Stories of Grace

       ​“What is your story?” Have you ever had someone ask you that before? What did you say? How did that conversation go? What did you tell them?
Sometimes telling our story can be an intimidating thing. When we tell our story, we are vulnerable. We have chinks in the armor, things we are not proud of, highs and lows. We have moments where growth has taken place, we have joys and pains, both embarrassing moments and moments of excitement. Our stories define who we are in all it’s glory and ugliness. Sometimes, people hesitate to tell their stories because they don’t think they have a good one or we feel the need to jazz ours up a bit and exaggerate some points to make it seem more interesting or exciting. But your story is your story and your story matters.
            This week we get to be blessed to have this reminder given to us again. We get to experience how God uses the story that He writes on the pages of our lives to bless, encourage, and challenge others and to ultimately give glory to Him for what He has done and is continuing to do in our lives. Two of our very own elders at Oak Hill, Dave Jenson and David Baird, will be sharing how God has walked alongside of them in their own individual lives bringing them to a fuller knowledge and love of Himself. While their stories aren’t exactly like mine or yours, we not only can learn from what God has taught and shown them, but we can be reminded that He has done and is doing the same for each of us too.
            This is one of the reasons that being a part of a church family is such a wonderful thing. Each of us brings our individual stories, baggage, and gifts and, while all are unique and different from one another, we are unified by our bond in Christ. He is the common denominator that unites our stories and makes a bestselling novel of His goodness to us. A wide collection of stories of His grace.
            This weekend, I get the honor and privilege of being involved in the stories of two other people who used to attend Oak Hill: Kevin Frank and Molly Brunkow. These two lovebirds get to witness another uniting of stories this Sunday as they unite together in marriage.
            May you be richly blessed by hearing the stories of grace shared this Sunday and may you be encouraged to thank God for the way He is writing your story as you walk by faith in Him. Who knows…maybe you will get the chance to share your story with someone in the coming weeks…?
 
Pastor Ben