The Power of Stories

The Power of Stories

I love stories with lots of characterization, conflict, climax, and of course, a great ending. The power of stories transports us any-WHERE, where any-THING is possible.

Stories are relatable too—we see ourselves and circumstances through the eyes of the narrator. It’s no wonder that Jesus used stories to convey Truth. Like pulling back an arrow and letting it fly to its intended target. Our hearts.

I guess that’s why I love Biblical stories so much. I slow down as I read, and imagine myself there, hearing Jesus, and experiencing it as one of the participants in the crowd.

Jesus used stories to convey #Truth. Like pulling back an arrow and letting it fly to its intended target. Our hearts. Click To Tweet

Our Stories Restore

Like the story where the woman with the bleeding disorder touches the hem of Jesus’ garment (Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48).

According to the law, because of her bleeding, she had been isolated for twelve years, unable to touch another human being nor any item without passing on her uncleanness. Doctors haven’t helped and the expense has drained her dry. At the end of her options, she decides that Jesus is her last hope. If she can slip unnoticed through the crowd, just a touch of his robe might do.

I can feel the tension, taste the dust mixing with her salty tears, hear the clamoring crowd as she wiggles her way through with her hand outstretched. Immediately she senses the flow of blood ceased. And suddenly Jesus stops in his tracks and asks, Who touched me?

I feel her shame. I sense her hesitation. And, when she finally speaks, my breath catches, wondering what is coming. But, instead of condemnation for her intentional lawbreaking, Jesus calls her, Daughter. And then in the middle of a gawking crowd, proclaims she is healed. Healed from her bleeding, and restored to the community because they all saw God’s power that day. She would no longer be looked upon as unclean—an outcast.

I am sure there were many needy people in the crowd that day, but Jesus heard her heart and felt His power touch her. But instead of healing her quietly, He gave her a story to tell.

The story of meeting Him in the depth of her need and finding Him faithful.

Our Stories Relate

Throughout God’s word, we find story after story of people encountering the Living God in their needy places.

Abraham finds God as his provider on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:2-17).

Hagar comes to know God as the One who sees her after she flees from her mistress, Sarai (Genesis 16:6-13).

The woman at the well meets the promised Messiah face-to-face. She comes at mid-day to avoid the sneers and jabs from the other women. Yet, Jesus knows everything about her questionable past. He answers all of her questions and tells her that He is the long-awaited One. For years she has avoided the stares of the townspeople, yet suddenly she can’t keep from sharing about the man who told me everything I have ever done (John 4:1-42).

These encounters changed the course of their lives as they met God in a personal way.

You and I also have a story to tell. An encounter. A provision. A deeper revelation of who God is. And stories are meant to be shared so they can touch others in powerful ways. They accomplish more than we can imagine, simply because we are willing to share what God has done for us.

Our Stories Redeem

In the same way that Jesus revealed Himself to those along His way, our story becomes a one-on-one ‘I was there‘ encounter with the Living God. We are witnesses to His mighty presence and transforming power. We no longer feel the shame. We are freed from what the world says about us. We shout His mercy and grace from the rooftop because of the change in us. And it draws others to the Savior.

Our story becomes a one-on-one 'I was there' encounter with the Living God. We are #witnesses to His mighty presence and transforming power. #ComeAndHear Click To Tweet

Sharing our story frees us from the prison of the past as God takes our experiences and redeems them for good.

So, what’s your story? What has God done in your life? Who can you tell?

How has your story helped others? Be sure to share your comments below; I know they will encourage others.

Come and see what God has done; Come and hear what He has done for my soul (Psalm 66:5, 16)

Sharing our story frees us from the prison of the past as God takes our experiences and redeems them for good. #Redeemed #FaithfulGod Click To Tweet

Will you share your story?

Jeanne

 

Images courtesy of Pixabay.com

 

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