So the Story Goes

Writers use backstories to introduce characters, telling why they act and think the way they do. The backstory is sometimes held for later in the narrative for effectiveness. Paul understood God’s sovereignty over his life’s backstory; even his unfair arrest would help further spread the gospel message that Jesus saves. “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). 

God uses your backstory, painful or unjust as it may be, to help others. Someone needs to learn how you overcame life’s setbacks by God’s power, grace, and love and that the same help is available for them. You may be their “ray of hope” through a difficult time. And some people think they aren’t worthy of asking God for anything, that He could never forgive or love them. They need to know the good news that Jesus saves everyone who calls on and receives Him as Savior and Lord. You are living proof that God heals broken hearts and can break sin’s bondage. God knows when your backstory will be most effective; obediently follow His leading and share your story with others (2 Corinthians 1:3–6).