MY Story
MY Story
In our review of the Resurrection narratives, we notice that one of the 12 Apostles wasn’t with the others when the Risen Christ appeared to them. For each, it must have been a shocking and life-changing experience. Think about it. If you went to an open-casket funeral, and your “loved one” suddenly sat up, how might you react? This Resurrection encounter with the living Christ was explosive. “But Thomas – – – was not with them when Jesus came.” (John 20:24 KJV) He wished he’d been there but he missed it. This was their experience, not his. This was their story, not his. Talk about feeling left out!
“And after eight days again his disciples were within and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.” (John 20:26 KJV) Jesus simply materialized. As a result of this epiphany, Thomas would say, “My Lord and my God”. What had transpired? Their story had suddenly become Thomas’s story.
The Gospel is something that you can personally experience. In a way, you come to Jesus and discover that He has already come to you. In Fanny Crosby’s immortal hymn, “Blessed Assurance”, she penned these words:
Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, Washed in His blood. This is my story, This is my song-----.
Stuart Hamblen was a renowned songwriter and performer. His professional life prospered, yet he was spiritually in a dark place. Then one night he opened his empty heart to Christ. Later, Stuart’s good friend, John Wayne, questioned him about his conversion. Hamblen responded, “It’s no secret. Whatever the Lord has done for me, He can do for you.” John Wayne replied, “It sounds like a song coming on. Why don’t you write it?” And so he did :
It is no secret what God can do. What He's done for others, He'll do for you. With arms wide open, He'll pardon you. It is no secret what God can do."
It can be your story too.
