12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, 13even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.15This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17 NLT
Paul has a moment here where he tells exactly what He sees God having done for him. He explains it in a way that establishes a foundational faith principle.
It would be tempting to think, oh well if I had a conversion to Christ like his I would be able to make such a statement.
However the principle here, is not to be like Paul so I am more effective for Christ BUT to be like me so my story is effective for Christ.
The question then is what is YOUR story? What 1 or 2 things can you identify have changed in your life that establishes an aspect of who God is?
I have had to battle and overcome certain fears, the fight to not see life as average and walk through some major life crisis’.
So my story might read : By faith give life a go, there are places mapped out for you in God which are bigger than you imagined, faith and persistent pursuit in Christ will lead you over obstacles and into your God shaped future. You are more significant than you think you are. Faith in Christ transforms perception.
The only story others will receive is the story they can read. There is no point in me trying to live another story but rather celebrate what God has done in and through me.
We all have a story, what is the message in yours?