Young Adults + Our Stories 2预览

The Power of Stories

As humans, we’re drawn to stories. Whether watching a reality TV show, viewing a movie, or reading a book, we love engaging with stories.

I’ve always loved stories, and it’s been a focus of my life. I see stories as two-fold:

1. We listen to stories to be entertained, have community, and/or gain wisdom/encouragement.

2. We tell others our stories to entertain, have community, and/or give wisdom/encouragement.

If you think about it, the Bible is full of stories—from the Old Testament account of Isreal and its people to the New Testament, where Jesus used parables to teach.

One of my favorite Bible stories is in Joshua, when, after the Israelites crossed the Jordan, God told them to pick up stones and use them as reminders. In the future, when they saw the stones, they were to tell their children what God had done in their lives so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the Lord is powerful….

Remembering what God has done in our lives—how He’s brought us through difficult times and out of sin—is important, not only for ourselves but also so that we share these stories with others and others see God through them.

In the New Testament, God says we’ll be His witnesses (Acts 1:8); we’re to tell people the work God has done in our lives (example: Luke 8:38-39); because of trials, people may be encouraged to speak more boldly (Phil. 1:12-14); and God comforts us so that we can comfort others (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

In Part II of Young Adults + Our Stories, I interviewed six young adults and summarized their stories into the devotionals you’ll read. I was moved by their stories and impressed by their transparency and honesty. The way they each conveyed their mental, relational, emotional, and spiritual growth moved me.

I hope you’ll find some way to connect with their stories and think more deeply about the topics and what God’s Word says about them.

After Young Adults + Our Stories Part I was released, I was honored to receive numerous emails from young adults sharing their stories with me, and I would be honored again if you want to share with me.

No matter what, I would encourage you to share your story with someone. Ask God to show you a person you can share with, whether it’s because you need wisdom or encouragement or because you want to impart it to someone else. A common theme I found in the stories was that of community. These men and women found hope in confessing to others, building friendships, and creating community with believers.

Stories are powerful, and they change the world. I pray these stories show you how God works in others and will continue to work in your own story.

You’re in my prayers.

Sandi

Pray Over Your Story

Praise – Thank God for the work He’s doing in your life (even if you don’t see it).

Repent – Confess any sins to God.

Ask – Ask God to help you with what you’re going through and give you wisdom, and ask that you find a way to engage in the community to share your story.

Yield – Surrender everything to God, and spend a few moments asking Him if there’s anything you need to hear from Him.