Stories Only You Can Tell
I Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
Salutations to you all! Another day has dawned upon us, bringing the opportunity to teach and show others we are positively going to take on today with only joy exuding from us! Yes, even you, grumpy pants! You have brought negative vibes from the day before and we need to pause right now and get in tune with God; accepting His guidance, His strength, His love; so that nothing can hinder us in the path today holds. The title today seems a little awkward, but it demonstrates how we as disciples of God can reach those who do not yet know the true meaning of salvation. As we journey through life, the experiences we have encountered, the moments of pain or suffering, the stories behind who we each are; play a role in the stories we can tell. Many of us will say, “I’m not telling anyone those secrets”, but your character, personality already tells them. Each good thing, each bad thing, each step you have taken on the path God laid out, has affected you within; thus, it has made you who you are! For most non-Christians, they look at the “so called” Christians to absorb the how and why of your choice to give God your life. I have paraphrased the quote by William J. Toms, “you may be the only Bible others will read”, for years because it is very true! I even tell my grandchildren that younger siblings watch them; all children watch parents, grandparents, adults around them; someone is always watching! In every life, every person here on earth, God offers us wisdom to live good lives. We are precious in His sight! Our stories need to be used as a powerful witness, the proof that even through pain, suffering, brokenness; God’s grace and mercy abounds! Use your stories to glorify God, bring you peace, help you show gratitude, to help those who do not believe, to accept God as the ultimate gift. The stories you live are already being watched; sometimes by strangers who only want to know just how God really works! They will see how God changed your heart, changed your words in speaking, changed your attitude toward life, and how your story is finding a happy ending, because you had Him on your side to help you endure everything! Take your stories only you can tell and live them out so others can make that same change!
Scriptures:
Read: Matthew 12:36-37, Psalm 107:1-2, Psalm 96:3, Psalm 19:1-14, Colossians 4:2-6, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 18:21, Luke 6:45, Psalm 119:101-115, Matthew 4:4, Romans 10:14-15, 17, Hebrews 4:12, Acts 1:8, I John 5:10, John 4:39-42, I Peter 3:15, Psalm 71:14-18, Matthew 5:16, John 15:26-27, Psalm 66:16, 20
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we come to you now asking for strength to tell our stories, to live life pleasing to you. We thank you for the knowledge you provide that helps us to live better, to act better, to just be better. Lord, we come asking for your grace and mercy to continue; to give us the words to share that will help a lost soul find you. Thank you, Lord, for all that you helped us through on our journey. Amen.