Who doesn’t love a good story? I know I do. I am especially fond of stories involving everyday people. More than any other book, I honestly love to read and study the Bible. The Bible is God’s love story complete with inspiring narratives of people who encounter Him and are dramatically changed.

I recently completed a study in Acts. This is an amazing book chronicling the life of the early church following Pentecost. The chapters are a compilation of stories of individuals recently empowered by the Holy Spirit living on mission for the gospel. Paul is the leading and possibly most influential figure in this story, with Simon Peter coming in as a strong second.

While Paul’s dramatic conversion on the Damascus road was indeed spectacular, Simon Peter’s transformation on the Day of Pentecost was equally impressive. Additionally, the accounts of many others in this narrative are just as critical because they are included in the comprehensive story of God.

More than any one specific person, of far greater significance to me is that every individual that receives Jesus as Lord has a faith story that is unique, personal and powerful. As I journeyed through Acts, I made note of the following key factors relating back to personal stories, beginning first with God.

Our Stories Originate with God

God is the author of everything, and this includes our story. Our comprehension of this reality is truly critical. People serve His sovereign plan, not the other way around. Sometimes we lose sight of this, but scripture reminds us of this truth:

…before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book…Psalms 139:16 (NLT)

The Creator of the universe has written our stories. This reality should be a source of comfort and confidence for us. Because our Father loves us, we can be assured of His ultimate good for us. It’s especially critical to hold on to this truth during the difficult, hurtful, and confusing chapters of life.

Our Stories Must be Visible and Verbalized

…let your good deeds shine out for all to see…. Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

…you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere….Acts of the Apostles 1:8 (NLT)

It has always been the plan of God for our lives to influence others with the gospel. Also, this is Jesus’ call of inviting individuals into His story and introducing them to the Father. And this was also the model of the early church which demonstrated the Good News by living visibly on mission with Jesus.

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals… and to prayer… And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
Acts of the Apostles 2:42, 46-47 (NLT)

Our Stories are to be Shared, not Compared

I will share an incredibly meaningful service held at my church to demonstrate this truth. Baptism Sunday is a symbolic act that serves as a visible reminder of new life in Christ. Prior to immersion, the faith story of each individual being baptized is read aloud as a public testimony. Every story reveals the grace, mercy, and transformative power of God’s love.  As I listen to these personal testimonies, I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God and filled with gratitude. I feel confident that no one in the congregation, including myself, evaluates the content or magnitude of these stories. Instead, there is only unified gratefulness for the undeserved kindness of God in all our lives, and following each baptism we join together in joyful celebration!

In closing, I am in awe that God would choose me to both know and be a part of His story. Admittedly there are passages of my personal narrative I wish I could erase. And there are also chapters of my life that are difficult; perhaps you feel the same. But here’s what I know to be true for all of us: Our stories aren’t finished.

As I daily walk through the pages of my personal narrative I am encouraged as I remember that God is both the Author and Finisher of my story. He is a faithful God working out every page of my story for my ultimate good and His eternal purpose. And He is also a Good Father, committed to completing the good work of my life.

God bless you friends!

The story of your life is powerful!

For Reflection

  • How would you define the story of God in your own words?
  • Where do you see yourself in God’s story?
  • Do you view your story as powerful? Explain.
  • Describe the current chapter of your life story. How do you feel about it, and what does God say about it?
  • How can you use your story, either the present or a past chapter, to encourage others?