My Story

A devotional reflection on Matthew 4:1 encouraging believers to boldly share their personal testimony, embrace God’s purpose, and rely on the Spirit to overcome trials and temptation. This message reminds us that our story has the power to inspire, save, and lead others to Christ while glorifying God.

C. Atkinson

2/12/20254 min read

a brown leather couch sitting in front of a white wall

Matthew 4:1 (KJV)
"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil."

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and with all that is within me, I bless His holy name! It is in Him that we live, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28). I greet you today in the glorious name of Jesus Christ and pray that your week has been filled with His peace and favor.

Meditating on the Word day and night nourishes our soul and keeps us walking in the Spirit. Even if we are physically apart, we remain connected as joint heirs with Christ. Oh, what a blessing it is to be free from sin and have Christ within! Can I get an Amen?

Your Story Has Power

Every person has a story to tell—a story that can inspire, teach, and transform. Whether positive or filled with trials, our experiences in Christ carry lessons and spiritual growth. Consider the great figures of history: Martin Luther King Jr. had a story and a dream, Rosa Parks had a story, and the apostles Peter and Paul had stories that turned the world upside down. Above all, Jesus left us a story of redemption and love that will last for eternity.

Today, someone needs to hear your story of what God has done for you. Your life has purpose—it is not in vain. No matter your past, your pain, or your struggles, declare today: “My story must be told!” HALLELUJAH!

Arise and Fulfill Your Purpose

Brethren, purpose must awaken within us. I declare in the power of Jesus Christ that you will arise and stand firm on the solid rock of Christ. Whether seen or unseen, your life has impact. Do not allow what was spoken over you in the past to define your destiny. Today, you will stand boldly, speak life, and share your story.

Place your hand on your chest and affirm: “My story must be told!” Revelation 12:11 says:
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

Your testimony is a living witness of God’s goodness and mercy. It can introduce the Gospel to a nation, inspire hope, and draw souls to Christ. I pray that the Lord will give you boldness, just like His generals in the Bible.

Boldness in the Spirit

The early church prayed for boldness amid persecution, and God filled them with the Holy Spirit (Acts). Paul prayed for boldness in Ephesians and boldly proclaimed the Gospel even while imprisoned. He said, “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:9).

Paul embraced his story, knowing God’s glory would shine through his weaknesses. God knew Paul’s story before he was conceived, and it has inspired millions ever since. Like Paul, our stories can bring life and hope when shared in faith and obedience.

Pressing Into Your Calling

Accessing this dimension of purpose comes only through the Blood of Jesus. It requires dying to self daily, enduring trials, and remaining steadfast under testing. The enemy desires to silence our testimony, but God forbid! Jesus Himself faced temptation in the wilderness and resisted through the Word. We too can overcome and fulfill our divine mission.

Someone out there needs to hear how the Lord has sustained you. Your story can save a life, restore hope, and demonstrate the reality of Christ’s power.

My Story

In May 2019, I sat beside my dear mother in the hospital, overwhelmed and unsure of what lay ahead. As I prayed and wept, I felt the warm presence of the Lord fill the room. The song “Blessed Assurance” came to my heart:
"This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long."

With renewed hope, I turned to my mother and said, “Mom, everything is going to be okay.” That moment anchored my soul, reminding me that Jesus is always present—even in the storm.

This personal encounter birthed the book “The Anchor Still Holds: Facing the Unknown”, written to inspire, encourage, and draw souls to Christ. Someone needs to hear your story—it may be the lifeline that prevents another from despair or gives hope to the hopeless.

Living Boldly for the Kingdom

Let the Spirit of God dwell within you (Acts 2:38). Allow Jesus to guide your steps, obey His voice, and apply kingdom principles daily. Matthew 6:33 declares:
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Tell your story boldly. Make a difference for the Kingdom of God.

My book is now available on Amazon:
The Anchor Still Holds: Facing the Unknown

Please share widely to help win souls for the Kingdom. I pray it blesses your soul in Jesus’ name.

Prayer

Dear Lord,
We declare with confidence: “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long!” Help us walk in perfect submission to Your Word. Lead us by Your Spirit so we may resist the devil and stay alive to share our testimony. Lord, empower us to overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the words of our testimony. May our stories bring glory to You and hope to the world. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.

PERFECT SUBMISSION TO THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD SHALL BE OUR PORTION IN JESUS’ NAME!