"I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you. That is that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine." (Romans 1:11-12)
As we live out a life of faith in Jesus Christ, we experience his work in our lives. Sharing the stories of those gracious interventions is a way of building into each others' lives.
Setting the Scene
The stories often start with something negative. We are faced with a challenge, a need, a loss, a tragedy. It might be just the brokenness of the world, or the result of bad decisions we have made. Someone else's carelessness or meanness might have created suffering for us. Or, we have noticed someone else going through something horrible and come alongside them. We know our limited resources can't fix it.
The Choice to Trust
In our need, we cry out to God for help. We know he is a God of steadfast love who has promised to be with us and to deliver us. So, we turn to him in prayer, in surrender, in desperation. We admit our inability and count on his power and wisdom.
God Provides
As we trust him God steps in to bless us. It might be an intervention to shield us from the consequences of our predicament. It might be a miraculous provision, a perfectly timed and unexpected reversal of a situation. Maybe he does not take away the problem, but rather stays close to us as we go through it, so that we grow through it. He might show his presence with us through the presence of his people.
The Outcome
God shows that he loves us. He is faithful to his promises. We receive the benefit of his goodness. Our faith is deepened. Our neighbors are also blessed by how we were helped. The result is worship and praise to the glory of God himself. People around us are encouraged by our story to have increased confidence and faith in the Lord. Others who are watching might even see a kind of portal open up to a world they never knew existed, but through which God is calling them to himself.
What is Your Story?
So, tell your story to family and friends. It is perfect over coffee or tea, or on the hiking trail, or while stuck in traffic. Share it in your Bible study or small group. Write it and distribute it. Let the church know the mighty works of God. Let the whole world know! (Okay, maybe that will be figurative instead of literal.)
We don't have to wait until every part of our story is settled and in the past tense. We probably have good, old stories that are worth retelling. Some of the best and most helpful stories, however, are told as they unfold. Faith works best in the present tense.
I need to hear your story.
Every SINGLE day.
I like it: tell your story! It's been on my heart too.