God Can Use You To Tell His Story With Your Experience? By Gracious Akintayo

Many of us look at the Bible as one big book, but it is actually many different books written by different authors and organized in a way to help us come to know the nature of God and His people. 

The authors range from murdering orphans, whining righteous men and prophets to widows, adulterers, and a man who murdered Christians for their faith. They are glowing resumes for a book contract, and yet God used them to tell His story.

If all scripture, written by a rag tag group of writers, is said to be “inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17), it stands to reason, God can use you to tell his story through your experience.

Just like writers today, I can imagine the authors of the books of the Bible getting weary and second guessing and doubting whether their writing is actually from the heart of God or their own frivolous ramblings.

While many of the authors of the Bible were speaking to a particular audience for a specific purpose, it is comforting to know their words can encourage us today.

“Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book.” -Jeremiah 30:2 

Books, whether fiction or nonfiction, are meant to be read. As writers who share our faith through story, we want the words that flow from our fingertips to be God-inspired. 

We can be sure that they are the word of God, if we strive to abide in Christ, and pay close attention, we will hear His voice and be able to write the words He wants to express through us for our intended audience. Different authors will have different stories to tell, so don’t compare yourself to someone else.

And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” – Revelation 21:5

Yes, these are precise words to designated prophets with specific assignments. However, as Christian writers we should take note, as they show the Lord commissioning us for His purpose. He could have communicated with mankind in any way He pleased, and He chose the written word.

“My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer”. – Psalm 45:1

This most quoted verse of the Bible is actually a psalm of praise. Many writers quote the verse, but with different reasons. It is a prayer to overflow with a good topic to read and glorify God.

Also, it is a picture of what our praise can and should be. “When you let God fill your heart with things, good things come flowing out”.

“Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes.” And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe (writer) who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” – Matthew 13:51-52  

Jesus, who so often taught by telling stories, spoke a special word to the scribes (writers) who became His followers. It is good news that when we understand His word, our treasure will contain old things and new things (truth and salvation) He has licenced us to write.

Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:13-14.

Who knows if your writings have not led you to a time like this? And, like the story of Esther, I hope the stories you tell, either fiction or nonfiction, will be a blessing to raise hope and strengthen hearts in the Lord.

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voices are not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world”. – Psalm 19:1-4a-b.

Psalm 19 reminds us that while God chose words, He didn’t need them. The Lord has chosen every means of communication. All creation proclaims Him.