OUR STORY
Mark 16:15, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News [of salvation from the bondage and penalty of sin] to everyone, everywhere."
Every single one of us has a valuable story to tell...a story that will impact a life of one or lives of many. We may be hesitant in sharing our story with others because we're shy and feel awkward or perhaps we feel as if it's just too trivial that it wouldn't have an effect on anyone. How would it help someone else? Perhaps we struggle with the heaviness of guilt and shame of our story that we shrink back and don't dare to even think about mentioning these past experiences with anyone. Psalm 34:5 gives us something to be encouraged and bold about, "Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces."
Isn't that encouraging to know that no past experience, no amount of guilt or shame can darken our faces if we only look to Him for help. He will lift us up, pouring forgiveness and grace upon us as we seek Him with all our heart. Then we will radiate with JOY! Praise God!
Our life story can help others who are trapped where we once were. We are not the only ones who ever experience hardships in life...discouragements...hurts...sorrow...regrets...guilt. Friends, the enemy would love for you to believe that you are very much alone in your "horrendous" situation. That no one would ever understand what you are going through. But that is a bald face LIE!
For those of us who are believers in Christ, we have a hope and an assurance in knowing that He will see us through each and every situation. Though because of our flesh it is still very difficult to Trust and Obey. That's where our Faith needs to come in and be strong. Our faith becomes strengthened by others who have experienced what you are going through, who have been there and seen it through to the end victorously with Christ Jesus.
Jesus said to 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.' What does that mean in sharing our story? Yes, many go afar traveling on mission trips sharing the love of Jesus, however, distance doesn't mean that you're not already on a mission field. We really don't have to go that far. And as far as preaching, it's really only conversation with one another what the LORD has done for you through your circumstances...His Truth...His Promises...His Love.
Christ will put people in our lives, intersecting our paths and forming webs of connections. They can be people we see on a regular basis doing life or perhaps complete strangers that 'pop' into our lives. However He is having our paths cross there is always an opportunity to share Jesus even if a word is never spoken.
Slowing down in our rush of errands and tasks to look people in their eyes; genuinely greeting the cashier by their name as we check out of the supermarket; speaking with kindness and grace to those who are around us wherever we are; being courteous and waving at our neighbors instead of quickly driving into the garage and closing it immediately behind us; basically treating others as we would desire to be treated ourselves. Thinking of them before ourselves and allowing Christ to flow through us to bless their lives. We must love Jesus first and love Jesus most because we cannot do anything affective without Him.
As we consistently, purposefully live our lives this way on the "mission field" , then people will see something different within you. Something that is of hope & encouragement to them. They desire that for themselves wanting that unspeakable peace that is upon you. [Opportunity.] God will guide and direct. He will prepare hearts. We need only to be obedient and share our life story. No worries on what to say or how to say it, that's why God sent the Holy Spirit to intercede for us. To fill us with all that He is. We'll lack nothing as long as we put our trust in Him and let Him lead us through.
Psalm 37:23:24, "The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD, He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand."
Whenever we are blessed to have an opportunity to share our life story with people and they hear our story then they are offered a chance. A chance to identify and understand that they are not alone. A chance to release all that they have been carrying to the Most High. A chance to be loved on by the most loving and gracious King. A chance to loosen their chains. A chance to begin their own healing through Christ Jesus!
Within each of us is our own personal journey that is waiting to be shared. Are you willing to allow God to use it to help others?
Take care & be blessed,
Christy Krezman
Rosette Ministry
