About once a month, someone shares a story with me that’s big. I get stories all the time, but I’m talking about the kind of story that makes your jaw flop open when you hear it…that kind of big story.
I’ve quit being surprised when it happens, but I’m usually surprised that it’s happening to the person telling me the story. Usually this type of story starts with a phrase such as “I hope you’ll still be my friend after I tell you this...” or “Please don’t give up on me when I tell you this…”
Someone made a huge error…they messed up…they sinned…
What surprises me most, however, is that no matter how much I preach with grace, in spite of the fact that “grace” is in our church’s name, even though I’m not bashful about saying I’ve had tremendous failures in my own life…
People still worry how I will respond to them.
Guilt does that too a person…and struggling with the emotions after a moral failure is often one of the hardest consequences…
Let me make one thing perfectly clear, however…
Your story isn’t too big for me to…
- Extend you grace…
- Call you my friend…
- Still love you…
- Want the best for you…
- Introduce you to my Savior…
You see, it’s not because I’m especially graceful, but because I serve a BIG GOD…
And He’s extended me much grace…So I know…
My Jesus isn’t scared away by the size or the messiness of your story…
The seemingly impossible situation you’ve found yourself in hasn’t startled Him either…
Go ahead…share your story with me…watch and see…
By the way, the longer you try to protect your story or the longer you pretend it isn’t your story…
The longer you may be delaying receiving forgiveness and grace…
Have you ever felt your story was “too big” to share?
Do you have one person in your life with whom you can share anything and know he or she will still love you?
Do you need to confess your darkest pain to someone today?
I would say my dad as my greatest friend! I can share anything with him! He is always there to comfort me and guide me.
That's awesome. I'd love my boys to say that about me.
I went through a huge struggle a while back and as a pastor I am the one who helps extend grace but yet am not so apt on recieving it. When i finally was confronted and confessed I was shocked my friend didnt condemn me. I aked him why and he so loving said”Why would I when Jesus doesnt condemn you.” That was the greatest act of grace this side of Jesus himself. Totaly changed me and made me not want to walk back down that path again. Grace!
That's awesome Eldon. I hope things are going well for you these days.
I have a great therapist!
I agree with Darrell. Luckily I do have wonderful friends to talk to when needed.
I think everyone needs a therapist at times!
I think the feeling that your story is too big is one of the biggest lies we can believe about ourselves. Romans 8 speaks so clearly to me about this.
I have a couple of friends who I can tell: one mentor and one peer. It is important to share with both I think.
I agree Darrell. Thank you!