Joel M Bradshaw

7Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.8Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. 9And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the LORD had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.–Exodus 18

I love how Moses shared with Jethro all that had happened to him and to the people he led. It sounded like they had real talk with each other about life. But as Moses shared, he made God the hero. People tire of hearing from others when they are always the heroes of their own stories. Furthermore, I personally don’t want to hear about how humble you are or how strong you are.

The Christian’s story should highlight God’s strength and faithfulness. When you describe what you have gone through, I will see your strength without you telling me. As you have trusted God to provide, I will also see your faith and humility.

1. BE GENUINE ABOUT YOUR HARDSHIP OR HARD SEASON.
2. SEE GOD’S HAND AT WORK IN PROVIDING FOR YOU.
3. PROCLAIM GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN YOUR LIFE.
4. BE CARING ABOUT THE STORY OF THE OTHER PERSON.
5. BE READY TO HIGHLIGHT GOD’S FAITHFULNESS TO THEM AS A MEANS OF ENCOURAGEMENT.–JMB