My Story is His Story

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him."  1 John 3: 2

I heard the song, "My Story" by Big Daddy Weave, on the radio recently.  The words struck me and have replayed over and over in my heart.  This song is based on the famous Fanny Crosby song called "Blessed Assurance" that you will find in most hymnals today.  I want to share the words to Big Daddy Weave's version.  Take a moment and let these words sink in to you today:

If I told you my story
You would hear Hope that wouldn't let go
And if I told you my story
You would hear Love that never gave up
And if I told you my story
You would hear Life, but it wasn't mine

If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

If I told you my story
You would hear victory over the enemy
And if I told you my story
You would hear freedom that was won for me
And if I told you my story
You would hear Life overcome the grave

If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long

For the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell
For the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long

I think I am so struck by this song because of my shortcomings.  You see, I don't believe that people see my story as a Christ story.  I don't believe my witness for Him is present enough in my everyday life.  I can see my story as a story about God's faithfulness, grace, and love; but can others see my story the way I do?  I want to be able to proclaim with boldness each day and say "To tell you MY story is to tell of Him!"  

Though I fail Him daily, I know my Father loves me.  Though I fail Him daily, I know my Father forgives me when I ask.  Though I fail Him daily, I know my Father is faithful.  Though I fail Him daily, I know my Father is merciful.  Though I fail Him daily, I know my Father still...loves...Me!  

Dear Lord, I pray for those today who do not know you.  I pray that I will be a witness for you today, that I can be useful as a servant of Christ.  Oh Father, I thank you for your mercy and grace though I fail you daily.  I thank you for saving my soul and giving me new life.  It is my goal to be able to proclaim with boldness each day "to tell of my story is to tell of YOU!"  Amen

Are you Disappointed by People?

Psalm 146:5   Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob whose hope is in the Lord their God.

I will always remember my Father saying, "When people want to, they will make time.  When they don't, they will make excuses."  Throughout my many, many years on this earth, my Father has reminded me of this.  People will disappoint you.  People will not show up.  People will make excuses.  People will hurt you.

They won't always mean to.  They won't always know that they have hurt you or even disappointed you.  Sometimes they will and they just won't care.

I had a friend who constantly would back out of things on me.  Whether it was a meet up at the gym or a lunch date, there always seemed to be an excuse for her absence.  At first, it hurt.  I felt disappointed every time she flaked.  After a while the disappointment ceased and the bitterness took over.  A wedge had been forming not only in our friendship but in my heart.  You see, I allowed the seed of bitterness to rob me of my joy.  I allowed one person's actions to disappoint and hurt me so that bitterness toward her robbed me of my joy for many days.  

God often gives me verses in times of need.  Psalm 146:5 is a blessing to me because it reminds me that my God is faithful.  He will never not show up for me.  He will never disappoint me.  He will never leave me alone.  My God is faithful!  My God is the God of Hope!  He takes my bitterness and exchanges it for Joy!  

Have you taken the time to pray over your disappointment?  Have you asked God to take away your hurt and maybe even bitterness and exchange it for joy?  Have you come to His throne with Faith and Hope?

Dear Lord, thank you for never disappointing me. Thank you for always showing up for me! Though I fail you daily, Lord, you never fail me!  Help me to forgive those who disappoint me.  I pray I look to you when I need someone steadfast, steady, and always present!   Amen