Which biblical narrative has had a powerful impact on your life? What aspect of that narrative—plot, characters, setting, or design patterns—made it especially meaningful to you?
Jesus calming the sea is a great reminder to me that no matter how wild and rocky life can feel, God is in control. The disciples didn't need to fear, because even if it felt like Jesus was asleep, He was there and He cared for them. The same is true for us.
The story of Joseph, who was beloved by his father, and was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers being sold into slavery had a powerful impact on me. The setting of the story goes from Canaan to Egypt and symbolizes a journey from brokenness to restoration. Joseph's story shoes that God can take even the worse circumstances and use them for His greater plan. This story is helpful especially when life feels unfair or painful.
The story of Ruth is a great example to me of the Lord's redeeming love in my life. He rescued me from a life of despair, pain, and loneliness and gave me a new life in Him. The character of Ruth and the plot made it more meaningful to me because I can see myself through Ruth's life.
Jesus asleep in the boat in the middle of the storm. He is with us in the midst of what feels like chaos but always remains in control.
Which biblical narrative has had a powerful impact on your life?
Creation has been impactful. This is because I see how God fills things with things that are good. My empty places are being remade and are being filled with things that God calls good.
What aspect of that narrative—plot, characters, setting, or design patterns—made it especially meaningful to you?
Recently, I have been looking at the design pattern of creation. It has been impactful to me because it has been reminding me that God spoke into creation all things except for man. But later through His word speaks to the heart of man and promises to change man into a new creation. This is encouraging to me because it makes me think of the fact that God's words will not fail.
Creation has been impactful. This is because I see how God fills things with things that are good. My empty places are being remade and are being filled with things that God calls good.
What aspect of that narrative—plot, characters, setting, or design patterns—made it especially meaningful to you?
Recently, I have been looking at the design pattern of creation. It has been impactful to me because it has been reminding me that God spoke into creation all things except for man. But later through His word speaks to the heart of man and promises to change man into a new creation. This is encouraging to me because it makes me think of the fact that God's words will not fail.
For me, it is the creation and the journey in his mother, Mary. If I think that Jesus was a child and grew up "normal stuff" blew my mind.
Bethlehem, the way Jesus came into this world is fascinating, and I am full of questions too.
Bethlehem, the way Jesus came into this world is fascinating, and I am full of questions too.
The character of David speaks to me. After the various ways that he sinned and failed, God called him a man after his own heart because of his faithfulness. He is a vital part of the linage of Jesus.
There are so many Bible stories that have impacted my life. Dabbing into New Age beliefs and practices for a little while and experiencing spiritual opression from that, I was made aware through scripture that spiritual experiences are real. Also, that not all spiritual practices honor God and are God's will for us. Through Saul's experience with the witch of Endor and God's rebuke to him through Samuel's ghost or whatever, it made me see that what the New Age teaches about these spiritual encounters are not good experiences and these beings are not with the God of the Bible. Also, I saw through the narrative of the deliverance of the girl being used by a spirit of divination that God is on control, that God can deliver from spiritual oppression, and that God uses his faithful servants to deliver us. That story helped me see that these spiritual practices are against God's commands in scripture because His people are called to be different and that we are called to stay away from practicing these abominations. I too got delivered from these oppressions once I learned from 2 Corinthians 10:4 and Ephesian 6:12 that we have authority over these things when we repent, when we know the weapons of our warfare, when we recognize the real enemies are not flesh and blood, and when we know that God is on our side. We can be set free.
I have really resonated with Noah this last year. I had a lot of challenges this last year balancing different roles and responsibilities, behavior management, and new position. It seemed like there was this looming storm and our team had to work together to get our "ark", our school prepared and trust God in the process. God brought us through the storm and although there were a lot of challenges and waiting on Him, we have hope in Him.
The healing of the bleeding woman. The woman's belief is inspirational. Without knowing Jesus, she believes he can heal her, whether this is out of true, mature faith or simple desperation, her belief in his ability is still on display. During this story she reaches out and is immediately healed. I can't imagine, as a woman, how that relief must have felt. This would change her whole life - physically, socially, and, we hope, spiritually. Finally, Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" At first glance this is a reasonable question. If he felt the power of healing go out of him, in a large crowd, it seems logical to ask such a question. However, Jesus is Jesus. Surely he must have known. If not, how does he know me? I've never seen him. I've never had the opportunity to reach out and touch Jesus' clothing. But I have full faith that he knows me, cares for me, and loves me.
The story of Joseph is meaningful to me. The difficulties he faced and his determination to continue to serve God and stay faithful are an encouragement to keep going even when things are not fair or easy.
I think that the book of Esther has an incredible narrative, one that is a very simple yet elegant flow to it. I love the plot because, while God is not mentioned in this book, His presence is loud and clear in the characters of Esther and Mordecai.