What Story is Shaping Your Story?

We all have a story.  Your life is a story, from birth right to the point where this message finds you today.  And you are living according to your story—as it governs your life, guides your steps, and grows you either up or down . . . big or small.

Let me ask you a question: what story is shaping your story?  Make no mistake, if you are not being shaped by God’s story then your story is totally out of shape! 

God’s story is found throughout the pages of Scripture.  As we grow in our understanding of God’s story—oh, and be sure you don’t miss that part about “Be pefect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48)—we see the glaring weaknesses in the portions of our own story that have been shaped by the wisdom of the world. 

·         When you want to get even with someone who has wronged you, the world is shaping your story. 

·         When you want to get rich at the expense of others (including your family), the world is shaping your story. 

·         When you want to trade in your spouse for a newer model, the world is shaping your story. 

·         When you want to compromise your character in your dating relationship, the world is shaping your story. 

·         When you want more to be right than you want to be loving, the world is shaping your story.

·         When you want the things of this world more you want than the things of God, the world is shaping your story. 

So . . . what has been shaping your story, the wisdom of God or the wisdom of the world?  When your story is shaped by anything smaller than God’s story you have stunted the shape of your story! 

You see, the story the world gives us simply cannot answer the most important questions in life: Who am I? Why am I here? What am I here to do? What’s wrong with me?  Only God’s story will provide insight into these and other critical questions in life, because only God’s story tells the truth about all other stories—including yours!  God’s story is true, good, and right, and it’s all about one singular Person: Jesus Christ. 

In reading through the Old Testament we drink in the promises that have been made about Christ; in reading through the New Testament we stand amazed at the promises fulfilled through Christ.  All of history . . . all of human existence is about Jesus Christ. Your story should be also! 

This is the Gospel.  This is grace for your race.  NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!