The very best stories have three things in common. 

First, the best stories tell us something about ourselves. We find ourselves in the story and relate to different characters or plots. We hook onto something familiar or nostalgic! Second, they are engaging. We would be so let down if Marvel introduced a character and then cut to the final fight scene. Where is the build-up? Why do we want this character to win? What made the villain so terrible? Good stories engage us and give us a taste of what’s to come. Finally, the very best stories move us to action. Whether we’re inspired to change career paths, deepen a relationship or pick up yoga, we are moved to action by great stories. 

If you think about your favorite book or film, I’m certain you’ll find all three of these qualifiers. They make the best stories enjoyable. 

It’s tempting to think of the Bible as a mass of loosely related ideas and rules about God without seeing the greater story. We skip over the books with too many genealogies or the ones that use hard languages and stick to the passages we are comfortable with and can easily give meaning. When we do this, we miss out on the beauty of the full picture and story God has given us. 

In Ephesians 3, Paul is explaining the incredible plan God has for all people. In his time, many of the first followers of Jesus were Jewish believers who had grown up in the Jewish faith and knew all about the work God had been doing. In Ephesians, Paul is expressing his excitement and surprise at how readily people with no faith background understood and accepted the gospel. 

We pick up at Paul explaining that God is revealing His wisdom through the story of His people. Paul says that everyone is hearing about God because of the believers’ faith … even the angels! 

Paul was excited to witness God’s story of redemption move through the early Church. From Genesis to Revelation, God uses each unique person, poem and prophecy to communicate His story of love and redemption to the world. From the first created beings, He uses His people to continue to tell His story to the world. 

So, what does this mean for us? We are also invited to share God’s story with the world around us. We carry the most glorious, life-changing and life-saving news with us everywhere we go! As redeemed people of God, we should always be ready to share the story of how God can change a life. 

Here’s the cool part: sharing God’s story is different for each of us! Everyone doesn’t need to become a preacher or social media influencer. Maybe that is your calling or maybe that terrifies you! Instead, God invites us to be a part of His story and to share that story with others in the unique ways He’s created each of us! That could be through publicly sharing your testimony, mentoring a kid in your community or church or volunteering to help serve meals to those in need. 

God’s story of redemption is for everyone. Ask Him how you fit into His story and how you can share that story with others. 

Dig Deeper:

When was the last time you shared God’s story of redemption through the lens of your life? If it’s been a while, look for opportunities to share with friends, a mentor or your church. 

• October 1: Ephesians 1:1-6
• October 2: Ephesians 1:7-10
• October 3: Ephesians 1:11-14
• October 4: Ephesians 1:15-17
• October 5: Ephesians 1:18-23
• October 6: Ephesians 2:1-5
• October 7: Ephesians 2:6-10
• October 8: Ephesians 2:11-13
• October 9: Ephesians 2:14-18
• October 10: Ephesians 2:19-22
• October 11: Ephesians 3:1-6
• October 12: Ephesians 3:7-9
• October 13: Ephesians 3:10-13
• October 14: Ephesians 3:14-19
• October 15: Ephesians 3:20-21
• October 16: Ephesians 4:1-6
• October 17: Ephesians 4:7-8
• October 18: Ephesians 4:9-13
• October 19: Ephesians 4:14-19
• October 20: Ephesians 4:20-24
• October 21: Ephesians 4:25-28
• October 22: Ephesians 4:29-32
• October 23: Ephesians 5:1-7
• October 24: Ephesians 5:8-13
• October 25: Ephesians 5:14-20
• October 26: Ephesians 5:21-24
• October 27: Ephesians 5:25-33
• October 28: Ephesians 6:1-9
• October 29: Ephesians 6:10-17
• October 30: Ephesians 6:18-20
• October 31: Ephesians 6:21-24

Flower Illustration by Lan Truong & Verse Illustration by Mel Cerri