Stories
Luke 10: 36-37(NIV)
'Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?'
The expert in the law replied, 'The one who had mercy on him.'
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.'
I love stories. Especially hearing others' experiences. Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandfather who had a knack for telling great stories. I would listen to him for hours. As the years went on, I realised that I could tell stories just like him! I had spent so much time listening to him that his stories became part of my story.
I believe it is the same for us and God. Maybe it’s through studying scripture or praying. Maybe it’s by seeing God move in someone else’s life or experiencing that peace you’ve been praying for. Sometimes it is so easy to see how God is moving and speaking to us. Other times it’s not. But the more time we spend with God, the more his story becomes our story.
The great thing about stories is that they are memorable and we can learn from them. Jesus often told simple stories, or parables, to teach those around him. I love the parable of the good Samaritan. A Jew is robbed, beaten and left for dead. Two fellow Jews pass by who could be expected to help him and don’t; but the third one from a hostile ethnic group comes to his rescue. Jesus then asks his audience which was the true 'neighbour'. The legal expert answers correctly and Jesus, with piercing authority says: “Go and do likewise.'
This story from Jesus is just one of many. I believe that God is sharing his story with you today. What is it? Have you heard it? How can it become your story? Are you in a place where it’s hard to hear God? Take a few moments to still yourself and see if you can hear what he is sharing with you. If you can’t, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. I am praying that God would reveal himself to you as today moves forward.
Prayer — God, thank you for the ways you choose to share your story with me even in the times I can’t hear it. I pray that today you would calm my mind and allow me to see and hear your stories. Let me listen so that your experiences become mine.