Faith

Change Your Narrative, Change Your Future

by Curt Klingeman
07/22/18
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   Everyone has a story.  Each has a narrative they love to tell.  It’s their explanation of how and why they got where they are today, and it will be their reason for the outcome of their future.  What they believe to be true will influence decisions and choices.  Like it or not, much of what happens in life is predicated on these two things.  You made decisions.  You also made choices that either corresponded with them or sabotaged them.  Regardless, they are major reasons for your current state of affairs.  It was not luck, good or bad.  It was not your upbringing or DNA, even though they played a major role in your life.  It still comes down to decisions and choices.  Yes, there were outside influences; and yet, how you responded or reacted to them also influenced your present state.  To be sure, there were things completely out of your control, and frankly, there are more things are out your control than what is in your control.  Nevertheless, what you do with what you can control is a difference maker.  You may have started somewhere, but you didn’t have to stay there.  Ask yourself, “What did I do with what was in my control?”  There are plenty real life stories out there that illustrate this point.  “From rags to riches,” or “Grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth, but wound up destitute.”  And everything in between.

   For some, your narrative does not match God’s.  You still speak from the old nature’s viewpoint, instead of the new.  2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.  Since the Bible clearly tells us we’re new, why are some allowing theirs past (old things) determine their present and future life?  Are you allowing your past to make the decisions?  It’s difficult to live in the present and look forward to your God-given destiny when you’re living in the past, while gazing at it with wonderment.  If you’re going to become who God created you to be and step into His promises for you, you’ll need to change your story.  “I had dysfunction parents!”  And?  God is now your Father, isn’t He?  Do you suppose that changes anything?  Your transformation, your life change, your new story begins with believing Him.  Believe you have a new nature, and God is changing your life for the better, regardless of your current set of circumstances.  Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.  By the way, it changes faster if you cooperate with Him.  To believe is an act of volition; it is not automatic.  What happens if you refuse to believe?  Simply put, if you don’t combine faith with life, you’re going nowhere.  Search the Scripture and see what it has to say about it for yourself.  What happened to the first generation of the children of Israel who came out of Egypt in the Exodus?  We can learn something from them.  1 Corinthians 10:11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come (see also Romans 15:4). 

   Of all the first generation, only two made it into the Promise Land -Joshua and Caleb.  Why didn’t all the others make it?  Deuteronomy reveals they did not believe God.  Even though He did amazing things before their very eyes, they chose not to trust Him and murmured against Him.  Their rebellion cost them the promise (read Deuteronomy 1:1-21).  If you choose to believe God, you will change your future, even create a new family history for generations to come.  “I was lost, but now I am found.”  “I was born in diversity, but God gave me a new life, a new beginning, and now I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!”  God does give new direction, new outlook, strategies and creativity.  Everything you need to move forward is available to you.  What will you do?  What narrative are you going to tell?  Confess a good confession of faith.  Say what He says, and see what happens!

   2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

    Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.