Altering Our Biographies

2 Cor. 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

*

A blogging friend of mine recently had an entry that told about someone’s distant ancestor who was a horse thief in Montana, who also robbed trains, was chased down by the famous Pinkerton Detectives, and who eventually hanged for his troubles back in 1889.

*

I suppose someone in his family tree didn’t want to be associated with such a “fellow lacking in character,” and he decided to alter his great-great uncle’s biography…uh…just a smidge:

*

“[He] was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1885, he devoted several years of his life to service at a government facility, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, [he] passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."

*

After getting a good giggle out of the story, the Lord put the thought into my head: “That is exactly what I did for you. I altered your biography when I shed My blood on the cross.”

*

Before I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, at the age of 23, I was a BAD, misguided, utterly foul person. But once Christ came into my life – once HE forgave me of my sins – I became a brand new person! HE completely altered my biography and has written HIS version into the Lamb’s Book of Life! All of the old crud has been erased and each page has been replaced with HIS loving grace.

*

The Author of Life has a personal interest in MY story! He is helping me to write new chapters of love, devotion, prayer, ministry and out-reach that is read by everyone who comes into my sphere of influence. That can be a heavy load to carry, but He has assured me that His burden is light and that He will be with me all the way. I may fail and drop a few bricks from my load from time-to-time, but He is always there to forgive me and help me start all over.

*

I’m so grateful that the Lord is in the business of altering our biographies. With His help, I’m hoping that my life will be a story worth reading by my descendants.

*

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for your willingness to forgive me and make me new. Thank You, Jesus, for Your ultimate sacrifice that has altered my biography for all eternity. I am known as Yours because of Your great love for me. Please help me to carry my heritage with grace and boldness, taking Your name to those whose stories have yet to be rewritten. Amen.

*

Challenge:

This week be sure to share your testimony with someone - your child, a relative, a friend, or a complete stranger. No matter how 'boring' you think your story might be, it is still a dramatic story of someone being saved from an eternity separated from God.

*

Kim Wolf 2009