A Story To Tell
One of the things I love most about my “job” are the stories I get to hear on a regular basis. Stories of experiencing peace in the midst of a painful loss. Stories of triumph. Stories of dogged determination to overcome all obstacles with God’s help.
Each of us have a story. Stories help us connect to each other. But they also connect us to God. During one of my visits with a member I was incredibly moved by our conversation. When I left I was in awe. To say this person has been through incredible challenges barely scratches the surface. In spite of it all he continues to have a steadfast determination to keep going. In the midst of new challenges he was facing he said, “I don’t know why [these challenges keep coming], but I know God still wants me to do something. I don’t know exactly what it is, but that’s what keeps me going. I know God’s not done with me.”
That complete confidence in God’s presence and calling on his life spoke to me. I thought to myself, if I were in that situation I could only pray to have the same confidence and outlook. It’s inspiring and motivating. We will all face obstacles. Many obstacles are beyond our control. The only thing we can control is our response to the obstacles.
Some will say it’s all a mental head game. If you keep your mind positive you can overcome anything. To a certain degree I think that’s true. There is power in positivity. But there’s much more to it than mental positivity and good vibes. I think there’s a deeper spirituality to it all. I think we need to look beyond the circumstances we face and are see where God is at work. To know that God is speaking, moving, and guiding you along the path is the supreme comfort.
It doesn’t mean that takes away the difficulty or the pain. It simply provides purpose. Purpose can carry you through anything. God has a purpose for you. He has a purpose for each of us. This reminds me of the story in the gospel of John when Jesus heals a man born blind.
“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
After saying this, he spit on the ground made some mud with the saliva and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Silam (this word means ‘Sent’). So the man went and washed and came home seeing.” (John 9:1-7).
Like the disciples we can wonder who did wrong that caused the challenges we face in life. The challenges and obstacles we face are opportunities for us to see the works of God in and through us. Those challenges and obstacles are simply a part of your story. If you let God he will use even the most difficult of circumstances in your life to bring glory.
May you let your story bring glory to God.