What do you most
strongly remember from your childhood? What stories did you find particularly fascinating
and wanted read over and over? For me, I’ve
been told that I loved Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. We learn so much from stories—those written,
as well as the stories of lives of others told to us orally. Even our personal stories can instruct. Learning to listen—with rapt attention (like
small children listening to a book being read)—to the stories of faithful
believers can aid our own walk. It’s
humbling to realize that our own testimony can inspire others.
Growing up in the
church I listened to many Bible stories.
Through those stories I learned about Bible heroes and the faith that I’d
return to in a more complete and powerful way as an adult.
For those who grew
up in church, what stories were the most fascinating to you? My favorite was when Jesus healed the man who
was paralyzed (Matt. 9:2-7 see here; Mark 2:3-12 [a different type of healing] see here; Luke 5:18-25 see here). Today, as an adult, I still find the stories
where Jesus (and His apostles) healed others to be fascinating. There is such
amazing power in God’s Word!
Romans 10:17 (KJV) states: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Listening seems to
imply that a response of some sort is needed.
The response is up to each individual listening. In this case, it’s responding to Jesus and
His desire to be our Savior and Lord.
The question is: Will we say “yes”
to Jesus and eternal life that is truly worth living or will we say “no” and
spend an eternity separated from the One who loves more deeply than we can
begin to understand? This is one
question that can only be answered by each person for himself/herself. What will your answer be?
Heart-warming is a
good way to describe what many of us feel when children or adults make the
decision to invite Jesus into their heart—becoming born again. Their lives are completely different. Salvation changes us from inside out.
The effect of
stories on our lives is powerful—it is through stories that learning takes
place on a more personal level. Stories
bring life and color to issues that could otherwise remain dull and lifeless. Who can you share the stories of Jesus with in
the coming days?
Dear Father, I lift
up to You each person who reads this blog—reveal Yourself to them in the way
they need to experience You. Draw them
to You. Lift any condemnation they may
be under that is hindering them from hearing You, may they surrender their life
to You. Thank you for the openness and
receptiveness of little children—may we be more childlike in how we respond to
You and Your Word. . Help us to teach them the Truth about Jesus
and His love. Instill in us a childlike
faith and openness to You. Open our
hearts to truly hear what children say to us about You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
From my heart to
yours,
Kim
I've written multiple posts on what we can both learn from children and from the faith stories of others. We all must be open to the possibilities God has for us through His word and the testimonies of believers, listening and learning with childlike wonder.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration, Kim!
Love and blessings!
Martha, thank you for reading and commenting. My life has been greatly enriched through hearing the testimonies of others. Glad you found my words inspiring!
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings, Martha!