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Oftentimes the “Prodigal Son” testimony seems to be the only powerful one, but God can still use the testimony of someone who was raised Christian and never really struggled with that identity.

A lot of stock is put into the idea of having a cool testimony. Is it possible to have one if you were raised in a good, Christian home?

What Is a Testimony?

A “testimony” is your personal story of how God has worked in your life. Call it a “faith journey.”

Why Are Testimonies Important?

Testimonies are relatable, personal accounts of the gospel in your life. They’re real stories that can help bridge the gap with people who don’t understand Jesus and the good news he proclaimed.

Anyone Can Have a Testimony

A lot of times it’s assumed that in order to have a testimony of God’s grace in your life, you have to go through a time of doubt or faithlessness after which God amazingly, miraculously delivers you from sin into a new, vibrant faith.

Many people raised Christian struggle with this. It can cause them to feel overlooked in church or at youth group.

The Prodigal Son

The prodigal son is a well-known parable of Jesus (Luke 15:11-32). Many people focus on the “prodigal” son, but the parable begins with Jesus talking about two sons, not just the one (Luke 15:11). That’s because each son in the story struggles with a sin pattern, not just the one who runs away and spends his inheritance. The “good” son struggles with unforgiveness and pride. He had lessons to learn from his father, as well.

All Testimonies Are Different

It’s okay if your testimony isn’t the “wasteful” son in Jesus’s parable. You can find powerful things to share through what God does every day in your life, and these stories can resonate with people.

Don’t “create” a false “rock bottom” scenario. Be on the lookout for how God is working every day, even in the little things. Walking faithfully with God is a powerful testimony. If you don’t have a “prodigal son” testimony, don’t sweat it. God loves you, God has work for you to do, and he’s going to use you to help others pursue him.

Article for this topic by Daniel Martin.
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Key Points:

  • A “testimony” is your personal story of how God has worked in your life.
  • Testimonies are relatable, personal accounts that can bridge gaps to non-Christians for conversation.
  • A lot of times it’s assumed that people raised Christian can’t have a testimony, but this isn’t true.
  • The prodigal son parable isn’t just about the wasteful son who runs away, but the “good” son who stays behind. Both sons had lessons to learn and stories to share.
  • All testimonies are different. You don’t have to be the “wasteful” son. How God works in your everyday life or how he saved you even while being raised in a Christian home can be a powerful story for someone out there.
  • Don’t create a false rock bottom scenario. Be on the lookout for how God is working every day in your life.

Quote This:

Luke 15:31-32 His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’

See Also: Christian Living, Young Adults

Talk About It
  1. What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What is the craziest testimony you’ve ever heard? Summarize it.
  3. Do you think you have a powerful testimony? Why or why not?
  4. Why do you think testimonies are important or unimportant? Explain.
  5. Review the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15:11-32 (called “the Parable of the Lost Sons” in some modern versions). What are the lessons you glean from this parable?
  6. Why is it important to recognize all testimonies are different and that’s okay?
  7. How can the church better honor God’s work in all different sorts of people?
  8. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
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