Stories

     A good book or movie keeps our attention with drama, suffering, separation, tears, laughter, and deep joy. I always look for the happy ending, for true love to win, for the soldier to come home, for the good guys to be standing at the end. Our life stories include conflict, suffering, good times and hard times. With Jesus our stories, each one of our stories, will have a happy ending.

     We know the end of the story. Not only is it a happy ending, it is a perfect ending. And the perfect ending is just the beginning. One of the criminals next to Jesus on a cross of his own, understood who Jesus was and asked Him to remember him when He came into His kingdom.

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”  Luke 23:43

     Looking back on your life, can you spot the hand of God working? Has He placed you at the right place at just the right time on more than one occasion? Has He answered a prayer? What you may have seen as coincidence now shines in your heart as another story to tell of your Lord and Savior. Before we knew Him He knew us.

     Fill youself with His Holy Spirit. Put yourself in God’s hands to finish out your story on this earth. Watch for opportunities. Seek His face as you wait. Ask Him for guidance when you just aren’t sure. He knows you so well.

Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.  Psalm 139:6-8

     He is our God. We won’t understand it all. We see only in part right now. He hears you. He understands you. He sees your heart and He will continue your story, until He welcomes you into paradise. A happy ending. A new beginning of never-ending splendor. Such knowledge is too wonderful!!

Dear Jesus,

We give our lives to You. Write our stories to glorify You, to be different in the world around us, shining with Your love. We do know the end of the story. It ends with You. It began with You. It’s all about You. Give us new stories to tell. Write new stories about You on our hearts.

Amen