Faith Stories

A good story is not something put away easily.  Some linger around in the mind for what seems like forever.  The ending to "Grapes of Wrath" fits into that category as does the ending to "Jayber Crow."   Back in the days of preaching every Sunday I would on occasion write a story and it would be the sermon.  I had heard others do it and it seemed like a different way to preach.  The temptation was to finish the story and then say a few words about it to make sure everyone got the point.  But, a good story needs no interpretation.  If it does not stand alone, it is not much of a story. 

 

What is interesting is that the Word of God contains so many powerful stories.  As a boy first learning to read the Bible, I was fascinated with those Old Testament stories of God at work in the lives of His people.  Later on as the years starting adding up, I came to a place of realizing that Jesus was a great story teller.  His stories were often parables, but they commanded our attention and filled our hearts and minds with memories and divine instruction.

 

Another story which touches our life is the story of our life.  Each one of us is living out our own story.  It is one never before written.  It is one with an ending that is not yet known.  And, it is also a story of how God has been at work in our lives.  In some traditions the story of personal faith is spoken of a personal witness or testimony.  In the days of the past it was a common thing for preachers to offer testimony time during worship allowing people to stand and spontaneously tell something of their story with God.  It is unfortunate the church lost this part of its heritage. It was often a powerful and life changing moment for the ones listening and the one telling the faith story.