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by Julie Zine Coleman @JulieZColeman

Where do you get inspiration to write a devotional article? Many things can spark ideas. They can come from our study of Scripture, quotes from other authors, or prayer. But I would guess that most of us get much of our inspiration from personal experiences.

If we keep our eyes open to what God is doing in our lives, we will find a plethora of material. When you get a glimpse of Him, take a minute to write it down or put a note on your phone. We think we will remember, but inspiration can be fleeting, so be sure to record it for a later time.

These stories have great value, particularly at the beginning of a devotional. If it is about a problem you encountered, the reader will think, That has happened to me! I need to read more. Story can also give the reader a chance to connect with the author, as they note, I struggled with that. They are just like me. I need to read more. I’ve read that we have less than thirty seconds to entice a reader to continue reading an article. Story is a good way to make that connection happen.

Maybe it was a time when God taught you something. Or a meaningful experience that God used to change you. It can also be something you are in the process of learning. We are all growing every day—the Holy Spirit is committed to transform us into the image of Christ. As we journey toward that end, we can learn from each other.

Paul reminds us: “Blessed be… the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NASB, emphasis added). Sharing our experience with God will encourage others in theirs.

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There are a few things that are important to what and how we share.

1. We must avoid the impression we are putting ourselves above the reader. I have a friend who is always the hero in his stories. What he said or did was a great moment for others. But making ourselves the hero is not as compelling to a reader as the times we portray ourselves as very human. Humility is key to being an effective teacher.
2. Our job is not to preach from a pedestal. We should instead come alongside the reader, demonstrating that we share the same journey. We are in the trenches together. They are not alone.
3. Be careful not to promise that since God did something for you, He will do it for the reader. God is so personal in His interaction with us. We don’t want to put words in His mouth and promise something He has not promised them. In His goodness, He does exactly what each of His loved ones need. Their story may end up looking very different than ours.
4. Save the resolution or lesson learned from that experience for the end of the article. It’s a great way to wrap up the material we have presented. It keeps the tension of our article to the very end. When I have failed to do that, I have gotten get reader feedback: What happened? How did that story end?

Story is a powerful way to draw a reader into our article. God wants us to use what He has taught us to help others trust Him more. Use your story for His glory!

Julie Zine Coleman is an award-winning author, speaker, and member of the Pastoral Team at New Hope Chapel. She is the managing editor for the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association’s devotional website, Arise Daily. Julie holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and has authored four books including Unexpected Love: God’s Heart Revealed through Jesus’ Conversations with Women and On Purpose: Understanding God’s Freedom for Women through Scripture, which was named The Golden Scrolls Book of the Year as well as The Selah Awards’ Director’s Choice. Julie and her husband have four grown children, six grandchildren, and one crazy Golden Retriever puppy.