Regifting

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed. – 2 Timothy 4:17

Think of a time when God gave you the strength to endure an awful experience, walk through uncharted territory, or get back up again after being knocked down. Thankfully, in God’s strength, you made it through.  

Wouldn’t you love to give God a Christmas present this year to show your thankfulness?  Maybe you can, if you’ll be courageous.  Paul was a great man of faith who modeled courage for us.  Let’s follow is his footsteps this Christmas season.

Just imagine what Paul must have been feeling when he was in prison waiting to be executed.  With his hands and feet in shackles, he penned powerful Bible verses to his mentee, Timothy.  The first three words of 2 Timothy 4:17 (above), “But the Lord”, make all the difference in the world.  

Here are three modern day faith stories (all true) similar to Paul’s to spur you on to write your own.

She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but the Lord comforted her, so she boldly shared her faith in Jesus with doctors, nurses, and visitors in the hospital. All who knew her, witnessed her “fighting the good fight of faith,” every step of the way to heaven.

She suffered from an eating disorder throughout high school, but the Lord healed her and called her to share her story with teens struggling with anoxia and bulimia. She is amazed how God has taken the scariest part of her life and is now using it to help others. 

She worried day and night about her wayward son, but the Lord came close and whispered to trust Him.  So now when worry comes back for a visit, she’s reminded to go to God first and give Him all her concerns, because He truly cares.  While she’s trusting and praying, she kicks worry out the door.

What is one of your faith stories?  It could be as short as two or three sentences?  Has the Lord rescued you, restored a relationship, or carried you through a challenging season of your life?  These are precious times that can highlight God’s promises and power. 

This Christmas, you will gather together with friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to toast, eat and share in all the celebrations.  Is God nudging you to share your faith?  

It takes courage, but can be as simple as, “I was _________, but the Lord ______________.  Therefore, I am incredibly thankful to celebrate the birth of Jesus this year!”

Never forget, your treasured encounters with God cannot be disputed, because you lived them.  You felt the hand of God when He entered into your darkness.  You experienced God’s comfort when He came close.  He changed whole parts of your life by His love, mercy, and goodness.  

Always remember, your faith stories are free gifts from God. Will you be brave and give them away this Christmas?  When you do, you are re-gifting them to God with a big note on top that reads, “Thank you!” 

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement