My life’s story consists of celebrations and failures, joy and disappointment. Often after sharing I have a deep sense of regret. Did I say too much? Did I overshare? Maybe I should’ve kept that private?
Time after time, though, God reminds me that transparency can be the very thing He uses to encourage others. What I see as weakness, He uses as a testament to His love, hope, and forgiveness.
Recently, I shared something that felt entirely too raw and unpolished. Later, someone said, “That was exactly what I needed to hear. It helped me through a really hard time in my life.”
Suddenly, my fear of being “too much” turns into gratitude and peace — because God had used my vulnerability for His glory.
Sounds like something He would definitely do. 🙂
Why does being vulnerable matter?
When believers share their personal struggles, it shows others that they are not the only ones wrestling with doubt, fear, shame, or regret. I think this can be exceptionally difficult for believers. After all, how do we reconcile fear and faith? (Perhaps we will dig deeper into that in the next blog)
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:
“Praise be to the God…who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
The very places we’ve been comforted become places of ministry for others.
If we squash our ego, transparency takes the spotlight off us and reveals the kindness of our savior.
Transparency is not about making ourselves look good. It’s about showing how God meets us in the messy, imperfect places and chooses to use us anyway. I am undeniable proof of this.
Paul also writes:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
We impress through our strengths, but we heal and connect through our weaknesses.
James 5:16 reminds us:
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
Most times, healing doesn’t come through silence or secrecy, but through honest conversation, prayer, and mutual support.
Maybe it’s not about oversharing but rather being obedient—trusting God to use our words in ways we can’t predict. What feels too vulnerable to me may be exactly what someone else needs to induce self-reflection and repentance.
Now, having said all this, I also want to say being transparent doesn’t mean sharing everything with everyone at every opportunity. There is a time and place for the information I choose to share. I probably wouldn’t tell a room full of three-year-olds about the reckless choices I made in the depths of my darkest moments. It does mean responding to the Holy Spirit’s nudge and being willing to open up when God tells me to do so.
The first time I shared, I didn’t really have a plan- I was just going to talk and pray no one would walk out. Immediately after, though, came the intense feeling of regret. Fear that people would now treat me differently. I dissected every word, convinced I destroyed all credibility as a leader in ministry. Turns out, I’m just not THAT important or that powerful.
People did/do see me differently, but not in the way the enemy wanted me to believe.
For example, my story includes a time in high school when I developed a severe eating disorder. I shared openly and honestly for the first time about my struggles with food. Once I worked through the doubt, I was left with an overwhelming sense of freedom. I didn’t have to hide that part of me anymore.
God continues to use that time to open doors and create opportunities to minister to others wrestling with similar issues.
People want to be seen, they want to know they matter, and that their pain has purpose.
I may never see the impact my obedience has had on others, but I’m becoming okay with that.
I know God has and will continue to use my shortcomings to personify His amazing grace and mercy. I also know that with each opportunity, seeds of hope are planted.
The next time you feel led to share your story, specifically the most vulnerable moments- pause and ask yourself: Does this point others back to God? Does it represent the redemptive power of His grace? Does this magnify MY strength or God’s mercy and forgiveness?
“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” (Psalm 107:2)
We each have a unique story, handcrafted by our Heavenly Father. It consists of highs and lows, losses and gains, shame and redemption. In a world of chaos and confusion, I hope you are encouraged to share the love and mercy we are continuously shown. Through triumph and tragedy, faith and fear, everyone has a story to tell and a light to shine! SHARE IT!
Lynn Fulwider
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#lynnfulwiderblogs