Our Daily Bread: Remembering 9/11Shembull

His Saving Story

Tell them everything God has done for you. -Luke 8:39

When Lovie Cunningham, a survivor of the World Trade Center attacks, was invited to share her story she initially hesitated. But, after hearing a church soloist sing “I Have So Many Reasons to Rejoice,” she told the pastor yes. “Because it’s not my story,” she told the congregation, “It’s God’s story—and He’s just using me as a vessel to share what He can do.”

As she explained, “He saved me for a reason, not for me to keep it to myself—but to share with His people His story.” 

That’s why Jesus told a man who He’d just healed to “go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you” (Luke 8:39). Known to be homeless, naked, demon-possessed, and living in a cemetery outside the town, the man was now “sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane” (v. 35). His words would serve as proof that God’s healing love and power were available not just to Jewish people, but to gentiles—indeed, to the whole world. 

As the psalmist said, “I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skillful with words” (Psalm 71:15). Then, as Lovie puts it, “God gets the glory.”

I’ve been hesitant sometimes, loving God, to tell others of Your goodness to me. Turn my reluctance into excitement about telling Your amazing story.

Patricia Raybon