Story Time

There was a girl. She went to school, got a job, got married. Her and her husband had two healthy kids. They both made a decent amount of money, lived in a nice sized home and walked through the motions of life. Day in and day out until the last day. The end.

That wasn't a very exciting story was it? It was pretty boring. It really had no purpose. That story couldn't really inspire or change anyone. It didn't lead anywhere or have any ups and downs. It definitely wouldn't be made into a book or a movie.

Now think of a story you already know... a fairy tale... a disney movie... think of Cinderella, or 101 Dalmatians even. Perhaps that takes you back to your childhood, brings on emotions and thoughts of blissfulness and fun, or reminds you of a lesson learned. 

Between that 'Once upon a time' and 'Happily ever after' lies conflict.  There is always a battle, a struggle or something the main character has to get through. Cinderella had a struggle with her step sisters and lost her shoe. 101 Dalmations had the evil lady who wanted to steal all the puppies. Pretty much any story you read or movie you watch will have conflict. That's what gets you watching in the first place and keeps you watching to find out what happens.

Now think about your own life. Maybe it hasn't gone the way you hoped. Maybe you've been presented with a set of struggles you never imagined and don't know what to do with. Maybe you wish your story was more like the boring first example.

Just remember, without the struggle, there isn't really much of a story. When a struggle comes along, there is then an opportunity with it. There is an opportunity to overcome, opportunity to inspire, opportunity to teach and encourage others. 

So as you go through life and encounter daily or even life long struggles, keep that in mind. More importantly, know that there is a purpose. God may be using you to reach others... to inspire, to teach, to encourage, to lead others to Him. 

You have the opportunity to turn each test into a testimony. You even have the opportunity to reach your own 'happily ever after' by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. In this world you will have troubles, but if you have accepted Him, there will be a day those struggles will end and you will one day meet Him and your happily ever after will be eternity in heaven. Make the most of the life you've been given and make your story one worth reading. 

God bless.