Your Story: How Will You Write it?

Remember the story of Joseph, found in Genesis 37-50? This man went through a great deal of hardship and difficulty at the hands of his brothers, ended up being imprisoned under false pretenses, and rose to be one of the highest in command in Egypt directly under the Pharaoh. His story of triumph in tragedy and victory over his enemies is one that inspires many. It shows how God can take all the things that others do against us that are meant to tear us down and destroy us, and turn it all into something good, something beautiful. In all reality, that is the life of a Christian. Our lives are wounded, broken, disheveled, messed up wrecks, but God comes in and sheds his light, grace, love, and mercy on every facet of our being; on every shadow, until we see who we really are – beautiful creations loved greatly and perfectly by a God who refuses to never let us go and who chooses to use all the pain and hurt in our lives to more truly reflect who He really is; goodness and love. God is good and all he does is good! Face it. He loves you greatly. Do you believe that in your heart? I’ve been through quite a bit in my life. I’ve suffered at the hands of people who meant to do me harm, but God has used those things in my life to help other people and he continues to do so. Your life and your testimony about what Jesus Christ has done for you and in your life, is powerful. Nothing and no one can take that away from you. It is your story. The psalmist in Psalm 71, says this, “My life is an example to many because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.” (7-8) Whatever this Psalmist went through, he recognized God’s hand on his life and he praised Him for that. He never gave up hope that God was who he said he was. He knew that God was faithful to keep his promises even when the odds seemed stacked up against it. He relied on God for everything and he never stopped praising him, even when things weren’t looking so good. Regardless of where you are in your life right now, you are loved greatly. I hope you not only know that, but you believe it. Whatever pain you have experienced in your life, God knows what you have been through. He sees the tears you have cried. It’s your choice whether or not you are going to embrace the love he has for you and go along with him on this journey. It’s your story. How are you choosing to write it?