STORIES

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“There is an appropriate way to use your story, not as an excuse but as a testimony to God's ability to free you from the past.”― Andy Stanley

You have heard the clichés, right?

There is no TESTIMONY without a TEST.

Make a MESSAGE out of your MESS.

Both good.

Both true.

But I like what Andy says too.

That a story of deliverance or healing is to be shared because it AFFIRMS FREEDOM is possible! Freedom for the one who has been impacted and the HOPE of FREEDOM for those who hear it!

The truth is our stories coupled with the PROMISE of CHRIST are POWERFUL THINGS; conquering things!!!

(Revelation 12:11) And our stories are a treasure not to be left hidden or taken for granted but rather illuminated!

No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. – Matthew 5:15 (NLT)

Just last week Dr. Delaney and I were in WOOSTER sharing “our story”.  And YES, it can be embarrassing to share with a room full of strangers, CHRISTIANS no less, about my lost time romancing the alcohol, the benzos, the porn, the strippers and the consequences. But following the service, several said THEY needed to hear it.  Reminding me again, our stories are not just for us. In fact, one gentleman thought I was telling his story.

Friend, in the middle of test?

How about a mess?

Are you leaning on GOD?

Are you looking for the learning?  Or making excuses?

Have you gone to Him seeking the PURPOSE in the PROBLEMS and the PAIN? 

It is there.

Rick Warren comments that:

Your pain often reveals God’s purpose for you. God never wastes a hurt! If you’ve gone through a hurt, he wants you to help other people going through that same hurt. He wants you to share it. God can use the problems in your life to give you a ministry to others. In fact, the very thing you’re most ashamed of in your life and resent the most could become your greatest ministry in helping other people.

The Bible backs that up.

God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things. 2 Corinthians 1:4, 6 (NLT)

So, value your story my friends ESPECIALLY the messy parts. 

Share it willingly. 

It may be just the thing that REVEALS GOD to someone else!

Love you all…

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE