This is a repeat of a post from my former blog (1/6/04):
The disciples came up and asked, "Why do you tell stories?"
[Jesus] replied, "You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they’re blue in the face and not get it.
(Matt 13:10-14, Msg)
Jesus, the Master Storyteller, has explained in this passage the reasons why I write. Because He has given me, as His follower, a glimpse into His Kingdom. I want to write stories that make readers receptive to His insight, to His truths. Until there is readiness in our hearts, we can’t see what is right before us. I know I didn’t all those years ago. God’s love was all around me, but I was blind to it, and then books created a readiness in my heart. And one day, I understood and I responded to God’s invitation.
Jesus, my King, open my ears that I might hear the stories You want me to tell. Let me write clean and true. Keep me strong and courageous and don’t let me be discouraged by the size of the task. Amen and Amen.
In the grip of His grace,
Robin
Thank you for this encouraging word, Robin! Just this weekend I was getting discouraged trying to write down my testimony in a way that will really encourage the person I’m praying for/sharing with to turn to Jesus — and not turn him off. Sometimes it’s so frustrating trying to find the words to portray the Jesus I love, not preach facts. And I was wondering as I wrote and seemed to get nowhere…are You really telling me to do this Lord, or am I jumping the gun here? But all along He’s been telling me to pray for a readiness of heart in the person I will share this with too…and He will make him ready, receptive to His Spirit. Jesus is the master storyteller and He will transform the words I write…it isn’t up to me. I want to write my story in that same way you speak of…in the same way a fiction story grips a reader. That version of Matthew is so encouraging! And a word the Lord gave me last night from Ezekial 39 — “I will no longer hide my face from [the one I pray for] but will pour out My Spirit and understanding…” I’m so grateful how God wants to make us ready to hear!