Share your stories

When God first put it on my heart to share my life stories on the worldwide web, I was nervous and fearful because it meant that I'd have to share my struggles, weaknesses, sins, insecurities and more. I'd have to be vulnerable and transparent so that people could read about and see God's changes and work He was doing in me. All of these thoughts and questions bombarded my mind, questions like what would people think of me? What if they made fun of me? What if they didn't receive me? Would they believe me? Just the thought gave me anxiety and made my palms sweaty. I was not confident at all. I'm a talkative person and it's easy for me to be transparent and vulnerable in person, because I'm the sort of person who wears my heart on my sleeve. However, putting my life story online for the world to see was a whole 'nother level! I struggled with this concept for a while, but God prepared my heart. Whenever God tells us to do something, He will give us what we need to do it.  So after a few months, I realized that in sharing my life lessons, testimonies, and prayers, I would be helping others. People would be able to relate to me, and know that they weren't alone. Most importantly, my stories would bring glory to God. You see, my stories aren't really my stories, they're God's. He is my Creator and Helper; He is the Author of my story. Remember my blog post? Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him (Big Daddy Weave lyrics from My Story). No matter what I went through or what I go through, I know God is with me. I still get nervous here and there, and I have to ask God's Spirit to lead and guide me on what I should share with you all. There are some things that are still too painful for me to share, and other things that I am just not ready to share. But I understand that God will use the pain, struggles, and lessons in my life story to help you. I am not as afraid to share as I once was. I still get a little nervous here and there, but now that I have been sharing for the last six months, it's as easy as if I were talking to a group of you face-to-face. Why do I say all of this? I say this because I want to encourage you all to share your stories. We all have stories/testimonies of what God has done in our lives. I'm not asking you start a blog (unless God is asking you to do so). It is as simple as telling your friends about what God has done, or your co-workers, or your family members. If God leads you to share it with someone else, listen to Him. Be obedient. Some things may be too painful for you to share, but you may have others stories that people are waiting to hear. Stories that will encourage someone, give them hope, or strengthen their faith. Let God use you by sharing what God has done in your life.

A few days ago, God brought me to this verse in Jeremiah 1:4-9. Let's read it together.

4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’ 6 Alas, Sovereign Lord, I said, ‘I do not know how to speak; I am too young.’ 7 But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, I am too young. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord. 9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, I have put my words in your mouth.

You see, God has not only chosen me to share my story. He's given us all a story. I too had excuses of why I couldn't, shouldn't, or wouldn't, but it is much bigger than that in the scheme of things. Someone may be waiting to hear your story right now. There is no need to be embarrassed or afraid, because everyone sins. No one is perfect. Some may not believe you or listen to you, so then you move on. I've had friends and family members say that I was in a cult, or that I hopped on the Jesus Train, or the God I believe in isn't the right God. So let me give you the verse God gave to me which says whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me (Luke 10:16). Don't let their rejection hurt you. Move on. God will place many more in your path that will receive you than reject you. God will use your problems to be another person's strength. There is an audience of people that only you can reach. You've had hardships and experiences that only you can speak on. I can't speak on things like being addicted to drugs, or being an orphan because I have no experience with that, but maybe you can. So trust God, have courage, and share your story.

Let us pray.

Father God,

I thank You for giving me the privilege to share with the readers what You have done in my life. I pray that You will give them the boldness so they can share what you have done in their lives. Speak to them about who, what, where, when, why and how. Show them what they need to do and give them the courage to step out in faith. Use them to heal, strengthen, encourage, inspire, and lead others to You. Jesus' sent out 12 disciples, and look what they have done. Give the readers the understanding that You gave me, that our story is really YOUR story. Bless them, keep them, and let Your Will be done. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayerfully,

Pam