John 20-21 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” … That Sunday evening, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because the were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly Jesus was standing there among them! … Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. … Then Jesus told Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me. … Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. … “Now come and have breakfast!” Jesus said. … Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.
How has Jesus appeared to you? What happened? I would so love to know! Have you, like Mary Magdalene, been overwhelmed by grief? Have you, like the disciples, been trapped by fear? Like Thomas, have you struggled to believe God is alive, that he cares? Have you, like the fishing disciples, become discouraged because your hard work seems to have resulted in nothing? Like Peter, have you betrayed your Lord or someone else you love, and need restoration? What is your story?
I would particularly like to know how you have seen God through these long months of Covid. Could you take a few minutes to write, no more than a page, and send me your “But God” Covid story to encourage other people?
When we write our stories, we preserve and honor them, and thereby we honor God. What if John hadn’t taken the time to write his Gospel? Much of what Jesus said and did we simply wouldn’t know.
Something special happens for us when we write. Our experience clarifies. We see aspects we hadn’t noted before. We understand details and connections; we perceive more of what God is doing in our lives. We grow.
And sharing our stories encourages others to share theirs. Together, we know God better.
So, will you do it? During this Easter season, the days between Easter and Pentecost, I would love to publish your story, for the glory of God and encouragement of his people. I’ll be watching my Inbox! Send me your story at debrakornfield@gmail.com.
Thanks!!
Debra Kornfield 