Just because the story of your life is filled with challenges, some sadness, endless pain–doesn’t mean it is without hope. Shelly shares.
“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the most holy place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12).
I hear stories every day. Stories that break my heart. Stories that renew my fight. Stories that just bully me right back into the best kind of hope.
Just last week, I was learning the story of a brand spanking new friend who is already dear to my heart. She said she doesn’t often talk about it, because she knows that her story is a downer. That took me back.
It shouldn’t take me back, because it’s exactly the reason I play my cards so close to the vest everywhere else but in this space. Seriously, most days I don’t even tell those who are closest to me the real truth of what I’m feeling or experiencing. It’s a habit I keep trying to change, but I’m not good at it. And I recognize that it’s because my story is such a downer.
Allow me to share what God taught me this past week, won’t you? So many times He teaches me lessons by giving me the words to say to some other aching heart. In the process of speaking them, I also take them in, and sometimes they make it past my hard head and take root. That’s what this truth did on that particular day.
Here’s what gave me to ponder:
Dear One, a story is only a downer when Christ isn’t a part of it. I have a sneaky suspicion Christ is all over yours.
Tell your story. It’s not nearly the downer you fear it is.
Tell your stories every day. Stories that break my heart. Stories that renew my fight. Stories that just bully me right back into the best kind of hope.
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for covering our stories with the precious redeeming blood of Your Son. Thank You for giving us the courage to keep telling. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
About the author:
Shelly Hendricks is a wife and mother of 2 amazing kids. They live the good life in South Louisiana. She was a teacher and a librarian in another life. She also suffers from Intracranial Hypertension and Primary Lateral Sclerosis. She had brain surgery in 2012, to install a VP Shunt, and had a revision in January 2014. Though her condition continues to deteriorate, her spirit is constantly focused on eternity. Disability has been hard to deal with, but she depends on God for all strength and hopes to encourage others on this journey, through her blog at http://reneweddaily.com .
What stories does God use to renew hope in your heart? Will you be more willing to share your story after today?
This is “My Story” by Big Daddy Weave and Shelly picked out this perfect song to accompany today’s devotional. We all have stories that can be told with great sadness . . . but those same stories can be told with such hope! What is your story about? Of your life? Or of what God has done in it? -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 