Bible Stories Aren’t Just for Kids

The other night I had interesting conversation with friends at dinner. We were talking about the idea that Bible stories were not just nice stories, but they were there to help us relate to difficulties when they come.

I know most Christians know this, and it isn’t a new thought, but how often do we as people of faith really think about what we are going through and place our life stories in the context of those Bible stories?

So, at dinner, we took turns and related a current personal issue to a specific Bible story. Then, we used those stories to encourage one another.

One friend had a relationship with his boss like David had with Saul. One moment the boss was praising him and giving him assignments, the next moment, the fiery spears would fly. Like David, my friend trusted God for his tomorrow. He often wondered about the timing of God’s intervention, but trusted that He was working on his behalf and the plans God had for him were good.

Another friend felt like she was in a fiery furnace. No matter what she prayed or did, breakthrough wasn’t coming. Fires were burning and she could barely catch her breath. Like Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego, she knew God was with her in the fire and completely trusted Him for the outcome. Despite all the people pulling against her, she was protected from harm. Her conclusion: God could be trusted even when the life is overwhelming and the fires are burning hot.

One person could really relate to Joseph’s life. She was in a job, unappreciated and thrown to the side while others ascended. She could relate to being in the prison of neglect and rejection, hoping and praying that the “king” would remember her and release her from false charges that caused the rejection. Like Joseph, she believed God would restore what was lost.

By the end of dinner, we were laughing and smiling. Life may have thrown us a few curves, but we determined to react to those curves like the people of faith who have gone before us.

So, next time you need a little encouragement, grab that Bible storybook and think about the lessons we teach children. Those stories aren’t just for kids! They can encourage us too!