Jesus Exposed at a Discount Bread Store!

Reading: Acts 4:1-31 

Prayer: Lord, help us to speak boldly of all You've done! 

Daily Challenge: See end of devotion

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My Grandma Doris was a short, spunky woman who could light up a room with her sweet spirit and amazing stories.  She and my grandfather lived in Amarillo, TX where I grew up, but they also owned a small ranch in a tiny South TX town where she had been raised. 

This small, one-horse town, doesn’t seem to offer much at first glance - a single post office, some small hills, a few trees and no industry, but traversing the town with my grandmother would quickly change the spirit of any passerby.  She had a story to tell, a story of how she had run up that tree at a young age which saved her from a wild animal, how she had painted that fence post with a family friend, or the open field in which her father taught her lessons during the great depression.  Some stories were funny, some very personal, and some had seemingly little meaning but still expressed her deep connection and love for the town.  As she would share her stories in vivid detail - the town that once seemed dull came alive and in full bloom.  Ron and I long ago fell in love with this place through my grandmother’s shared experiences.

"How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7

As I consider these words from Isaiah, I know that I too have a story to tell - a story that is good news.  Just like my Grandmother, I can tell my stories and experiences that I have had with the Lord to bring Him to life for others!  This world has painted a picture of God that represents Him as dull, simply a rule maker, and has little to offer, yet my experiences shed light on the truth of the restorative powers of God through the saving grace of His son Jesus. 

I am not always proud to share my stories because they often reveal the "not-so-great" part of me, but I often have to share that part of the story so that others can understand how great His love and mercy truly are!  Being honest and vulnerable allows others to feel more comfortable opening up to me as well. 

About a month ago, I was in a discount bread store and began chit chatting with an employee.  She, in passing, mentioned having a still born child many years ago.  Because she is very young, I assumed it may have been a teenage pregnancy.  I took time to stop and ask her questions and really listened - she was still hurting deeply.  After listening, I had an opportunity to share many of my hurts and struggles as well, and then shared the mending God has done in my heart and that I believe the same healing is available for her.  

Last week, I went back to the store, and when I walked in she squealed, "I'm so happy to see you!  I've been waiting to talk to you again to tell you that our conversation was a life changing conversation...," and the conversation continued from there.  I don't always get such direct feedback from sharing my testimony, but God calls us to have beautiful feet and share His amazing news with those in this world - the Holy Spirit will do the rest. 

Daily Challenge:

Dare we keep these stories to ourselves?  Will you take time today to reminisce through the stories of how Jesus has impacted your life?

• How has Jesus rescued you/ in what ways was He faithful? 
• If the Bible says that Jesus was the same yesterday, today and forever – then what can you conclude about your current difficult circumstances? 
• What does the story of Jesus on the cross mean for your eternity? 

Mull over it… take it in… it will give you confidence for the days ahead, and this time of reminiscing can be preparation for the story you are to share with others today.  Your story will help tell the truth about our Savior.