One night, something amazing happened at a worship service where I was about to teach. It was the first in a chain reaction of events that taught me the ripple effect of a story that unfolded on Restoration Road.

A couple sitting next to me stared blankly as I asked them the same question I would ask countless others. During the remainder of the worship songs, I watched as they wrestled with the answer. After the music ended, they approached me and said, “We’re ready.”

I surprised myself when I asked if they would share their story with those who were in attendance. They agreed, and as everyone gathered, they spoke about their prodigal stories of sand and stone and their attempts at self-restoration, including their struggles with pride. They bravely confessed and humbly surrendered their lives to the Restorer as their Savior and Lord.

I learned that traveling along Restoration Road was as much about listening as it was about speaking. Our unique stories add value to life as they become teaching parables. God has given each one of us a unique story so that we can share His story with others. When we listen to others’ stories, they listen to ours.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6).

This week, invite God to lead you to someone and ask, “What is your story?” After you listen, articulate how God chased you down to restore your relationship with Him, connecting your story with theirs where it fits. Discover how God will use you to draw another to Himself as you grow in your intimacy with Him.

Episode 31: In Christ To Instruct from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.

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