Caesura: Your story

Welcome to another Caesura. This week is national storytelling week. I wonder at the start, have you shared your story this week?

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Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:5-10 (NIV)

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One of my favourite memories of my childhood is bedtime. I remember that as a kid, all I wanted to do was be a 'big boy' and stay up with Mum and Dad but they made it a fun part of the day. We would brush our teeth, and then race to the bedroom because it was time for the bedtime story. If Mum was putting us to bed, we would escape to the fantastical worlds of eating chocolate at Charlie's Chocolate Factory, or catching a bad guy with The Secret Seven, or sleeping in a tent with Thomas and Grandpa from Keeping up with Grandpa. If Dad was putting us to bed, we would have a 'daddy-special' which usually was firmly in reality and usually recounted the events of the day and always ended in "The Barker boys were so tired, they fell fast asleep" It was a classic. Even though we complained at the time that Dad's stories were short, they became something of a family myth but the reality of the stories often helped us to compute what had happened in the day. You see, as much as I loved to escape to the magic, the real stories that Dad told, were equally as compelling - it was a real story.

You see, we all have a 'real story' to share and it is written by the greatest author out there. When we allow God to write our story, rather than writing our own, we will see a story of all genres; a story of love, a story of horror, a story of adventure, a story of loss, a story of hope, a story of emotion - the story of our life. I strongly believe, more than ever that when you allow God to write your story, great things happen. It's not an easy ride, as with all stories, there are twists and turns, things you didn't expect, but with Him in control there is no need to fear. He intimately knows you - the very hairs on your head - you are worth so much to Him, don't be afraid. When the time comes, share your story with others. Have a living breathing testimony ready to share. God works in mysterious and miraculous ways and you never know when you might have the opportunity to do God's work in someone else's life.

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But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

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I know it is not always easy to share your story. When I first started writing these blogs, I found it hard to trust God that this was the right thing to do. In opening up with others, you become vulnerable. As with most of the Lord's work, the devil was right there. Nibbling away at me, and I began to struggle with impostor syndrome. I felt like I was ill-qualified to share, like I was a fake and someone would find out. But with prayer, I discerned that by reaching you the way I do, that is what the Lord wants and so by the very nature of the devil, it was trying to stop me. So believe me when I say, it's not always easy but follow the spirit and give control over to Him. You see, we all belong. You are chosen by Him. He loves you immeasurably. So today, at this pause in your week, will you share your story?

Reflect today: Will you surrender your story to Him? How can you practically help someone this week by coming alongside them and supporting them? Maybe even helping them through sharing with them your experiences?

My Jesus I love Thee I know Thou art mine. For Thee all the follies of sin I resign. My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou. If ever I loved Thee my Jesus 'tis now.

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me. And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree. I love Thee for wearing thy thorns on Thy brow. If ever I loved Thee my Jesus 'tis now.

In mansions of Glory and endless delight. I'll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright. I'll sing with the glittering crown upon my brow. If ever I loved Thee my Jesus 'tis now.

Amen