OK, So the Story Goes Like This...

~~ 1 Chronicles 16:8-12 (NIV1984) ~~  Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.  Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.  Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.  Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.  Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

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by Carley Cooper

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Have you ever stopped long enough to look around and pay attention to how often you see it happening?  People are doing it in books, in the movies, at parties, at the office, on blogs, in the newspaper, magazines, on Facebook, Twitter, on the bus.  Some might even venture to say that you even see it on “reality TV”.  Of course, that last one depends on one’s definition of “reality”, but that’s another topic for another blog.  What am I talking about?  I’m talking about people telling their own stories.  They are true stories; talking about what happened at some point in the past in their lives.

Have you ever wondered why?  That is, why do people want so much to talk about their own lives; to relive and share the past?  It’s gone, over, done!  The credits have rolled and you can’t go back and change any scenes.  So, why talk about it so much?  Wouldn’t just accepting it and moving on from here make more sense?  Well, there are a list of reasons, and I’m sure this list is just a fraction of the complete list of reasons.  First, some people just feel the need to express themselves; whether it be pain, happiness, or just the need to clobber someone.  Others just like to talk about their favorite subject; ME!  Eh, well, not me, Carley; you know; themselves.  Others hope to gain something from sharing their story; fame, fortune, sex, material items, and the list goes on. 

From a Christian perspective does the picture change?  Does it become a different story?  Is it a good thing for Christians to be telling our stories?  After all; boasting, gossip and the like are sins.  James 4:16 (NIV1984) tells us "As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil".  We certainly don’t want to intentionally do that.  We also know that once we truly surrender all to God and allow Him to shape us, mold our hearts to be like that of Jesus, and to help the fruit of the Holy Spirit become who we are; then some awesome things will start happening in our lives.  Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV1984) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."  Once your heart truly belongs to Jesus you will start to see some supernatural things happening in your life; and at a rate that you could never hope to write them all down or share every incident.  There will be just way too many.  Sometimes Christians are afraid to share their stories because of fear of judgement from others.  Other times, Christians are afraid to lay everything down at the foot of the cross.  Thoughts of fear fill their minds about not having any input or control over their own lives if God is in the driver’s seat.  I mean “what if He wants me to do stuff that I don’t want to do?”.  Well Worshiper’s; guess what?  That’s a given.  Even though you may not be able to see it now, He will insist on you stepping out of your comfort zone.  But, in the end you will be blessed and thankful for it. 

This kind of supernatural activity can only happen because of the sacrifice that Jesus made when He willingly died for us on the cross.  Once you let Him in to your heart and life, you are allowing Him to do His best miracles that He has in store for you.  Until then, you won’t see the miracles, blessings, or supernatural events.  The Word won’t be as clear in your mind.  2 Corinthians 3:16 (AMP) tells us “But whenever a person turns [in repentance] to the Lord, the veil is stripped off and taken away”. 

This event of Jesus dying for us is the single most amazing and wondrous thing that has ever happened in history; or ever will happen.  Nothing else even comes close.  For that matter, everything else combined still doesn’t come close.  The story of Jesus deserves to be told to every single person on earth.  God wants us to tell our stories because  it is evidence of His amazing love for us, and what He has done for us.  He wants our stories to be told and remembered.  Psalm 111:4 (ESV) says “He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.”.  It is our responsibility to tell our stories to others. 

So, is it scary sometimes?  Absolutely!  As a matter of fact we are even warned about who we share with.  Matthew 7:6 (NIV1984) “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.  If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces".  I think “dogs” is a adjective to describe not only non-Christian’s, but also Christian’s who do not have a true relationship with Christ.  Those that don’t stop to pay attention, or have some fear of preventing them from allowing or believing in God’s miracles in our daily lives.  The best course of action, when in doubt, is to use your common sense and to listen very closely for God’s voice in your heart leading you.  We are meant to plant a seed.  If there can be any growing inside, it’s up to Jesus to do the watering.  We are not meant to stick around and put ourselves in a situation that could cause temptation, risk our salvation or our safety.

I have started writing a book about my life.  To be completely honest, it is very unnerving for me to be that open to the world; so that all is exposed.  Will I get judgement from others?  Absolutely.  I fully expect it.  It is also possible that there will be people that I love that will walk out of my life.  However, I know that He will be with me every step of the way.  Psalm23:4 (NIV84) says “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  My story shows how much God loves me.  He loves me enough to go through a lot of trouble to shape me and teach me.  He loves me enough to send His Son to die for me!  My story is just one small example that displays how awesome God can be for each one of us.  So I will tell it, and I won’t be ashamed.  Psalm119:46 (NIV1984) says “I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame”.

Next time you hear someone telling their story, stop and listen... really listen for the true message.  There are as many different ways for you to tell your story as there are people that have stories to tell.  You could write book, a blog or a poem; make a video or go on TV, chat on social networking, make a photo journal, stand on the roof of the tallest building in town and shout, or simply alone with a friend who really needs to hear the lesson you have to teach.  How are you going to tell your story?  You really do have a story worth telling, and there are people waiting to hear it.

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~~ Dear God ~~ Thank you the journey you have taken me on, and for giving me a story that shows Your awesome love and mercy.  Please help me tell my story in a way that will touch people’s hearts.  Open their eyes, ears and heart so that  they will see Your peace within me, say “I want what she has”.  Please protect me from the “dogs”, and surround me with people that will love me no matter what my story has to say.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

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