Story Time

An old house mate of mine was great at telling stories. While I listened to his stories I learnt a lot about the city we lived in and even more about my mate.

 

Matthew 14.22-36

Reference:  v.33  Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (NIV Bible)

Explore:  An old house mate of mine was great at telling stories.  It seemed that nearly everyday something crazy or unusual would happen to him and it was always my pleasure to listen to him debrief from the day.  While I listened to his stories I learnt a lot about the city we lived in and even more about my mate.
When we see or hear other people’s stories we are able to learn more about them and if we relate it to our lives we can learn more about ourselves as well.
When Peter stepped off the boat to walk on water with Jesus, the rest of the disciples were still in the boat.  They did not see the water underneath them, they did not feel the waves pushing up on their feet, they did not sense the fear as they began to sink… that was all Peter.  However they were able to learn so much from Peter’s experience that when everyone was back in the boat they worshiped Jesus.

Application:  Each person is a walking resource for other’s learning.  We can get a greater understanding of our world and our God by listening to other people’s stories and experiences.  The disciples sitting in the boat did not have the faith that Peter did, but their faith was deepened by experiencing Peter’s courage, his lack of faith and then seeing Jesus’ response.  We can learn a great deal from other people.  And don’t limit your story tellers to only being those who seem to have great faith.  I can often learn so much about myself, my faith and God by listening to those who don’t even proclaim themselves as Christians.  Invite others to share their story, listen for where God is moving in the world around them and be willing to share your own story.

Prayer:  Lord, when you were on earth you had the capacity to tell many stories.  We are still learning from those stories today.  May we be open to hearing stories from others and may we have the courage to tell our own stories, no matter how broken they may seem.  Amen.

Matthew