Every Story Points to Jesus
Read
1 Peter 4:10–11
10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
As you read, notice Peter’s focus. Peter, the disciple with many stories, failures, and moments recorded throughout Scripture, ultimately points away from himself and back to Jesus.
Everything is meant to glorify Jesus Christ.
Reflect
Over the past several weeks, we have looked at different stories throughout Scripture and connected them to the stories we experience in our own lives today. Noah, Aaron, David, Elijah, and now the apostles all remind us of the same truth: God works through real people with real struggles, failures, fears, victories, and transformations.
And every one of those stories ultimately points back to Jesus.
That is true whether someone’s story is widely known like Peter’s, quietly hidden like James the Lesser’s, or transformed dramatically like James, the brother of Jesus.
The details may differ, but the purpose remains the same.
Our stories are significant because they tell the story of Jesus: what He has done for us, how He has transformed us, and what He continues to do through us.
That means your story matters.
Not because it is dramatic enough.
Not because it is polished enough.
Not because enough people know about it.
Your story matters because Jesus is present in it.
Many people hesitate to share their story because they assume it is too ordinary compared to someone else’s. But the apostles remind us that the Kingdom of God has always been filled with ordinary people whose lives became meaningful because of Jesus.
History may barely remember James the Lesser, but Heaven knows his name.
And just as the stories of the apostles carried Kingdom impact into families, communities, churches, and future generations, the same can happen through us today.
One story shared can deeply encourage another person. One testimony can help someone realize they are not alone. One moment of honesty can point someone toward hope, healing, repentance, restoration, or faith in Jesus.
That’s why sharing what God has done matters so much.
Because all of our stories should point people to Jesus and bring God glory.
Respond
Think about the story God is writing in your life right now.
How have you seen Jesus transform, sustain, guide, forgive, restore, or strengthen you?
Are there parts of your story you’ve minimized, hidden, or assumed were not important enough to share?
Who in your life might need encouragement from hearing what Jesus has done in you and through you?
If this week has helped you recognize a “41 story” in your own life, consider taking time to write it out at www.kairos.church/41story as a way to reflect further and possibly encourage others.
Pray
Lord, thank You for the story You are writing in my life. Thank You for Your grace, forgiveness, patience, and transformation. Help me never underestimate what You can do through ordinary people who follow You faithfully. Give me courage to share what You have done in my life so others can see Your goodness and glory. Let my story continually point people to Jesus and bring honor to Your name. Amen.