Recently, I have been reading the book of Jeremiah, and as I wrapped up the last chapter, I was reminded again about the power of documentation, and the need to document one’s journey.
The Scripture, from the very first words of Genesis to the closing sentences of Revelation, is a collection of records — stories, letters, genealogies, visions, and instructions. It is, in essence, God’s documented dealings with humanity.
You know how, when reading through the book of Numbers, you can see a detailed description of the count of people, by families, by tribes, and across the nation, and you wonder – what kind of documentation system did these people have in place?
Without Moses’ writings, we would not know the details of creation, the covenant with Abraham, or the Exodus journey.
Without Jeremiah’s recorded prophecies, Daniel may not have known how long they were to spend in exile.
Without the Gospels, we would have no written testimony of Jesus’ miracles, teachings, and sacrifice.
Without Paul’s letters, the early church and we, would lack guidance on faith, leadership, and perseverance.
This reinforces, to me and hopefully to you, that documentation in the Bible is not an afterthought, it is a divine strategy for preservation, instruction, and transformation. One that we need to adopt.
Why Documenting Your Journey Matters
- It preserves memory for future generations
Psalm 102:18 says, “Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.” Your story may be someone’s survival guide years from now. - It provides clarity and perspective
Habakkuk 2:2 – The Lord answered me and said, “Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it.” Documenting or journaling instructions and experiences bring clairty that aids speed.
Many prophets and apostles wrote during seasons of trial. Later, their writings became an encouragement to them and others. Documenting helps you process your journey and see God’s hand in it.
- It multiplies impact beyond your lifetime
Luke, though not an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, carefully researched and documented his work in a way that has shaped billions of lives (Luke 1:1–4). Your notes, journals, or reports may outlive you and impact lives beyond your imagination.
Biblical Examples of People Who Documented
- Moses – Recorded the Law and Israel’s journey in detail (Exodus–Deuteronomy).
- King David (my mentor) – Wrote psalms that still give comfort and instruction, and songs that we still sing today.
- Prophets like Jeremiah – Penned God’s words in scrolls, some rewritten after being destroyed (Jeremiah 36).
- The Gospel writers – Carefully compiled eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry.
- Paul – His epistles were essentially written mentorship sessions to churches and leaders, and they still serve us today.
- Also, kings in Israel/Judah had scribes, recorders/secretaries that documented the events that occurred during their reign.
- And many more.
Historical Example: David Livingstone
David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary to Africa, was a diligent journal-keeper. His meticulous records of his travels, challenges, and encounters remain invaluable today.
One famous account tells of a night when hostile villagers planned to kill him. At the same time, believers in Scotland felt an urgent need to pray for his safety. Later, the villagers admitted they could not harm him because they saw tall “giants” in shining garments guarding him, believed to be angels. Livingstone kept writing in his journal that night, never realizing he was surrounded by supernatural protection. The church also documented their prayers that night, providing invaluable corroboration/explanation on what happened.
His example shows that documenting your journey is not just about writing events, it’s about capturing God’s faithfulness in real time.
Contemporary Examples
- Nelson Mandela documented his struggles and vision in Long Walk to Freedom, inspiring millions.
- Mary Ogundimu, an ex-banker shared candid insights into the realities of banking in her book Suffering and Smiling, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the pressures and perseverance in the corporate world.
- Esther Omikunle (my humble self), author of Love Letters to Abba, turned my private journaling with God into a published book, offering readers a deeply personal yet relatable journey of faith.
How This Applies to You
As a professional business person, student, or employee, documenting your journey is equally powerful:
- Career growth – Keeping track of projects, lessons, and wins helps in performance reviews and interviews.
- Leadership development – Written reflections can become training material for your team.
- Thought leadership – Publishing articles or case studies positions you as an authority in your field.
Your documentation might take the form of a prayer journal, a professional portfolio, or even a personal journal/blog, but the key is this: Do not let your story remain unwritten.
You can document your life
- by writing books,
- through multimedia – pictures, videos,
- by keeping journals,
- by creating documentaries,
- by owning a blog,
- or even social media posts.
Documentation continues to shape how we understand history, leadership, and transformation.
Your story is being written — will it be in your words, or someone else’s?
Remember, if you don’t tell your story yourself, others will tell it for you, in their way, and it most likely will not be the way you like it.
Your story is being written — will it be in your words, or someone else’s? Share on XDear friend, one day, your words may be the “letter” that strengthens someone’s faith, ignites their courage, or guides their decisions. Like Luke, you may never see the full impact of your writing, but someone, somewhere, will thank God that you took the time to document your journey.
Document your life's journey for yourself, for your unborn children, and for generations to come. Share on XWhen will you start documenting your journey?
Leave a comment below. I’ll be reading.
Rooting for you always,
Esthitude
