Why you should share your testimony before it’s finished

God used a WhatsApp group to shift my mindset about Christian testimonies.

He’s shown me the power of sharing not only the big, miraculous happy-ever-after stories that we’re accustomed to hearing in church, but also the honest, unfinished ones. 

Let me explain. 

The beauty of sharing 

Now in my mid-20s and post-university, I’m navigating meaningful long-distance friendships. One challenge is missing out on the day-to-day, often only hearing about each other’s highs and lows weeks later, if at all. 

To bridge that gap, four of us started a weekly “Wednesday Waffle”: a short two-minute (usually longer!) video message in which we honestly share the ups and downs of our week. 

What makes these updates so special is hearing each other’s raw, unfiltered reactions in real time, rather than a polished summary weeks later, after everything has been processed or resolved. 

Instead of only celebrating end results, I’ve had the chance to witness my friend’s everyday struggles. Some are still ongoing, others have eventually led to meaningful milestones like weddings, travel, international moves and returning to work after leave. 

Some of the most memorable sermons I’ve heard came from those in the middle of struggles

This has reminded me that strength, resilience and trust aren’t only found in stories with happy endings. Watching my friends navigate ongoing challenges has revealed a deeper side of them - one marked by growing inner strength - as they continue to choose hope, trust and even joy in the middle of difficult circumstances. 

And though our situations differ, our struggles often overlap. And there’s so much we can learn from each other. 

It’s been equally uplifting to share my own joys and struggles, including around my physical health. As I’ve relayed details of my appointments, symptoms, results and uncertainty, my friend’s thoughtful responses have often surprised and moved me. 

In moments when I’ve felt weakest, they’ve reminded me of the strength they see in me - something that’s hard to recognise on your own. They’ve celebrated when I’ve found joy and purpose in hard places, held both sadness and hope, and made tough but necessary choices that honour my health.  

Giving God the glory

For years, I longed to share a testimony of complete physical healing. But I’ve come to see that God’s goodness is worth celebrating at every stage of the journey - not just when we reach our happy-ever-after. 

As Christians, we can fall into thinking our testimonies aren’t valid until they’re complete. Many stories shared in church focus on dramatic miracles or material breakthroughs - healing, provision, a friend’s salvation. These are powerful and worth celebrating, but they’re not the only stories that matter. 

We’re called to rejoice and share what God is doing in every season. His love and power are just as present when dreams are delayed or prayers are not yet answered. In fact, these moments often highlight faith in action, laying the ground for miraculous spiritual and emotional transformation. 

Some of the Bible’s most powerful moments happen despite unresolved physical and emotional struggle: Job’s immense loss, the disciples’ ongoing persecution, Naomi’s familial devastation, King David’s grief over his son. Yet, through their hardship, God’s power shone bright. 

We’re called to rejoice and share what God is doing in every season

Paul understood this beautifully. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, when asking God to remove his “thorn in the flesh,” Paul was told by God: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul responded: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 

I have a family friend who lives this truth daily. He is one of my greatest faith inspirations. Though still waiting for healing, he lives fully for Christ - studying scripture, discipling others, communing with God and sharing his hope. His faith during such difficult circumstances challenges and inspires me. 

Some of the most memorable sermons I’ve heard came from those in the middle of struggles: an older woman facing singleness, an evangelist battling extreme shyness, a teacher wrestling with same-sex attraction. Each surrendered their circumstances to God and chose to seek God’s kingdom first. 

Your today testimony 

There’s profound power in stories where people choose trust, faith, and hope while still in the struggle - carrying their “thorn” and yet leaning on God. These are the testimonies many of us connect with most deeply, because we all live with weaknesses that need God’s ongoing grace. 

I long to see a church culture that celebrates not just the polished victories, but also the in-progress testimonies - the ones that reflect God’s strength in our weakness. For example, I want to hear more from those who are: 

• Battling mental health challenges, yet holding on to hope 
• Grieving, yet receiving God’s comfort 
• Afraid, yet still sharing the gospel 
• Lonely, yet still trusting God 

Sharing testimonies like these takes deep courage, vulnerability and faith. But it’s not about us looking strong or having it all together. It’s about giving rightful praise to our good, faithful and mysterious Father.  

When we dare to speak of God’s faithfulness in every season, even the hard and unfinished ones, we invite others to see his grace and power more clearly. And in doing so, we strengthen one another’s faith, displaying God’s love to those who don’t yet know him. 

What are the highs and lows of your life now? How is God’s power working through your weaknesses? How can you encourage others to share their stories? 

Your story of God’s goodness - no matter where you are on the journey - is worth sharing. It’s a beautiful reflection of God’s faithfulness and power and it might be exactly what someone else needs to hear to keep going.