One of my favorite preachers was talking about how he tries not to use personal stories as illustrations. If he does, he would rather make himself the butt of the joke and not a hero. But occasionally, he has the perfect story from his life to demonstrate his point and help others understand God’s work in the world.

Then he said, “I hate to be autobiographical, but that is how I experience life.”

I have thought about that line for over thirty years. I completely understand what he is saying. While I never want to use my stories to make people think I am something special, I have been a part of some encounters that perfectly illustrate faith. And since I have experienced these things, I want to use them for God.

God has allowed all of us to walk through numerous experiences that have shown us sin and grace. Still others have helped us understand forgiveness and love. Those are your stories, but maybe God gave them to you to share with others, helping them know and understand Him better.