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Friday, October 18, 2013

The Power of Story

“At that time Jesus full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.  Yes Father, for this was your good pleasure.’”  (Luke 10:21 KJV)

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

2 comments:

  1. 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.
    Thanks for the inspiration, Kim!
    Love and blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  2. 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!

    Love and blessings, Martha!

    ReplyDelete

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