“He brought them out of darkness … and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love …, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.”

Psalm 107:14-16
Some months after I was out of jail and attending a local church, a pastor approached me about a prison ministry he was involved in. He encouraged me to consider sharing my story with men awaiting military trials. At first, I dismissed his invitation. What could I possibly have in common with a bunch of marines? My story wouldn’t represent Jesus well. I was nothing more than a second-class citizen in the kingdom of God! Nonetheless, I felt the Lord compelling me to go.

Joel 2:25-26 says, “I will repay you for the years the locusts has eaten … and you will praise the name of the LORD your God who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.” This resonated with me as I shared my story, prayed, and lingered to speak with the men there. I was surprised to see how encouraged they were. Many of them shared how much they identified with my journey to faith, and how much hope they had after hearing what the Lord had done in my life.

I learned that the value of my story lay in the fact that I was really telling God’s story.


Scripture Focus

Psalm 107:16-22

Insight

Lord, I’m humbled that You’ve made my story a part of Yours. You’ve given me significance and value I could never have without You. Thank you. Amen

Bible In A Year

  • Exodus 39-40
  • Psalm 45
  • Luke 9
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