Nudging people towards receptive insight

The disciples came up and asked, "Why do you tell stories?"

He replied, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom, You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn't been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That's why I tell stories; to create readiness, to nudge the people towards  receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they're blue in the face and not get it. Matthew 13:10-14 MSG

As a child do you remember snuggling up with someone you loved (Mum, Dad, Sister, Brother, Grandparent?) and listening eagerly as they read you a story? Waiting in anticipation for what was going to happen on the next page. Would there be time to read the entire book, or would the ending have to wait for another day? What would the ending be, happy or sad? Do you have a favourite childhood book that brings back wonderful warm memories for you? Was there a book that particularly influenced decisions you have made in your life? 

Jesus knew the power of story-telling. He knew that the right story at the right time could change people's hearts and minds. He knew exactly what people needed to hear and when. 

We too, with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, can have that insight. The Holy Spirit can give us the words to use to tell stories of what God has done in our lives, to help nudge people towards receptive insight. To help people regain the hope they have lost due to events and circumstances in their life. And we know that hope is a key element to enabling us to face each day. As the Bible says in Hebrews  We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.  Hebrews 6:19, 20a NIV Jesus is our hope. Let's be bold with grace in sharing the hope he had given us.

Question for today, do you have a story of what God has done for you in your life? Why not ask the Holy Spirit to prompt you next time He wants someone to hear your story, to help give them hope, and nudge them towards receptive insight about Jesus?