For every Christian, struggles rage between the problems we face and the solutions we pray for. For the solution to have meaning, the problem must be clearly shown. Think of the problem and solution as mere bookends. Between them, we find our stories.
Like the disciples caught unexpectedly by high winds on the Sea of Galilee, we begin in fear and finish in faith, because the all-important journey reveals God’s power and grace.
The Problem: Men were about to die.
The disciples were fishermen, fully aware of the danger. If they drowned, they wouldn’t be the first men to be washed up on the shore.
The disciples were fishermen, fully aware of the danger. If they drowned, they wouldn’t be the first men to be washed up on the shore.
The Solution: Waking up Jesus in the back of the boat.
The discovery can’t be known or even imagined at the beginning. Only by going through the experience can they see and believe. After the disciples saw God’s power at work, they realized they could trust the Lord, and that knowledge changed their lives.
The Story: One person’s emotional journey between the problem and the solution.
The Bible tells what happened (Click Here ), but that’s just news. The depth of story is found in whichever character experienced the greatest transformation. Who was that? Peter, perhaps. To tell his story, we must use our imaginations and describe the struggle.
Readers want more than news of what happened. Christian writers sometimes jump to the solution too quickly. They miss giving the details that make the problem real, failing to show the depth of frustration in the battle for survival.
When you share a life-changing experience, slow down and let readers see through your eyes. Let them see the wind and waves of your struggle, feel the rocking of your boat, and hear the panic in your voice.
Do that, and you’ve found the story.
