Know Your Story

John 5:15-20

Know your story…………. One would tend to think we DO know our own story, yet as I prepared to write about today’s theme, I got to thinking.

Are we paying close enough attention to the events in our lives to truly know all the ways the Lord has touched us?

Do we take the time to ponder, appreciate, and share the many ways we are guided and protected by the Holy one?

How often do our challenges manipulate and overtake our thoughts instead of us acknowledging that these trials are meant to be vehicles used to get to another place?

The radio station I listen to plays a short ditty at the end of one of the DJ’s shifts. It is sung by an unidentified individual who I picture as an older, bearded, wise man. Some of the lyrics are: “Take every knock as a boost, every stumbling block as a stepping stone.” I look forward to hearing that little song every day while driving home from work, as it offers me another perspective on the day’s events.

The story of the demon possessed man who was healed by Jesus at first glance doesn't seem to coincide with “Know Your Story.” However, it does. As Jesus was getting into the boat to leave, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. Jesus’ response was: “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Going with Jesus may have been easier than what Jesus was telling him to do, but that was not part of his story.

As we settle into the reality of our own lives, no matter how long or short, we can get to know our own story much better if we take the time to do so. We are familiar with the verse; “Be still and know that I am God.” How about being still and reliving our own story, openly allowing our hearts to grieve our mistakes and accepting the grace and mercy of God?

Lord, please be with us as we take our knocks, and use those stepping stones to share the story of your Everlasting Love. Amen.

Read/Listen to Mark 5:15-20