Hypocrite. Doubter. Unworthy.
These are just a few words the enemy can shoot our way when we get an opportunity to share our faith with someone else.
Many of us think that if we still struggle with sin, doubts and other issues that we aren’t qualified to talk about the Gospel with anyone. We need to “fix ourselves” before we start “fixing others.”
But we don’t need to be perfect to be used by God. He can further his kingdom through our actions and words regardless of how close we are to him. After all, if He can use unbelievers to accomplish his will (e.g., Ezra 1:2, 2 Chronicles 35:21, Matthew 27:19), he can surely use Christians who struggle.
I’ve seen this firsthand in my life. God has used me in several ways in the midst of my struggles:
Fresh Off Addiction
After struggling with alcoholism for more than 10 years, I gave my first testimony to a recovery group at just 17 days of sobriety. Typically, you hear testimonies from people who turned from their addictions on a dime and have enjoyed years of sobriety, but I felt God calling me to share my story of countless relapses to encourage those who were experiencing the same. I had many come up to me afterwards in appreciation of my honesty, vulnerability and courage to share despite a relatively short period of staying sober. My story has changed since then, but that initial testimony definitely helped others at the time.
While Fighting Depression
In March of 2023, my grandmother passed away at the age of 100. I felt closer to her than anyone in my family outside my wife and kids, so her passing hit me hard. I went into a mental tailspin the rest of that year and struggled mightily with depression. But I didn’t just sit in my turmoil. I wrote two devotionals focused on mental health and a book about addiction that year — all while depressed. I decided to use my negative feelings for something good and guess what? I was able to better tap into the emotions of hurting people because I was hurting too. And it helped me write content that was empathetic toward their feelings.
During Marital Turmoil
When God called me to write a marriage book in 2021, I was coming off one of the most difficult seasons of my marriage. I wasn’t just thinking of ending my marriage; I was thinking of ending my life. But the Lord showed up right when I needed him and healed my wounds, giving me a new perspective on past hurts and showing me how I could help others with marital issues. After writing my book, God also placed several people in my life who were on the verge of divorce and I played a part in helping save their marriages. I didn’t feel qualified to write a book or help others, but God showed me that he had been qualifying me the whole time.
One thing that’s equally fascinating and frustrating about the Christian life is that it’s a process. Being sanctified isn’t pretty or predictable. But God knows what we’ve done, what we’re doing and what we will do. We can only read a chapter of our story at a time, but He’s read the whole book. He allows events, circumstances and difficulties with the end result in mind.
No matter your struggle, it doesn’t disqualify you from being a valuable part of God’s team. He wants you to share your story with others — especially when you’ve overcome obstacles — because it’s an example of Jesus’ power in action.
“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)
The next time you’re dwelling on where you fall short, try to think about the opposite instead. What weakness in your life now could turn into a strength later? Here are a few examples:
Struggling with sin? You can encourage others fighting the same sin and talk about God’s grace to them.
Dealing with low self-esteem? You know the words people in similar situations need to hear and can point them to the love of Christ.
Feeling betrayed and let down? You can use those feelings to build others’ trust and develop stronger relationships, possibly leading to a conversation about the Lord.
Living paycheck to paycheck? You learn how to value what God has given you and it’s easier to see (and help) those struggling financially.
Suffering from family rejection? You can break generational curses and ensure your new family feels loved and accepted, both by you and by God.
There are many ways to share your faith when you’re still struggling. Don’t let it keep you from speaking up. Being open in the midst of difficulties could be the catalyst for the faith conversation you always wanted to have with someone.