Live a better story. Daily Devotional - July 12, 2010

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 16, Jeremiah 8, Psalm 148-149, Matthew 22


I have been reading Donald Miller’s new book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.” As a writer, he studies what it takes to make a good story. In studying what makes a good story, he realizes he wasn’t living a very good story himself and he sets out to change that.

Many of us are so consumed with how we can make our lives more comfortable that we are living in a very boring story. God is the author and the finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2) and he has written out a great story for each of us (Psalm 139:16). Many times we resist the path he lays out for it because there is too much risk, too much conflict or it’s simply too hard.

A main character is simply someone who wants something and is willing to overcome any obstacle to get it. Some of us don’t even know what we want out of life, therefore we never face any obstacles -- and we live in a story no one would ever want to read. We leave no legacy for future generations because we weren’t willing to get up off the couch and live a better story.

Psalm 148:5-6 begins to tell creation to praise the Lord because he created it; the sun, moon, stars, heavens and earth. Then it declares:

(NIV)
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.

He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.

(The Message translation)
Praise, oh let them praise the name of God—
he spoke the word, and there they were!

He set them in place
from all time to eternity;
He gave his orders,
and that's it!

God is the first writer and the best writer. He created something out of nothing, and he wrote out your story and mine amidst it all. He gave the order, said the word and it came to pass.

Pastor Katie spoke an amazing message yesterday about destiny and reminded us that God already wrote out your days and he has a great plan for your life. I can guarantee his story for you is not a boring one. It might involve some risks, some trials and some setbacks but it is one that will leave a great legacy.

Don’t settle for a life of comfort when God has called you to live out the great story he’s written for you. Make some memorable scenes in your story; jump into the pool with all of your clothes on, try something new, conquer a fear, or bring out the fine china! Be determined to live a better story today.

Thanks for reading,
Mel Miller