Stories to Share

Romans 1:11-12 Paul writes, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you- that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

We need each other. Plain and simple. I need you and you need me. Why? Because we’re co-dependent and can’t function unless someone needs us? No. We need each other because God is telling His story through us and if we only listen to our own story, we’re not getting the whole picture. God weaves His story through each and every one of us, but it’s not a monologue or a silent film. It’s a cavalcade of craziness and wonder. And if we don’t have each other, we shrivel.

God said in Genesis that it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone, so He made Eve. Adam needed Eve. He needed her for companionship and encouragement and help. Moses wouldn’t go to Egypt on his own. He needed Aaron. David had Jonathan. “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him- a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12. God has created us to be in communion with Him and one another and the Holy Spirit keeps us tied to one another.

It is a joy for me to share these devotions with you, to share my faith with you in writing. But I need to hear your stories as well. Tell them however you will, but we both gain strength in our faith from sharing our stories. Paul says we will be mutually encouraged. It’s not a one sided thing, the word flows back and forth. And the stories you share won’t just encourage me, they may encourage others who read them or hear them.

As Paul writes, may these devotions be a spiritual gift to you from me. Thank you for letting me share them with you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for telling your story through each of us. Help us to share your story with one another and those who need the encouragement. In Jesus’ name, amen.