I love stories – reading them, listening to them, and telling them. They have the power to transport you from one place to another, without regard to location, time, or even believability. That’s one of the reasons I love them.
Just as powerful as the stories in books, movies, and music, are the stories we each carry within us.
My father’s been gone for over 30 years now, but my brothers and I frequently tell their children about their grandfather. We share how he cooked homemade chicken soup for us on Friday nights, how he would take us to afternoon ball games at Shea Stadium to watch his favorite team, the New York Mets, and how on Christmas mornings, he was always the first one up, ready to open presents before anyone else.
Those are good stories, cherished memories that keep his spirit alive in our hearts.
But not all stories are good. And unfortunately, they can be just as powerful.
I remember as a young woman struggling with self-worth issues. On the outside, everything looked fine, but inside, I felt like such an imposter, constantly fearing that I would be found out at any moment. The story I told myself was that I wasn’t as smart or successful as everyone else thought, and that soon, they would realize it too.
That was a real struggle.
And most importantly, it wasn’t true – it was just a story.
I created that narrative in my mind and allowed it to become my reality. Have you ever done that? Have you ever told yourself a story that held you back, made you feel unworthy, or less than who you truly are?
Here’s the transformative truth: when you give your life to Christ, you become a new person. He gives you the power, strength, and opportunity to change your stories. You are not bound by the past or by the false narratives you’ve created.
In Christ, you have the freedom to rewrite your story, to live in the truth of who God says you are.
No matter what has happened to shape your story, it’s time to let it go. It’s not God’s intention that you be bound by anything.
Allow Him to:
- Restore the years the locust has eaten (Joel 2:25): God can redeem and restore the lost and broken parts of your life.
- Help you to forgive (Matthew 6:14-15): Forgiveness frees you from the chains of resentment and bitterness.
- Remind you of your worth (Psalm 139:14): You are fearfully and wonderfully made, valuable beyond measure.
- Renew your mind (Romans 12:2): Let God transform your thinking, so you can see yourself and your life from His perspective.
- Empower you to change (Philippians 4:13): You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you – even change your story.
Your story is powerful. It has the potential to inspire, to heal, and to bring glory to God. Don’t let the enemy deceive you into believing that you are anything less than who God created you to be. Embrace His truth, and let it rewrite your narrative. With God’s help, you can let go of the old stories and step into the new, beautiful story He has for you.
