The God in Me

As our lives change, so do our stories. They shift and they change, some stay the same, and some are a never-ending cycle of ups and downs. Regardless of how they go, we all have one story to tell. I cringe just thinking about my own, but a friend once told me that it needs to be shared. He said, "We are saved by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony!" "You have to share", he said, "it's all about helping somebody and it’s not about us." He reminded me that our world needs transparency in a world full of lies. In return, I asked, "Do me a favor and pray that I can be more open and honest about mine."

The next day, I woke up from a nightmare that overwhelmed me with sadness and anger. Just the thought of all that I’ve been through made me feel hopeless in that moment. It was then that I was reminded that it’s not our stories that define us, but how we overcome them. For John 4:4 reads, "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." When we get lost in the details of our story, let us shift our focus to see the bigger picture. It is only then that we can see how God was in each chapter of our lives, helping us along the way.

Sometimes it takes a little while longer for our hearts to catch up to what our spirits already know. Some days, like today, my heart still feels like it needs to catch up or be reminded of what I already know. Let me help remind you that Jesus himself has already told us in John 16:33. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” This gives me confidence that no matter what the next chapter may bring, I can go through hell because I have heaven on the inside of me.

I won’t ask you to remember your full story because it’s not much about the details that matter, but how God saw you through each of them. Remembering that is how we can confidently say, "This is my story, this is my song, I’ll be praising my Savior all the day long." I’ll stay in perfect submission, and all will be at rest. The stories may unfold, but with our Savior I can be happy and blessed. So i'll keep watching and waiting, looking above. This allows me to be filled with his goodness and lost in his love.

Dear God,

I pray in this next chapter of our lives that we stay in perfect submission and allow you to write out our story. Help us to put all our trust in you, knowing that you are the author and finisher of our faith. Help us to share our stories with others so that they can be blessed by them. In Jesus' name, amen.