READING: Acts 26:4-23:, 2 Timothy 3:10-17
I often ask some long-term pastors to meet with my students and tell them their stories. My young students love hearing from them not only because they want to learn from veteran pastors, but also because they just love to hear how faithful believers have endured and thrived in their Christian walk. Their questions of these pastors are varied, including ones like these:
- How did you become a believer?
- How did you discover your call to ministry?
- What would you do differently if you were to start over again?
- How do/did you balance family and ministry?
- Did you ever serve bi-vocationally?
- What’s your strategy for having an ongoing quiet time?
- Have you ever wanted to leave ministry? If so, why?
I’m reminded that all of us have a faith story we must tell. Those of us in ministry need to include what the Lord has taught us through ministry, and we need to challenge the next generation to consider this calling. Discipleship thus rightly becomes an older believer sharing his story, modeling faithfulness and enduring hardship before others, and pushing the next generation to fulfill their calling. It’s shared life that looks like, as Paul described his relationship with Timothy, “you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance . . .” (2 Tim 3:10).
I encourage you this week to reach out to a young person and share your story and life.
PRAYER: “I thank You, Lord, for the ways You’ve led me. Help me to share my story with others.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 30-31, Galatians 2