September 14, 2024
Have you ever thought about the fact that we all have a story to tell? I don’t usually think about it that often, but it seems like the last few weeks every devotion I read and every sermon I listen to talks about how we all have a story.
I especially think in the situations in our life that seem so very hard, God has a story to tell through us. It has made me remember times in my life that were difficult at the moment they were happening, but God has used those situations as part of my story. They don’t necessarily define my past, but they help to mold me into the person God wants me to be. I will give you just a few examples.
First I didn’t grow up going to church regularly. I also didn’t grow up in an overly affectionate environment. I knew my parents loved me, but it was expressed more through actions than words or outward displays of affection. At the time, I didn’t think it was odd or weird because that was all I knew. I met my husband Wayne in high school and was introduced to a whole new dynamic with his family. Wayne was the oldest of five children. They were loud, enjoyed each other, hugged a lot, and expressed their love verbally and often. I realized this was something I needed and desired to have in my life. I also was introduced to the ONE who was the reason for their love – Jesus.
You don’t know what you are missing in life unless someone shows you something different. Because of Wayne, his family, and others, I learned about the love of a Savior who would always be there for me and I surrendered my life to Him. Part of my story.
The second would be the birth of our third child. She was different from our first two children. To make a long story short, after many tests, many doctors, many tears, and hundreds of prayers we were given the news that she had a form of autism, was developmentally delayed, and had severe emotional and intellectual problems. All of these issues would cause her understanding of life to be very different from others. DEVASTATING to say the least.
As she became older our lives became more difficult, and she became very hard to handle. At the age of 13, she was much taller than me, weighed much more than me and had a temper and emotions that were hard for her to understand and control. It became evident to us that we could no longer safely manage her care. We realized that either she was going to hurt herself or hurt someone else. We were forced to make a decision. We had to place her in a long-term residential care facility. I cannot even tell you how hard this was on our entire family. To this day it remains one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life, but I know in my heart it was the right one. God totally provided the facility and the funds in a miraculous way and one day I will share that story.
It was a horribly hard time for me emotionally. I wanted to give up on life, but I knew I had a husband and two other teenagers who were counting on me. I had to force myself to get up most days, but I did. Only through the grace and power of GOD alone – I did. This has become part of my story. It was an extremely hard time, but God was there – surrounding me, holding me, talking me through it and HE restored my joy.
He has also used this situation in my life to be able to share with others who have a special needs child. He has allowed me the opportunity to tell my story, encourage them when their days are tough, and pray for them along their journey. Is this part of my story over? No, it is an ongoing journey. She is now 40 years old and lives in a group complex with other adults who have some sort of disability.
I have come to the realization that you have to enjoy the good days and get through the bad ones knowing the good days will show up again. Is it hard? YES! Is there joy among the heartache? Definitely! Has it taught me more than I could ever imagine about GOD? YES! Part of my story.
The last thing I will share with you is how there are times in our lives when we all struggle. You see the last few months (or maybe even years) of our life have been hard. We have dealt with many issues, hurts, sickness, worries, trials, changes etc. I might even say there have been times with a little depression. In reality, I think at some point in our lives we all struggle with the same feelings that can cause us to “wonder” about this life and all the hurts and heartaches it can hold. However - there is GOD.
I read a quote from Ann Voskamp that has stuck with me. ”In Christ – no matter the road – the storm, the story, we always know the outcome. Our Savior surrounds, our future is secure, and our joy is certain.” The times that have been so very hard on my heart are part of my story.
God may not have had the opportunity to finish writing that story yet - but HE will! Today I just want to encourage you to share your story. I’m reading the book 100 Days To Brave. The very first day the book says, “Brave people don’t stop hearing the whispers of fear. They hear the whispers but take action anyway.” I want to encourage you to be brave - brave enough to share your story.
We all have one. No one can change your story, and no one can take away your story. But GOD can USE your story. I am praying we all will share, and in sharing we can encourage one another. Life is not easy. Hard times are all around us. Fear is rampant. I only have one word that is the answer for all of this - GOD.
God is my security, my Savior and my joy. Share your story. Be brave. Allow God to use your story! You never know who desperately needs to hear what you have to share.
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Jill Johnson, a staff member at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother and Georgian. She is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.
