Coffee Stains: Writing Your Story

A pastor in Tennessee often took trips to Africa to preach and help missionaries.

One night, a missionary friend was preaching in his church in the States, and he described a trip down a great African river to preach the gospel to people who didn’t know the Lord. The missionary painted a poignant picture and you could almost see the bank sliding by as they traveled the river, the crocodiles that watched them, and hear the wild cry of colorful birds. ‘I wish I had been on that trip with him,” the pastor remarked to his wife later after the service, when they were home. ‘Actually, I believe you were with him,” his wife said. The pastor thought a minute and realized that it had been on one of his missionary trips. ‘I think you’re right,” he said. ‘It just seemed so much more exciting the way he told it.”

Everyone of us is writing a book with his life. When we read heroic stories or see them on television, we thrill as we vicariously take part in others’ adventures. But we’re in one too. A good story-teller could make a best-seller out of your life. There are problems, challenges, dreams, and frustrations enough to challenge the greatest of actors. There are lots of warriors, shepherds, and  leaders who are reading this and don’t even realize what they are and what’s going on in them and in their situation. Or how important it is, from God’s point of view, that they be successful. It may not seem exciting, but you’re living it. Ask God to help you do it successfully so that the premiere of your ‘blockbuster” in heaven will be a big success in God’s eyes.

‘I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. ‘So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision, you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” (Phil. 3:12-16, The Message) 2009 looms before us like an unclimbed mountain. It’s scary, but also exhilarating and fun. Sit down, now or very soon, and decide how God wants you to write the book of your life this year, then plan how to do it. The reality is more exciting than a movie.

Hmm …

The Accuser has been replaced by an Intercessor! (Rev. 12:10; Rom. 8:33,34)