Ellen Chauvin | Soaked & Sprouting

Soaked in God's Word, Sprouting Seeds of Faith

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What’s Your Story?

March 8, 2018 by Ellen Leave a Comment

“Did I ever tell you about the time me and Steve went FISHIN’?” my old Uncle Hubert asked in his “I don’t have my hearing aid in” voice.

He had cornered – er, taken my hubby aside – to regale him with fish tales of days gone by. I’m pretty sure John even felt the “splash” of fishin’ water, since Uncle Hubert was almost nose to nose with him.

My uncle loved to reminisce and retell his old stories. And why not? Everybody loves a story, and everyone has a story to tell. What’s yours?

The word story is derived from the Greek word meaning knowing or knowledge. Your story is what you know, what you have experienced first hand.

The Apostle Paul’s story is told three times in the book of Acts (Acts 9, 22, 26). In Acts 22:3-16, he gives his testimony: what his life was like before he met Jesus (he persecuted followers of Christ, even to the death), and the day he met Jesus. Saul (as he was known then) was heading to Damascus to capture more Christians and terrorize them. Suddenly, a bright light from heaven surrounded him, blinding him.

“and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’
“And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’” Acts 22:7-8 NASB

Blinded by a bright light, Saul heard the voice of the risen Savior! His story sounds like a tall tale that would rival most fishermen’s. But it is true. It is Saul’s remarkable testimony. Meeting Jesus changed Saul’s life. He became know as Paul, and instead of being zealous to kill Christians, he became zealous for Christ. A complete 180 degree turn! But that’s what Jesus does for us, doesn’t He?

This was Paul’s conversion experience. It was dramatic, wasn’t it?


Was your salvation experience this exciting? Mine wasn’t.

I grew up in a Christian home. My faith grew slowly over time, from a steady diet of hearing God’s word. I was eleven when I knew it was time to ask Jesus to be my Savior. No flashing lights, no triumphal fanfare.

Not all conversion experiences are as dramatic as Paul’s. BUT…

[tweetthis]ALL stories of meeting Jesus are life-changing![/tweetthis]

“God has a grand, eternal destiny for each of us. He has written an amazing story. No one ever before or ever after will have your story.” (An Imperfect Woman, Kim Hyland, page 209 Kindle Edition)

If you know Jesus, you have a story to tell.

Own your story.

“As my story has unfolded, I’ve been tempted to question God’s timing. There are chapters I would like to rewrite, but then I remember who the author is.” (An Imperfect Woman, Kim Hyland, page 193, Kindle Edition)

So, what’s your story?

Send me an e-mail, I’d love to hear it!

Grace be with you,

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What are YOUR Bragging Rights?

September 24, 2015 by Ellen 22 Comments

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could submit a resume of our weaknesses? Just admit right up front “Hey, this is where I need help. I’m not strong in this area! I have this problem that I can’t defeat in my own strength.”

Resume

The world looks at our strengths and praises us because of them. God looks at our weaknesses and chooses to use them (1 Corinthians 1:27). And the apostle Paul suggests we should boast in our shortcomings!

“…Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9 

Paul determined to brag about his weakness, so that the power of Christ in him could be seen.

What? TELL EVERYBODY about my weaknesses or my past? No way! I’ve got it all together now, I’m not going to dredge any of that up.

But rather than hide our weaknesses, addictions or areas of lack, we can proclaim them and share them with others. They become our testimony.

And they overcame him (Satan) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. Revelation 12:11(NASB)

When we share our past mistakes, our messes and our trials with others, they can see how the blood of Christ has changed us, and His grace has strengthened us. Testimonies give hope to others. Take a look at these powerful stories I have heard through the years:

◆ I am an alcoholic (drug addict, addicted to pornography), but by the grace of God, I no longer have a desire to drink (do drugs, look at porn). He delivered me and crushed my addiction under His feet!

◆ I’m scared stiff to stand in front of people and speak. My heart races, my voice and hands shake, and I can’t catch my breath. But God’s grace enables me to stand and speak when I am called to do so. I have even volunteered to teach a class at church!

◆ I didn’t want to go on that mission trip. I’m scared to fly, I’m an introvert, I’m a home body. I didn’t know what I would do or say once I got there. But God! He gave me words to say, He brought me out of my shell, He calmed my fears.

◆ I was able to forgive my ex-husband for all the pain he caused me and my family. But not in my own strength. It was Christ in me. It was God’s supernatural grace that gave me the will and power to forgive.

God can turn your mess into a message and your test into a testimony. (Author unknown)

Our stories of weakness and how we overcome by the grace of God, glorify Him. And that’s something to brag about.

What’s your story?

Until next week,

 

 

 

Joining these lovely writers. Be sure to visit their pages, you’ll be encouraged!

Suzie Eller, Live Free Thursday

Kelly at Purposeful Faith

Holly at Testimony Tuesday

Crystal at Intentionally Pursuing the Heart of God

Jennifer at Tell His Story

Lyli at 3D Lessons for Life, Thought Provoking Thursday

 

 

 

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