Just today I heard God stories.  We had eaten a meal at the home of a couple who live near us and we were seated comfortably in their living room with the foothills of the Cascade Mountains spread out before us on the other side of their big windows.  The conversation turned to how they met and married each other.  The fact that she grew up on the East Coast and he grew up in Los Angelos made their connection highly unlikely.  Yet God had plans for them and hearing how he directed their paths to intersect was a sweet story.  And how God drew these two young people close to himself and to each other was thrilling.  Forty-five years later they affirm that God has his purposes and he accomplishes them in marvelous ways.  It’s great to be reminded of this by flesh and blood humans who experienced it. 

We all love a good story, especially a real-life, true story.  We often root for the underdog who was dealt a bad hand but rose from the bottom to become successful.  We cheer for the runner who fell down and got back up to win the race.  We admire the handicapped person who pushes through his limitations to accomplish the impossible.  Our hearts swell when we witness someone excelling in spite of huge disadvantages.  We are thrilled when it looks like a good person is beaten down, but in the end, comes back victorious.  

The whole Bible is filled with these stories.

Joseph was dealt a bad hand when his hateful brothers got rid of him by heartlessly sending him into slavery in a foreign country.  Being away from home was bad enough, but being a foreigner and a slave was worse, but worst yet was being a foreigner and a prisoner.  Yet God raised him up from prisoner to prime minister.  And God enabled him to forgive his cruel brothers and help them and their families.  

“But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.  No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.“  Genesis 50:19-21 Joseph reassuring his brothers after the death of their father

We cheer for Peter who fell down when the going got tough, but after being forgiven, he got back up and finished the race of life with courage.

“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this.”  Acts 2:32. Peter boldly talking to the residents of Jerusalem at the Feast of Pentecost

We admire Paul who had a physical ailment that hindered him but in spite of it, he wrote a large part of our New Testament and traveled widely starting and checking on new churches.

“you remember that I was sick when I first brought you the Good News.  . .  you took me in and cared for me as though I were an angel from God . . . .  I am sure you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible.”   Galatians 4:13-15

And of course, the greatest story of a good person being beaten down and coming back victorious is the account of Jesus’ death and his resurrection.  When it looked like evil had won, Jesus came back to declare his victory over death.

“Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said.  He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.  He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers[ at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.”  1 Corinthians 15:3-6

Every believer has God stories.  Think of all the times and ways God has helped you and proven that he cares!  None of us feel like we deserve to tell our own story when there are bigger-than-life heroes out there.  But did you ever think that someone you know may need to hear your God story?  Yes, they know your weaknesses.  Doesn’t that make your God story even better?  God stooped down to help a sinner.  God gets the glory.  Our failings don’t disqualify us from sharing what a gracious God has done/is doing for us.

After all, so many of the heroes of the Bible did terrible things, yet God forgave them and used them to do great and wonderful things.  The great patriarch, Abraham, betrayed his wife to save his own life.  Jacob cheated his own brother and tricked and lied to his father.  Moses and David were murderers.  Jonah ran from his assignment and had no compassion for those who were perishing.  Peter cowardly denied his Lord. Matthew had been a traitor to his people by siding with the occupational forces and collecting their taxes.  Paul aggressively persecuted the early believers in Jesus.   Mark was a quitter.  These failures were all forgiven and went on to accomplish good things.

It may be that a friend of yours needs a little encouragement.  Hearing how God came through for you in spite of your failings just might give them the courage to believe God will come through for them.  Hearing your story may embolden them to shut down the voice of that ancient accuser, Satan, and step out in faith in God.  Or perhaps your friend doesn’t have a close relationship with God.  They know something is missing but aren’t sure where to find it.  Your story may help them understand that God is close and is waiting to be invited in no matter what they’ve done. 

“And they have defeated him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb
and by their testimony.”  Revelation 12:11