Why Your Story Matters
Matthew West on How God Uses Where You’ve Been
If you’re a fan of Christian music, you’ve probably heard of Matthew West. He’s a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and author known for hits like Hello, My Name Is, The God Who Stays, and Truth Be Told. What truly sets Matthew apart, though, is how he uses his platform to tell stories—both his own and those of the people who listen to his music.
In fact, many of his songs are inspired by real-life testimonies from fans who’ve reached out to him, sharing how God has worked in their lives.
Matthew shared with us how these stories have not only inspired his songs but have become central to his mission as an artist. His album, My Story Your Glory, weaves together his personal experiences with the testimonies of others and creates powerful imagery of how God is always at work in our lives.
From My Story to Yours
Early in his career, Matthew focused on telling his own life stories, but over time, something unexpected happened—people began reaching out, eager to share their own testimonies with him. And it brought a significant impact to the way in which he wrote songs.
“I get excited to go, ‘You’re not going to believe this story of Jordan, whose story of addiction inspired Hello, My Name Is,’” Matthew shared with enthusiasm. Rather than focusing only on his personal journey, Matthew now uses his platform to amplify the voices of his fans and their experiences.
Much of “My Story Your Glory” reflects this change in approach. “I like to say that on the My Story Your Glory album, it’s equal parts like I’m telling my story and I’m also telling…our story,” Matthew explained. “It’s a double album”—it’s a collection of shared experiences, showing how our lives and stories connect through the work of God.
God’s Hand in Every Story
Matthew’s music is filled with stories of transformation, and it’s clear that he sees God’s hand in every testimony. Whether it’s a story of overcoming addiction, like Jordan’s, or a song about finding strength during hard times, Matthew is passionate about showcasing how God works in our lives, even in the darkest moments.
“Sometimes being an artist can be kind of self-indulgent, like, ‘Oh yeah, the whole world needs to hear what I have to say,’” Matthew admitted. But by turning the focus outward and sharing the stories of others, his music has taken on new depth and meaning. He’s not just telling his story—he’s telling the stories of people who have experienced God’s grace firsthand.
This allows Matthew’s music to resonate on a deeper level, showing that every story has the potential to inspire and uplift someone else. “We find connectivity when we share our story,” he said, emphasizing how powerful it can be when we’re willing to open up and share what God has done in our lives.
Matthew’s approach invites all of us to participate. No matter what you’ve gone through, your story has the potential to impact someone else.
God can use your testimonies to shine a light into the lives of others.
“Where do we look to find help during hard seasons?” Matthew asked, pointing out that while our stories may differ, we all go through difficult times that shape us. And it’s in those moments of hardship that God’s presence often becomes most apparent, guiding us through and turning our trials into testimonies.
Your Testimony Can Change Lives
For Matthew creating songs is about spreading hope. Every testimony he’s heard has shown him how God works in incredible ways, transforming lives and situations for the better. And every song he writes, inspired by these stories, carries a message of encouragement for anyone listening.
So, what’s your story? How has God worked in your life? Your story, like the ones that have inspired Matthew’s music, has the potential to impact someone else’s faith.
Take a moment to reflect on your journey and how sharing your testimony could help someone else see God’s work in their life. Your story might be exactly what someone needs to hear.
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