When we think of history makers, we often think of high-profile individuals, like political leaders (some benevolent and some not so much), inventors, entertainers, athletes, explorers, the rich and powerful, and even the poor who meet their destiny. Most people, certainly the Christ followers among us, would agree that Christ is the greatest history maker of all time.

Most of us wouldn’t think of ourselves as history makers. Yet your story, my story, and world history are being shaped by HIS STORY. Let His story be the story in your life so that you can affect history.

I know something about your story. I know that you were born. (Insightful, aren’t I?) I know that God created your inmost being. He knit you together in your mother’s womb and that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139: 13-14). I also know that you made some mistakes in your life (Romans 3:23).   

If you found Jesus, I know that you were given a fresh start, that you were born again and given eternal life (John 3:16). I can only imagine what life has been like afterward, but I do know that Jesus came that you would have an abundant life (John 10:10). 

If you and I were sharing some time, we could elaborate much more. (I love to hear the stories!) But, for brevity’s sake, know that I, too, was born (true story), made more than a few mistakes, and was born again when I invited Jesus to be the Lord of my life.

Our histories come together when we embrace His story. He was with God “in the beginning” (John 1:1-2). He was born of a virgin and called “Immanuel," meaning, “God with us" (Matt 1:23). Unlikely history makers, a few humble shepherds, were given a sign by an angel, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2:12).  

The One placed in the manger, the feeding trough, grew up and did ministry, physically and spiritually feeding the multitudes. He feeds us even today because He is the bread of life. How was this possible?  Because of the cross. He was crucified for us. His life (and death) alone would have made history. But His story doesn’t stop there. He rose from the dead, as witnessed first by three women (Mark 16: 5) and ultimately by over 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:6).     

What are the implications of Him rising from the dead? Just as He proved that He had eternal life, we are confident that He has given us eternal and abundant life as promised.  

Dear friends, your story and my story come together in His story. That makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. The world needs Him. So, what do we do about it? Keep it to ourselves? No way! Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

We are called to spread the Good News. Why? Because we can change the world. My story, your story, and even world history are all being shaped by HIS STORY. It is simple: We accept Christ, live as Christ-followers, and share His story. You might not be asked to travel the globe planting churches, but you can change the world right where you are. You never know the effect you can have on the world by sharing with just one person.

Let me share about a young man named Todd. I was minding my own business one day. I wasn’t planning on witnessing; I just wanted a chocolate yogurt. I learned a little bit about Todd, the young man behind the counter who was having problems at home, confused by the competing religions of his parents, one Mormon, the other, Jewish. Feeling that he wanted to share more, I invited him next door for Mexican food. We had lunch a couple of times after that. Over time, I heard more of his story, shared my story, and shared Jesus’ story. 

I didn’t feel that I made much of an impact. He never came to my church and we lost touch. Then one day, years later, I received a letter from him. He had accepted Jesus and became a missionary. Here is part of what Todd wrote in his letter:

“I am on my way to a remote village in the jungles of Indonesia. We will be showing these people how to purify their water. We are praying that God will transform the people of Indonesia and I want to be a part of all that God has for me to do. As much as we will be teaching them, they will be teaching us much more.”

He went on to thank me. What for? All I did was give him a couple of tacos and a little time. I planted, another watered, but Almighty God gave the increase. Todd, just a kid with a few problems at home that I met in a yogurt shop. Now he’s making world history.

Friends, by listening to even one person’s story, sharing your story, and especially His story, you too can make world history.

May God bless you on this Resurrection Sunday and always, 

Andy