The “49ers” and the Power of Story

Have you ever stopped to consider the great risk that the original “49ers”(not the football team) took when they uprooted their lives to discover gold in the unknowns of the wild west. In many ways we are just like them, looking for ways to improve our lives. It is a normal part of the human experience to want to improve your family’s lot in life, and it’s even better if we can do so with no risks. We are fortunate that we don't have to take the same risk of hardship in travel and risk of death that the 49ers had on their quest for gold, but there is always a risk because of the unknown and unpredictable that occurs to everyone in life. 

People took the risk to go west based on stories of enormous potential for fortune and not upon an understanding of the geology and hardship that would be waiting for them. They took the risk to go west to search for gold based solely on the stories of others' testimonies of fortune.  The power of stories is also the driving force behind the Bible. Simply put, the Bible is God’s story and how He used ordinary, broken people, to step out in faith and experience the power of living in God’s grand story. 

Just like something deep inside the “49ers” prompted them to trust the stories they heard and launch out into the unknown, the same idea is found in people who discovered God’s stories were trustworthy and dependable. We see Abraham step out into the unknown in Genesis 12 to a land that “I [God] will show you.  I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others” (v.1-2).  The difference between Abraham and the “49ers” is that Abraham was following the promises of God.  This was before Abraham was called God’s friend,  before God had proven himself to be faithful and before Abraham was willing to take the risk that the unknown God called him to would result in the blessings God promised. 

Your stories also have the same potential to propel your family into facing down fear and trusting in God.  The same God always who has proven to be dependable and eternal. You need to tell your faith stories just like Abraham told Issac and Isaac told Jacob for a great lineage of faith to begin. If you do not have any faith stories, then it is time to take the risk for something better than where you are now. Seek out someone who is a mentor or someone who is steps ahead of you. Ask questions. Take their counsel. Joining God’s story is the best way to develop your own personal faith stories. It is your choice to hear His story and begin the journey just like the “49ers”. Trust that your faith story can be impactful for generations if you would just take the risk.

I’d like to suggest a few simple steps to start sharing your faith story at home:

1. Make a point to share your stories with your family- things you are praying for and how God is answering those prayers. Especially the hard stuff.  Your family needs to hear where you are “finding gold” – that God is alive and cares about you.

2. Look for opportunities to pray with your child and family about God helping them with their challenges, hurts, and obstacles to overcome.

3. Children need to experience as many victories as possible before they leave home to find their own way.  If you have given them a foundation of family faith stories it will be easier for them to rely on God when they have hard times as an adult.