Know Who You Are

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Do you not know that the most useful, influential tool you own is the story of your own life? It's true that no matter how good you have been, or the bad things you have done, God can use your life's stories to change the life of another. But the thing that stops us is fear and change, because it is scary, and in our minds it shows weakness and vulnerability.

When I was reading John 5 vs. 1-15, I thought about this interesting chain of events that happened after this sick person had been healed by Jesus. But, first there was this invalid who had been sick for 38 years. In fact he was immobile for so long that it was normal for him to be that way. He had never accomplished anything worth talking about. Everybody knew who he was and thought that he wasn't worth anything either.

The cool thing is when this man went up to Jesus, he mattered. When this man met Jesus his entire life changed. In an instant, he was healed. In verse 8, Jesus said to him, "Pick up your mat and walk!" And the man did. Instantly he had an incredible story to share with people. Everybody who heard his story asked questions. "Who did this for you?" "Where is he now?" I would think that these people who heard this man's story, knowing who he was before, had to ask some hard questions about their own lives.

In John 5:13-15,
13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there. 14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.

The really interesting part of this story is not that the man was healed, but about the people who he shared with about how his life was touched. These people got so excited about this that they decided to follow Jesus to see more cool stuff. Which a little time later turned into Jesus feeding the five thousand, and as the story goes massive amounts of people put their trust in Jesus and were saved. All because of this no-name crippled guy. When someone turns there heart over to Christ, that is the biggest miracle ever!

In some ways, your life story is no different from the story of the man that Jesus healed that day. You are the only one who can tell your life story. You are the only one who can tell others about how you met Jesus, where he has taken you, and what he has done for you. You are the only one who can tell of your struggles and accomplishments in your walk with him. I am not saying that this is easy, in fact if you're like me, I feel like running to things that are more comfortable. For me it's like moving back to the place where I grew up, because I know lots of people and it would be easier (in my mind) to find a job there. But if I leave, I will be leaving all of my friends in Minnesota and some of the best motorcycle riding in the world. Hmmm on second thought, maybe the grass isn't so green.

For some others, it may be running back to past addictions, because it's easier to go back to them, than to fight and obtain victory over them. Let's face it; the devil does not want us to win. He rakes us over the coals and attacks out thoughts. In the many years I have been doing ministry, I have seen this happen time and time again. Some people I see come back to winning the fight, others I see fall down and never get back up. In the Bible, it talks about a dog returning to their vomit, which refers to us returning back to our old crutches and never returning. I can never judge anyone, because on occasions in my past I chose to go back to my filth. A counselor told me one time that, "I write the chapters in my book." It means that we all have a choice, we can either blame others for our misfortunes or take responsibility for our lives and actions.

No matter what, you have a choice. When we decide to rise up like mighty warriors to fight these battles, Christ can use your life and your story to usher people into the kingdom. You need to tell your story over and over again, because when you do, someone will be blessed and encouraged. (Write it down so you can see where God has brought you and where you are today.) You are the only one who can tell your story. Know who you are.

Lord, remind me daily that the story of my walk with you is of great value.

In Christ, Your Brother

Will
(aka Scootman)