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

Be Still

“Be still, and know that I am God!  I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”  (Psalm 46:10 KJV)

This summer I was introduced to a Christian, inspirational fiction series, written by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella (the first two and then after just Michael)—The Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister.  The series opens during the days of the California gold rush and continues through the post-Civil War period.  In reflecting on this time period, I realize that while things weren't easy or simple in many ways, there was a stillness, a quietness that life in the 21^st century simply doesn't allow.  Travel during this period was anything but quick or safe.  Prior to the coast-to-coast railroad travel from the east coast to the west was arduous and slow (horse and buggy—wagon trains or stagecoach).  Life during this time, while not easy seems to have lent itself to times of quiet reflection, stillness. 

Yes, people were busy, just like we are today.  However, their busyness was different than our busyness.  They were busy simply trying to survive—get food on the table, care for their family, and make a living.   

Life in the 21^st century is anything but still.  People are running to and fro—going from one activity to another at a breakneck speed, technology seems to morph overnight; knowledge is multiplying so rapidly that it’s impossible to keep up (see Daniel 12:4 see here), and we are suffering for it in a variety of ways. 

Due to the internet and social media sites we’re more connected than ever before, yet not connected at the same time.  Relationships seem to be characterized (many times) by shallowness. 

It’s no wonder our brains and bodies feel completely overwhelmed and frazzled at times!    

I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to simply be still and wait for God to come to me.  Even though, I know that I need to be still, I find myself time and time again scurrying from one thing to another—if not physically then mentally.  Sadly, God gets crowded out; and I end up exhausted—physically and emotionally. 

What about you: How are you about being still and letting God come to you and commune with you?  As the second verse of the hymn, Be Still, My Soul (Public Domain) states: “Be still my soul, thy God doth undertake to guide the future as He has the past; thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake—All now mysterious shall be bright at last.  Be still my soul—the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.”

What does it mean to be still?  How can you take some time each day in the coming week to be still and wait upon the Lord? 

 

Please join me in prayer:

Dear Lord of All, we confess that many times we find it hard to be still and know that you are God.  Help us to learn how to be still and wait for you to come to us.  We acknowledge that we need this stillness in the midst of our busy schedules; nudge us into those places of quiet rest.  In Your precious name, we pray, Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim