Everyone loves a good story. Do you have a favorite, one that you’ve read many times?
In every classic story, to some degree there is a struggle between good and evil. This tension mirrors the conflict in the history of the world. As Christians, we know that the real ‘good versus evil’ is in the spiritual world – and Jesus is the absolute hero.
Have you been reading any Bible stories recently? Though the good and evil is usually evident, the situation’s hero of God’s choosing is often weak and not who we might have chosen. As the plot thickens, we usually get to see the character’s growth and we may comment along the way how we would have done things differently. The author, God himself, allows the good to be sourced through himself, the plan to be set by himself, and the glory to be given to himself. Why? Because he alone can declare, “I am God and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me” (Isaiah 46:9b NIV, letter U for Unique in Follow and Lead).
Isn’t it exciting to read accounts in the Bible that show how God uses an underdog for his purposes? Through the stories, we see who God is and watch his plan of redemption unfold. As we learn, we can exclaim in confidence, “No one is like you, LORD; you are great and your name is mighty in power” (Jeremiah 10:6 NIV, letter R for Renowned in Follow and Lead).
Consider Moses. His life is a colorful weaving of events, from birth to death. Abandoned as a baby, raised in foreign royalty, driven to murder for justice, and separated from his people, Moses, though feeling inadequate and unconfident, was chosen by God to be the leader of God’s chosen people. The life story of Moses, and the miraculous ways in which God worked through him, showcases God’s power and holiness, love and guidance, judgment and mercy.
Consider Jonah. Rather than readily obey God’s command to preach repentance to the Ninevites, Jonah fled in a different direction and cast himself into the sea. God, being in control, had a big fish swallow Jonah and then spit him out onto land. Jonah completed the task God set before him, but not with a God-honoring attitude. In the end, Jonah was sour about God’s mercy toward those who repented.
Let’s consider our own life story. Can we see the weavings of our life events and recognize how God is working them for his glory and good in our life? Are we allowing the author of life to determine our steps as we trust him and do his good will? Though weak and needy, we can be rescued by Jesus and transformed by the Spirit to showcase God’s glory as he works in us and through us and around us.
Let’s “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2a BSB). Knowing the real hero of life allows us to endure its struggles and gives us hope as we look toward the good ending, which will be a perfect beginning.
Read in the Good Book, God’s Word, each day as you work through a Heart Training workbook.