Editor of Our Stories

In Genesis 2:17, it is clear what God’s command was to our first parents: “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (NIV).

We are all familiar with this story.

Eve and Adam did eat from the tree —the very tree they were told not to. Although God had commanded them otherwise, He did not thwart their poor choice. Thus, the story of sin unfolds. It is also clear that diverging from God’s will only causes heartache and pain. But He does not rob us of our God-given gift of free choice.

Yet, like everything else in our world, the perfect gift of choice was corrupted by sin. We turned our ways from God, indulging in ruthless and abominable acts. If only we had followed His counsel from the very beginning! Even today, God allows us to choose. He gives us the pen and paper to write our own individual stories. He gives us the title of author. From my own experience in writing, I know how convoluted a story can get. This is the same with our life stories. Our lives get complicated and confusing. As we try to figure things out, it’s easy to fall into anxiety and worry as we experience pain and perplexity. I am so thankful that God gives us a promise.

He does not ask us to write our stories alone.

Instead, He taps softly on our hearts, asking to come in.

If we accept this request, God enjoys the title of Editor.

Suddenly, our unruly lives become an organized outline. This doesn’t mean our lives become sinless. We are still given the gift to choose.

It is then, however, that the Editor’s powerful glory is manifested. Through the Cross, our mistakes are righted. Through His blood, our sin is wiped clean, and we can have victory in Him. Let God be the Editor of the story that He gives you the freedom to author.

Madeleine E. Miyashiro