The Author of Every Story - What She Said Part 14 - Week 2 Day 1

TODAY'S TREASURE

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.

Rom. 15:4 NIV

Transcript

The Author of Every Story

Sharon Betters

Today’s Treasure

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.

Rom. 15:4 NIV

Dear Friends,

If you are familiar with my writing, you know I love digging deep into the stories of biblical people. The women of the Bible frequent my books and devotions, along with the people listed in Hebrews 11, often called the Hall of Faith. I really enjoy unpacking details in lesser known biblical stories. There is a reason why God doesn’t hide the sin, weaknesses, discouragement, or emotions woven throughout each life. Each one teaches us more about the character of our God. In this week’s devotions, Marlys Roos joins us as our guest writer and reminds us these stories are not in the scriptures by accident, and neither are the details – or lack thereof. Unbeknownst to them, God designed their stories to teach them – and us – about Him. 

Marlys Roos entered my life as she edited the Leader’s Guide for Aging with Grace – Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture. Our connection grew deeper when she took on the project of updating the Leader’s Guide for Treasures of Encouragement. Since then, Marlys has made my life richer as she has connected me with other women who love Jesus and love writing about Him. It’s a joy to have Marlys as a guest writer for Daily Treasure once more. Her devotions reveal her love for Jesus and the scriptures. 

In Saturday’s devotion, she wraps up the week with these words:

“The Author of every story has filled His Story with people and events to reveal Himself to His people and, at the same time, reveal His people to themselves. Can you relate to the impatience and disbelief of Sarah, the denial of grief and error of Moses, the struggle with pride and self-sufficiency of the kings, or the desire to live in comfort and peace of the secret disciples? What about the devotion of Mary, the hospitality of her sister Martha, the endurance of Jeremiah, the straightforwardness of Elijah, and the singing of David? I can… and to so many more, for those characteristics are only a sampling of the complexities of the real people found in Scripture…

Whether we share their specific struggle with sin, are encouraged to follow their particular example of faith, or just read their stories with interest, each person in Scripture—named or unnamed—and their story reveal and magnify the character of God, the Creator and Father of all, who told their stories that we may know Him and our dependence on Him. In His great love, He has redeemed their stories and ours, setting Himself as the ultimate example: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph 5:1-2).”

It's our prayer this week’s devotions will encourage you to dig deeper and to read the stories of scripture with a different view, recognizing God is not just telling a Bible story, He is writing His Story.

Treasured by Him,

Sharon

LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

Take time to dig deeper into the lives of the people Marlys showcases each day. Look for more characteristics of God’s character, including His grace, wisdom, mercy, and faithfulness.

PRAYER

Lord, how grateful we are for the way Your Word never grows old. It is living, and the most familiar passages can come alive with a new message, just the one we need for this moment, this day.