This post is part of the October 2018 Edition of 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes. I hope you”ll join me in seeing where each prompt takes us.
P.S. Just so you know, I’m finding it difficult to stick to five minutes (**) and it may take me longer than the 31 days to finish all the prompts. Not easy for this rule follower!
You can read more 31 Days entries at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

“Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story-those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,” Psalm 107:2 (NIV) / Pixabay

A Story to Tell

If you know me or have read enough of my ramblings here, you might guess that I love to tell a story and you’d be right!  With the tone of my voice, facial expressions, and just the right words, it brings me joy to draw a listener away from the real world and into the tale I’ve created for them. Focusing on the faces of those looking back at me with wonder, spurs me on; and before you know it, I’m not only speaking with my voice, but my hands have become involved in telling the story, too. Sometimes I can say more with my hands than I do with my mouth.  With a wave, a thumbs up, a fist, a clap: a storyteller’s hands can speak volumes and help bring what’s being said to life!

There is one however, who tells a story with their hands like no other:  Jesus!  His pierced palms convey the narrative of perfect love that no words ever could. As each scene played out on that dark day, He kept his focus on OUR faces to propel him on to the surprise ending that offers to take each one from this real world into an eternity that’s been created just. for. us. The truth is, the story told by the Father to His children through Jesus’ hands, literally brings us to life!

So here’s the thing: do I share this story of His amazing grace with others as often as I tell them my old standbys? You probably already know the answer. I’m ashamed to say I don’t. Oh, I can** come up with lots of excuses. “My faith journey lacks excitement.” “I have no idea how to begin without it feeling uncomfortable.” “There’s another “storyteller” who will do a much better job than I can!” Ever thought any of these or something like them yourself? Why is it we struggle so with sharing the most important story of our lives?  I have a sneaking suspicion that once again it has to do with those familiar characters: “I, My, and Me” and a “little” thing called obedience.

“While Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two brothers. One was Simon, also known as Peter, and the other was Andrew.  They were fisherman, and they were casting their net into the lake. Jesus said to them, “Follow me!  I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish.” Right then the two brothers dropped their nets and went with him.” Matthew 4: 18-20 (CEV)

“But before the end comes, the good news must be preached to all nations. When you are arrested, don’t worry about what you will say.  You will be given the right words when the time comes.  But you will not really be the ones speaking.  Your words will come from the Holy Spirit.” Mark 13:10-11 (CEV)

In reading these instructions, three things jump out at me: Jesus tells the brothers that HE will teach them how to witness to others, Peter and Andrew immediately stopped their work to follow Him without question, and Jesus instructed his Apostles not to worry about what to say because the Holy Spirit would be guiding their words. Hmmmmm….perhaps these are the exact lessons I need… we need, to begin to prepare ourselves to share our own salvation stories.

It’s becoming clear that with Jesus’ teachings at my fingertips and the Holy Spirit guiding me, I don’t need to worry about the content of MY story or how well I present it. I just need to be ready to drop what entangles me and follow His lead. So the next time I find myself ready to spin a tale, I pray I’m reminded that the Author and Perfecter of faith offers us a new chapter in our life’s story. His words speak of forgiveness and love. And the best part? In His hands, our story has a happy ending! How can we keep that to ourselves?

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