This summer in Elementary Kids Ministry, we’ve been “camping” together! Each week, the kids have gathered around our indoor tent and pretend campfire—don’t worry, no real flames involved!—to hear stories of incredible people from the Bible. They’ve been amazed by tales of bravery and faith: like the three young Hebrew men who stood firm and didn’t burn in the fiery furnace because they refused to bow to a pagan king. What a powerful way for the one true God to be glorified!
They were in awe hearing about Daniel, who was thrown into a den of hungry lions but remained unharmed—all because he chose to pray to the God of the universe instead of following the crowd. What an amazing example of God’s divine protection! And, of course, we couldn’t skip Jonah and the big fish—how he sat among seaweed and fish guts for three days, thinking about his disobedience. That wild adventure ended with an entire city turning to God!
Have you ever thought about your life as a story? Every one of us is on a unique journey, filled with ups and downs, surprises and challenges. And here’s the beautiful part: God is the author of it all.
Psalm 139:16 says, “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” That means God sees your entire story—past, present, and future—and He has a purpose for every part of it.
Maybe you’ve looked at your life and thought, “I’m too old, I’ve made too many mistakes,” or “I’m too young, and nothing exciting has happened in my life yet.”
Let me encourage you: your story is not too small for God.
In fact, it’s often the stories that seem the most ordinary that God uses in the most extraordinary ways. Maybe your story is full of wild adventures—God can use that too. Has your life been messy or chaotic? If you surrender the chaos to Him, He will use it.
Think about this:
- Moses was afraid to speak in public, but God used him to lead an entire nation.
- Ruth was a widowed outsider, but her faithfulness became part of the lineage of Jesus.
- David was a young shepherd boy, yet God made him a great king.
- Peter denied Jesus three times, but went on to preach boldly and help build the early church.
- Paul once persecuted Christians—but became one of the greatest evangelists of all time.
Why were these stories so powerful? Because each of these people gave their lives to God and said yes to a life devoted to Him.
Romans 8:28 reminds us: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Not just in the good things—in all things. Your broken pieces, your past hurts, your fears, your mistakes—they’re not wasted when you give them to God.
So, how can we let God use our story?
1. Be honest about where you’ve been. Your story doesn’t have to be perfect or dramatic—it just has to be real. God uses our authenticity to reach others. People need the truth, not perfection.
2. Be willing to share your story. You never know who might need to hear how God has worked in your life—the good, the bad, and everything in between.
3. Trust that God is still writing your story. Maybe you’re in a hard chapter right now—don’t give up. Your story isn’t over yet. God is still working, even when you don’t see it. You might never speak from a stage or write a book, but your life speaks louder than you think. And maybe, just maybe, you will stand on a stage or write that book if that’s where God leads.
No matter what, let Him direct your steps each day. By loving God, loving others, and walking in faith, courage, and hope, you show the world what God can do through someone who trusts Him.
Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Let’s pray this together:
God, take my story and use it for Your glory.
As we’ve been “camping” with the kids each week, it’s been such a joy to show their tender hearts how God has used people throughout history—and how He is writing their story too. I’m excited to see how their lives unfold.
As we wrap up, remember this: don’t ever be ashamed of your story. Jesus takes every bit of shame, disappointment, and chaos, and brings redemption through His death and resurrection. When you surrender your life to Him, your story becomes a light that points others to His goodness.
And isn’t that what we truly want? May this be an encouragement to you today. Reflect on how your story can become part of the greater plan God has for you—and for those around you.
God bless you on your journey with Jesus.
