Stories are Powerful
Our stories are the builders of others’ hope and faith. Rahab (read her story in Joshua 2) heard God’s stories from unknown sources, and their impact has lasted for generations. Whoever shared this information on the streets of Jericho impacted the world through Rahab’s great faith.
I can see Rahab at the market, moving through her daily routine. She is stunned by what she hears. A peddler at the next booth retells a story he heard about a riverbed suddenly drying up. Another claims an undermanned army handily defeats a greater foe. Pretending to examine a fig, she cocks her head to hear more. Could this be true?
The small ember of wonder blazed in Rahab’s heart, preparing her for what was coming.
What if no one repeated the stories?
This is not a guilt trip to reflect on lost opportunities. It is an invitation to seek opportunities to share a God story with others. We don’t force a retelling or push an agenda, but look for places where they naturally fit. Remember, the stories are always spoken; the way we live our lives reflects God’s impact for others to see.
Our stories intertwine with the stories of the people before us. Sharing what we know about Jesus creates an opportunity for others to know Him more.
On a mission trip to New Orleans, we worked to strip and clean homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina. We worked with people from all over the United States in the summer heat. Bedecked in Tyvek suits and ventilators, we took regular breaks to ensure we did not overheat. During these breaks, we shared stories of our lives.
Sitting to the side, one young woman quietly observed. She seemed indifferent and at times even defiant. Many of us shared our observations of God working during this trip. Her jaw was set when comments were directed toward her. Her peculiar behavior was a mystery to me. The conversation drifted from one person to the next, each person passing the time as we cooled our bodies with cold water and ice packs.
Near the end of the week, the young woman cautiously approached one of the chaplains on site. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she explained she lied about her faith because she desperately wanted to come down to help a friend affected by the hurricane. With the prayerful guidance of the chaplain, she began her relationship with Jesus.
It was our stories that introduced her to Jesus.
Without any idea of her circumstances, the Holy Spirit planted seeds. Each day, she heard words that watered those seedlings. She tasted the fruit of the Spirit shared by each of her co-workers, satisfying a deep longing within her. God used these stories to draw her home to him.
Jesus instructed the man freed from demons in Luke 8:39 (NLT) to tell his story, “‘No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.’ So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.” We need to do the same.
Who needs to hear your story of hope and faith? Pray for those whose hope has waned. Remember that together our hope is refreshed. Your faithful prayer will make a difference.
Show your hope by treating everyone you meet today with kindness and respect.
