Stories Matter
Stories matter. The stories we tell can be visions that we cast for others of what their present or future circumstances hold for them.
The stories that always draw me in are ones that are filled with laughter, joy and life. The apostle Paul was a great one to help people see their current situation with a vision of present and future joy. The letter to the Philippians paints an amazing picture of an ability to find life and light.
The beginning of his letter sets the tone...
“May the loving kindness of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and give you peace. Every time I think of you, I thank God for you. I have joy in my heart every time I ask God to help you. I thank God for the joy we share in telling the good news from the very first day until now. God began to do a good work in you. And I am sure that he will keep on doing it until he has finished it. He will keep on until the day Jesus Christ comes again.” Philippians 1:2-6 WE
Don’t you see a smile on his face when he thinks about these brothers and sisters that he loves so deeply.
A circumstance that these friends may not understand, one that seems so unjust, one that could cause fear, Paul tells a story of how the circumstance of being in prison resulted in brothers and sisters becoming stronger in their faith, becoming bolder in sharing Christ, and more united in their Christian fellowship.
Today as I read this, I must consider the stories I tell and the framework through which I see every aspect of life. Do the stories I tell share of His mighty work, that He is doing great things, that He is transforming lives, providing opportunities to share the gospel even in the challenges? Am I sharing a vision of the kingdom?
Sadly, I often tell stories that lack the presence of the Sovereign, Loving King we serve. And yet, I can take courage from Paul, “Whatever happens, live as people who believe the good news of Christ should live... with one mind you will be working hard together for the good news.” (Phil 1:27)
May my life and the stories I tell continually point to Christ. May WE share our thanks of the work of Christ in His children here on earth. May this bring our hearts joy. And may we choose to rest in the mighty call to tell the good news, sharing a vision of joy and life with everyone He introduces us to.