Oh, come, oh, call me, Matthew.

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We can all think of the instance where someone was sharing their story, their difficult story, or even their painful story, and we were touched and moved and inspired to change or be transformed in our daily walk with God.

Oftentimes when I think of individuals with encouraging and challenging stories,

I always imagine what if they never in that moment took the time to share their story. I would have never been moved or inspired by their life and by what God has done throughout the course

of their life. And I wonder today, as you listen to me underneath the sound of my voice what if you never tell your story what if

you never allow god to use your painful story to bring him glory as we all know telling our personal

stories of struggle and pain can be dangerous.

But the pain is well worth it.

Because each and every one of our stories can remind others how God uses stories to heal others.

The momentary pain that we may face by telling our stories can amount to the joy to the glory that's to come

afterwards. The Bible says all of heaven rejoices when one sinner comes to repentance. God wants to

use your story as a bridge to get someone else healed. Although you may go through pain, just like Jesus went through pain on the cross,

he knew that he would essentially have us in a place where we can be healed forever.

Our king Jesus placed himself in a position to be broken so we can essentially be healed forever.

That blows my mind that he can redeem our stories.

Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies.

And at the end, all his disciples deserted him.

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