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We all have our story of how God has brought us from where we came from to where we are. Our stories are not yet complete, but how important it is to share what is written so far! Ok, ok, this idea or thought did not come from me, but a sermon I attended tonight. But it really made me more aware of how God wants to complete a work in us, to be the central figure in our completed story. For us to live life abundantly, resting in Him. The pastor was about to get into the book of Ruth, stating he wasn't that impressed with her as a person, which I found kind of funny. He then pointed out to the congregation and stated there is a book of you, and you, and you... It made me realize how the Holy Spirit has consoled me, lifted me up, built me, comforted me..., and where I have strayed.
Mine is not a new story. When I think of where I am, and how I have strayed along the way, certain other bible stories come to mind: Adam and Eve and the fall of man, the cause of the flood of Noah, the tower of Babel, the Exodus and the desolotate years in the desert. Moses on the mountain and the Isrealites Baal worshiping while they're waiting..., I could go on and on and on.
These stories are alive in us, and us in them. They are our stories. The crux of the message is to share your story. Whether you are a success story, or a work in progress with seemingly insurmountable obstacles - share your story. Because if you have overcome and are living and walking for Him, it will serve as encouragement to those in need who are going through something scarily similar to what you have come out the other side of. Contrarily, share your story if you are struggling, and someone who has experienced similar struggles can encourage you.
The pastor went on to express how in today's culture/times/rat race: how we hold each other at arm's length, and that we need to embrace each others situation and be encouraging. To be accountable and to hold each other accountable. But to be honest and transparent. Will some abuse what they learn about you, stab you in the back, talk behind your back? Very likely. But you, and I have the source, which is God. And he will love you beyond your understanding. And you have that to fall back on, always.
The stories in the bible are ours. Is sin the fault of Adam and Eve? We all have crossed boundaries we should not have. It started with them, they are our forefathers, therefore we have inherited the fall. We all can relate to that story. Peter, who promised Christ he would always love Him and never betray Him? Yet three times in a short period he denied he even knew Him. We're in it together. He redeems us through his blood. He became flesh and blood for that purpose.
The bible speaks to us. Two different comments I've heard come to mind. A friend once told me that he substitutes the words "you," "the world," "he," and other objects (pronouns?) in verses with his own name. For example, in John 3:16 "For God so loved Mike that He gave His only begotten Son that Mike who believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The living word talks to us. The other comment comes from the author of "Velvet Elvis," an interesting book I am reading. It is something to the effect of reading the bible being like looking through a jewel with 70 sides; each time you read it, you will gain something different/more.
Our stories are continuations of the bible. Point to yourself and say, "The book of (insert your name). Share your story, and finish the race well. Give God the glory (correct thinking), Know that your story is in there, and live a life that others can read and point to and say "that's me" through their own victory in Christ.
SIDENOTE: To those who struggle with secret or dark sin, as I have and am coming out of, you may have heard the Holy Spirit at one time or another shout at you, "Don't do that!!" Each time you do what you don't want to do, that voice gets softer and softer until you don't hear it again. All IS NOT lost. You have free will. Choose to woship Him, praise Him, live for Him, glorify Him. His forgiveness is also beyond our understanding. He has plans for you. Let Him in. Turn from your self-destructive habits, thoughts, feelings, and turn your mind and heart to God. God will comfort you, lift you up from your brokenness and make you whole again. His blessings, even in this world, await you. If you are broken, tell your story. There is someone who has been where you are and who can encourage you.
God bless you and keep you,
Mike
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