This is day 11 of 31 Days of Missionary Sunday School.
There is power in stories. We relate to the stories in the Bible in the deepest issues of our lives. Stories relate the struggles of life and victory in God. They give us practical insights and wisdom for living. Stories especially have an impact when it comes to the work of the Sunday School.
Years ago, I read the story of Job and how he had lost everything at once. I noticed that in rapid succession Job lost his wealth and then his health. The most tragic event that struck me was that a mighty wind came from the desert and collapsed the house killing his children. I wondered what it would be like to lose your family in one day.
God allowed me to experience the loss of a wife and daughter to death. I have related to many of the stories and teachings of the Bible in walking through the valley of the shadow of death. God has used my story and experience of pain to share my faith and minister to others.
God uses stories in many ways through Sunday School to equip us to be and do all that He has for us. When the teacher leads in Bible study everyone present gets a different lesson. The scripture as well as the Holy Spirit speaks to our individual story and life path. We relate our experiences to the scriptures with others in Bible study. Our story can be used in the testimony of sharing our faith with those who need Christ. Our story can be used in encouraging and ministering to others with perhaps similar life needs and struggles. Our story is a part of growing as a disciple as well as our personal devotion to God. How can God use your stories?
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Rick Ellison: Office of Leadership/Church Health Alabama Baptist Convention State Board of Missions
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