I John 1:4-5, “4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
What excuses are you making for not writing down your stories? We share our stories but we often don’t write them down. Can you say God is working in your life? How much more could God be praised by others reading about what Jesus is doing in your daily stories?
A Few Examples of Excuses
1. Sterling’s personal story:
I have a learning disability. I often get my words mixed up. I have to say things in my head first before I say them out loud or they come out backwards. I often struggle through saying big words with 3 or more syllabus.
You could say like me, “I don’t see myself as a writer”. I know if I want others to tell their stories, I have to do it too. I want to set the example that God can work through someone even like me who has trouble speaking sometimes. If I had used this as an excuse you wouldn’t be hearing my stories; this blog would never have happened.
So what do I do? I have friends and various people who like what I have to say and are willing to take their gift of editing and correct my work so it is readable for you. I didn’t say perfect, but readable. :}
2. Moses’ story, in the Bible:
We have the stories of Moses and are encouraged by them. Exodus 4 tells us that Moses had trouble with his speech. What did God do? God gave him Aaron to speak for him but eventually Moses learned to speak himself.
The more we do something the better we get at it. Take time to read his story and maybe like me you will be encouraged.
Why Write Down Your Stories?
1. Others can be blessed by you!
A. As I step out in obedience like Moses, God often gives me boldness to accomplish what he has asked me to do. As I read biographies of mission-minded women or read other’s news updates, I am inspired and blessed. I see that they believe that God can do what He says he will do. Do I believe he can do that with me? I may not get it right all the time but I want to see God work in me like he did those women of history.
B. I want to hear your stories. I want to be encouraged by you. My readers want to hear your stories. Those you serve want to hear your God stories. Are you willing to step out and write down your stories? I know I am encouraged by reading other’s stories. Please let us know where He gave you boldness to do His work in you! I want to praise God on your behalf.
Even if you just write down your stories so that you can remember what God has done and it can help you organize your thoughts, God will open the doors in His timing to share with someone else. If not now, later, God will use it to help you pass onto the next generation what He has done. Also, it will help you remember who God is (refer. to Psalm 78).
C.Sharing your hard times too. I think we need to also share the times when we fail or make mistakes or don’t have it all together, like Naomi and Ruth. We see God working in their lives as we continue reading their story but at the beginning we don’t. We even wrestle with Naomi’s attitude and their story of all the difficult things that happen to them both. Yet God worked in and through their story.
Ruth in the line of Jesus! Wow! She didn’t know her choices and hard times would end up that way. She and Naomi lived life with God at the center no matter how hard it was, day by day. We know the story because it is written, but they didn’t. We know God was there all the time because we read about it today and are encouraged by it. Many of us relate to it too and are encouraged. I want to hear your hard times and struggles so that I can pray for you. I want you to know God works through your stories even when you don’t see or feel it.
2. There is joy in telling our stories.
Why? Because God has designed us to communicate. So if I tell someone my story and they are touched by it, I usually tell several other people. Each time I tell it I get better at communicating and am more inspired because God is using me to minister to others through my story. There is joy because He is being praised.
So Where Can You Start?
1. Write down stories you tell over and over or are meaningful to you: If I find after several times of telling a story that people are responding, it is time to write it down!
2. Ask others for their stories: If you don’t believe me then ask others and see what happens or what will happen when you ask them their stories. People often like to talk about themselves and want to be heard. If we learn to ask good questions and listen well we might be blessed too. You just might find a story you want to write down too.
My eighty year old mom came to visit the other day. Each time she comes I ask her questions about her life. I get her to tell stories. As I respond to her I find she feels valued and wants to tell me more stories. I have learned more stories in the last couple of years about my family than I have in my lifetime just because I have taken time to ask her. I wish I had started asking her earlier in life. I will tell you some of her stories in future blogs.
Is there a story you are dying to tell? Go tell someone, and check out their reaction. If they respond well, go right now and write it down.
Personal Reflection: What point above spoke to you the most? Any excuses? Let us know your next steps or a story you are dying to tell us. We would like to hear what you are thinking in the comment section of the blog, What Story are You Dying to Tell?
From One Pilgrim to another together on the journey
”Consider how you may spur one another on towards love and good deeds….. encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Please Reply in a gracious manner