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I Love to Tell the Story
by Scott Bruton "I Love to tell the Story", is one of the most beloved and revered hymns of the church. Written in 1834 by Katherine Hankey after experiencing a long illness, the Hymn challenges Christians to tell the world what Jesus did for them on that Old Rugged Cross. When Jesus died on that Cross, He took the sins of the world on His shoulders. When we believe in Him, He becomes our way, our only way, into heaven. What a story to tell a lost and dying world! We all have a story we can tell of how God pricked our heart and brought us to that saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. However, let me remind you, that is only the first chapter. After our salvation experience, we start writing a new story; a story that is as unique, and diverse, as the people who write it. As we write our story, we all can tell of the good times and bad; the ups and the downs. Every Christian experiences trials, temptations and snares that come our way as we travel through this life. Being a Christian does not mean we are immune to trouble. The Apostle Paul told it best when in 2 Corinthians 4: 89 he writes, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." Paul was ridiculed, mocked, put into prison, called all kinds of names, stoned, abandoned, went through an earth quake, snake bit, ship wrecked, and the list goes on and on. However, there are two things I want you to notice about Paul's writings. 1) He never hid his troubles from the faithful. He never pretended that all was rosy, and his service to God was easy. He told the new believers every pain, trial, heartache, disappointment, and desire to quit that he ever experienced. For those who are going through rough times right now, there is an encouraging lesson to be learned. Let us use Paul's example and tell others the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects that can come with serving God. We must not hide from the traps we fall into! Let me encourage you to tell your story of heartache; tell your story of pain; tell your story of how you wanted to give up and quit. I assure you that when you do, there will be another believer that is experiencing the very same issue. Your story can, and will, encourage people and let them know that they are not alone in their personal struggles and pain. Our stories are valuable tools God can use to teach others, that are down in their faith, how only He can work all things out to His glory and praise. "Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." 2) The second thing I want you to notice about Paul's writings is that Paul always, always, gave God the Glory and the credit, no matter what befell him. "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1Corinthians 15:57. When we go through a trial or temptation, and we quit on God while struggling in our faith, God is there to carry us through. Psalms 40:1-2 "I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." When other people hear how God restored and lifted us out of our troubles, and set our feet on the solid ground of Christ; how He is faithful and never quits or gives up on us; how He brings us through that "valley of the shadow of death", and how He really does care and love us, people see the real love of God who is our "every-present help in times of trouble". They also see Gods great provision and care for us and why He said "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Telling your story of trials and struggles and giving God the credit for getting you through them will provide the strength people need to get back up and continue the fight. Yes, "I love to tell the story", to encourage, and to lift up the faithful. Pray this week for the courage to tell your story. Psalms 41:1 "Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;" We are all in this together and we must let other Christians know that we have 1) been there, 2) we understand, and 3)we will support them unconditionally! God loves us, very, very much. No matter what we go through in this life, God will go through with us. Remember this the next time you have the chance to tell your story and don't be afraid to tell people, "When nothing else could help, Love Lifted Me"! I am the author and editor of paraklesisblog.com, a website blog created to encourage the Christian believer in their faith. I am also a Parkinson patient at age 48. This article is free to be distributed as long as my name and website address are attached to the print. Copyright 2012, Scott Bruton Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |