Today's reading

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. –Matthew 5:16 ESV

May 30, 2023

Your Story Matters

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. –Matthew 5:16 ESV

It’s been said that “everybody has a story.” In fact, the way we live our lives, the words we say continually tells our story whether we want it to or not.

On the third day after the recent hurricane, I was in the yard when a county worker driving down the street braked to ask how we fared. Without pausing, I went into my sob story of a fallen tree, ruined plants, no electricity, whine, whine, whine.

As he drove away, I was struck by my own words. My sob “story” gave God zero glory, and I missed a chance to show grace in the face of disruption, compassion for others in worse shape, and perhaps even encourage a young man who I’m sure had faced his share of complaints that day. I wanted to chase him down and ask for a redo.

A simple response could have been, “Thank you for asking. I am grateful that our damage was minimal, but we’re praying for God to provide for the folks south of us. And THANK YOU for everything you are doing in the aftermath of the storm.” What a different story that tells about who I am and Who I follow. 

prayer focuses

Father, let my words and my story always point to Jesus.

Father, please help me to remember to think before I speak.

music

latest reads

3/29/2024

All for You

3/28/2024

Know Your Enemy

3/27/2024

Get Past Your Past

3/26/2024

Freedom

3/25/2024

Cold Snap

3/24/2024

Golden Buzzer

3/23/2024

Can You Hear Me Now?

about the

Author

Carol Lewis

Carol loves sharing God's Word with people through study groups and writing.