Stories

     One of our group turned 85 this week. She grew up in a Chrstian home, married a pastor and raised five children, teaching them about Jesus. Three others in our Tuesday morning Bible study feel as if they have known and loved Jesus since they were very young girls. Another lived in an abusive home. She lived in fear and didn’t meet Jesus until a Godly man came into her life.

     Others, like me, were “social” Christians for a time; sitting in a pew on a Sunday morning and going home and living their own lives. Then we all shared a common thread…until I started to read the Bible…until someone asked, “Who is Jesus to you?”…suddenly I developed a hunger for the Word of God…someone brought me to a Bible study.

     We have begun a new study called, “God’s Story, Your Story” by Max Lucado. God has placed us here, at this particular time, for a reason. The darkness around us is deepening and He is challenging us to share His light with others. It’s safe for us to share and witness on Tuesday mornings. We all love each other and we all love Jesus.

     What happens when we are around our acquaintances and neighbors and other strangers God places in our paths? Then it gets a little scary. What will they think? I won’t know what to say. What if they think I’m weird? Jesus doesn’t care if we take up space on a pew on a Sunday morning. He doesn’t keep score on how many Bible verses we have memorized. He wants us to know Him. When our love and knowledge of Him deepens so does our commitment. Here are two verses. Here are our marching orders.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

     You have a story. You have a hope in you. You have the answers to eternal life. It’s all about Jesus. He will use all of it; hurts and joys from the past and the present to share His good news, the great news for our future.  He changes everything. Let’s go and make disciples.

Dear Jesus,

Give us confidence in You. Give us opportunities to share our stories with someone in our lives. There is a hurting world all around us crying out for You.

Amen