How often do you think about your story? You know, the bestseller novel about your life? I’m guessing, for most of us, we don’t think about our personal story that often. If we do, it’s probably just about the current events only. We forget about all the parts of our journey leading up to the moment currently occupying our thoughts.

I’m currently writing a book. And it’s all about the stories of people I’ve had the honor of knowing through my counseling practice. These are people of many different walks of life. Young, old, rich, poor. Each person has a very unique story. One of the aspects of my job is encourage people to tell their story and learn from it.

What story do you have to tell? I bet you’re thinking about it now. In fact, I would bet that right now you are thinking of moments and/or situations in your life which you haven’t thought about in quite some time. Why do you think that is? Why do we push down pivotal moments in our life which directly impact who we are today?

Well, some of these moments are painful. And most people don’t like to feel pain. In fact, that is why the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse is so incredibly high today; people want to avoid pain. There is a desire to just be numb as opposed to feeling pain. But, friends, it is through pain that we grow in our discipleship the most.

“We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” — Romans 5:3-5

And that is why it is important to embrace your story… all of it. Of course it is easier to think of and talk about the moments of smooth sailing. But how often are we moved to a place of surrender to God when life is going well? For many of us, we don’t go to our knees during the good times. We should but we don’t. It’s during the trials that we find ourselves in need of strength that is beyond our abilities.

I think about my patients and their vulnerabilities when they sit in my office. Almost without fail, I see a sense of relief come upon them when they get to simply tell me their story. All of it… the good, the bad, and the parts tossed deep in the proverbial closet. And it is through the telling of their stories that they begin to heal. For you see, once you begin to see your moments… where you were, where you are, and where you are going …you can see exactly where God has been present the entire time. And that turns your story into a testimony to His glory and the healing He gives to those who believe.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” — 2 Corinthians 1:3

Take some time to sit for a while with God, asking Him to help you write your story. You will be amazed at the way His hand has always been upon you. Hopefully, you will then share your story so that others may find comfort in God’s healing mercies. You are modern day disciple. Go tell the world of the wonderful works He has done within you.