard—a solid foundation you and those in your life can always rely on.

Step into the journey of hope and redemption that Jesus has paved. It’s a path marked by His footprints, leading your friends to a place of restoration and peace. Every step is a testament to His promise that nobody is beyond His transformative love.

Things to Try

Dive into the verses above
Follow @godtoolsapp on Instagram for regular encouragement
Pray for the people in your life who seem far from God
Complete the Lesson “The power of your God story”

Don’t Avoid The Middle Seat On A Flight. Sharing Jesus at 36,000 Feet.

Transcript:

Hi, I’m Ken. I was on a flight to Albania recently, and I was sitting next to a man who was fasting for Ramadan.

He had lots of questions about the Bible and the Quran, and Abraham and Mary. We got into a really engaging, fun conversation for over an hour. He had an app where he was reading the Quran, and he showed me some verses. I asked him, “Has anyone ever shared with you a summary of Jesus’ teaching?” He said, “No.” In fact, he’d never even read a verse from the Bible itself.

So at that point, I opened the GodTools app to the Knowing God Personally tool and loaded it with bilingual for English and Arabic, and just handed him my phone and let him work through that app screen by screen, verse by verse, and watch him light up as he read the Bible in his own language. Sometimes he would ask questions, sometimes he’d make a comment or two, but in general, he was just going through it. And as I sat there praying for him and watching him engage, I was so thankful to God for the GodTools team and just the beauty and the artistry of this tool.

It was fantastic watching him engage. And at the end, I was able to share from the app, send the app to his phone so he has ongoing reference, so whenever he feels like it, he can refer to it.

But something else happened that was really cool. After we landed, the people on each side of the aisle, on either side of where I was sitting with my new friend, asked me, “What was that app that he was looking at? What were you using?” And so I was able to send it and share it to their mobile phones. And one of the women who had been on my row sent me this text in response. She said, “I was praying intently while you were speaking to him for the Holy Spirit to move and act in his heart. It was my first time to hear that on an airplane, and it inspired me. I was in awe of your boldness and also your kindness. This blessed me so. See you in heaven.”

Thanks GodTools team, and pray that this would continue to be used to God’s glory all over the world. God bless you.

19 Ways to Say “I Don’t Know” When Talking About God

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where someone asks you a question about faith, and you realize you don’t have all the answers? You might feel caught off guard or like a fraud because you think you should know more. When that happens, it’s OK. You can build rapport and trust because no one knows all the answers.

While talking with a friend, you might have the opportunity to dive into deep topics about life, purpose and the existence of God. The conversation could flow smoothly until your friend poses a question that catches you completely off guard: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Do you freeze for a moment? Are you trying to come up with a satisfactory response? You might not have an answer. It’s normal to feel discomfort or inadequacy.

However, instead of resorting to a vague answer or attempting to lie, make a conscious decision to be honest. You can say, “You know, that’s a really tough question, and I don’t have all the answers. But I’m here to listen and explore it together if you’d like.”

Initially, it’s easy to worry about how your friend might react. Will they think less of you for not having a ready-made answer? Will they doubt your faith or sincerity? To your surprise, your friend might appreciate the honesty. They might tell you that it was refreshing to have a genuine conversation with someone who didn’t pretend to have all the solutions.

That moment of vulnerability could turn out to be pivotal in your friendship. By opening up about uncertainty, you can inadvertently deepen your connection. An honest response shows your friend that you value your relationship more than maintaining an illusion of having all the answers.

But here’s the remarkable part: as you continue to talk and grapple with life’s big questions together, you can witness something extraordinary. Friendships don’t always immediately grow when controversial topics come up, but as you show grace and honesty, the Holy Spirit will move in and through your authenticity.

So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, where you’re faced with a challenging spiritual question and you don’t have all the answers, remember this: honesty is a powerful tool. Embrace your vulnerability, and trust that God can work through your authenticity to strengthen relationships and deepen connections. Who knows? Your conversation might just lead to something beautiful.

Here are 19 ways to gracefully express uncertainty in a spiritual conversation:

“That’s a great question, and I’m still exploring it myself.”
“I’m not entirely sure, but I’m open to learning more about it.”
“I haven’t found a clear answer to that yet, but I’m intrigued by the possibilities.”
“I’m still seeking guidance on that matter. Have you looked into it?”
“I’m uncertain, but I think it’s important to keep seeking and questioning.”
“I’m in a phase of questioning and discovery regarding that topic. What about you?”
“It’s a complex question, and I’m still exploring it.”
“I’m not certain, but I’m interested in hearing your perspective on it.”
“I’m still exploring the basis of that and haven’t reached a conclusion yet.”
“I’m comfortable with not having all the answers and embracing the journey of discovery.”
“That’s a question that’s challenged me, and I’m still contemplating it.”
“I don’t have a definitive answer, but I’m open to exploring it together.”
“I’m still wrestling with that question myself.”
“I’m not sure, but I think it’s OK to have uncertainties in our spiritual journey.”
“I’m still on the path of understanding, and that question is one I’m considering.”
“I’m open to the mystery of it and haven’t reached a conclusion yet.”
“I’m still learning and growing, and that question is part of my journey.”
“I haven’t found a satisfactory answer yet, but I’m committed to seeking. I know sometimes people feel uneasy about not knowing. How does it make you feel?”
“That’s a question that’s challenged me to dig deeper into my faith. I haven’t landed on a response I feel solid with yet.”