I enjoy hearing stories from the past, especially stories of family members. My mother-in-law is great at telling stories. She may exaggerate a bit (okay, a lot) on some, but her ability to tell stories are intriguing. My children love to hear her recount stories of ancestors, her childhood, and stories about me and my husband too. We don’t always appreciate some of those about us (haha), but the kids love it.
Today when I read Acts 7:1-22, I couldn’t get enough. I had to read the whole chapter. During this scripture is when Stephen gave a speech to the Sanhedrin. You see, Stephen was talking about God to others and performing miraculous signs and wonders. It is said that he was a man full of God’s grace and power, and that when people looked at Stephen he had the face of an angel. The Sanhedrin didn’t like him doing all that he was doing.
In his speech he was recounting all the times God had led, provided, and brought them to where they were today. I valued the trip down history lane. It made me ponder about all the times in my life, good and bad, that God has led me through to bring me to where I am today and mold me to be the woman I am today. Praise God that I can reflect back and see God’s handprint on each instance. Boy, has He helped me through some difficult and rebellious moments in my life. Praise God that He is a forgiving and gracious God.
The trip down memory lane from both Stephen’s speech and my own thoughts was priceless.
I want to encourage you to take a little trip. It’s free. Reflect back on times in your life retell some of the stories to others, even if you have to exaggerate for the effect of storytelling a bit. Count your blessings and notice how God held your hand through it all.
| July 1 |