Tell Me A Story

Gò0dNews for Family

Tell Me A Story!

by Madaline McFarland

“Tell me a story!” is something children say all around the world. Bedtime is an especially popular time for stories. Little ones will eagerly ask for just one more so they can put off going to bed.

A story is defined as an imaginary or real account of events that are told and retold for the sake of entertainment. Fairy tales, fables, mysteries, adventure books, and even Bible stories are all bedtime favorites. What would happen if parents took advantage of this time when their children are all ears to tell them something more than a story? I think we are doing our children an injustice by lumping in the account of Noah’s Ark or David and Goliath with The Boy Who Cried Wolf and The Tortoise and the Hare.

Remember, a story is something real or imaginary that is told for the sole purpose of entertainment. The Bible, on the other hand, is the living, breathing Word of God filled with

historical documents and accounts that allow us to know God personally and teach us how to live. The words written in it hold the power of life and death. It is an instruction manual for a victorious life. The Bible is filled with wisdom and knowledge, gives correction and hope, and brings healing and restoration. The Bible tells its readers about the very heart of God and His pursuit of us to become His children.

We love tales of adventure, mystery, and things that give us goosebumps because God made us that way. He is supernatural and wants us to look to Him for the miraculous. Science presents its theories as facts, while we too often present God’s Word as stories. What would happen if we were determined to raise a generation of kids who knew the Bible was real? What if they were to grow up knowing this amazing book was more than a collection of stories? • They would know about the authority and the promises of God. • They would not be so easily swayed by false doctrine. • They would have confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. • They just might change the world.

Kids are smarter than you think! I know little boys who can tell you with great detail every backstory of every superhero. Kids love facts, especially when they are presented in a way that shows value or importance.

The Bible is not as difficult to understand as we think. The Old Testament is the backstory of God’s chosen people and the journey they took to get to the Promised Land. The New Testament is the real promise coming to life through Jesus and our invitation to join in the promise. Along the way, there are instructions to live by and rewards for those who learn from these instructions.

Help make the Bible come alive to your kids by reading it together and talking about what you read.

Be excited about the miraculous accounts and the heroic deeds. Write down the promises of God that you read about and claim them with your family. Remember, it is more than just a story. God’s Word is a lamp to our feet; it shines on each step we take every day so we make the right choices. It is also a light to your path; it gives direction and points the way to a good future.

About The Author

Madaline McFarland is a self published author, speaker and encourager to families. She has a BA in Christian Counseling and 18 years of experience in Children and Family Ministry. She and her husband David write and minister at ignitingfamilies.com and inspire families to serve the Lord with passion, purity, prayer and purpose.