I wonder how you feel about your life right now? Perhaps you are disappointed, frustrated or even completely disillusioned? Perhaps you left school with high expectations and dreams that have not yet been fulfilled and you’re aware that the clock is ticking. You suspect there must be more to life than your current experience but have no idea where to start. I want to share with you how to change the narrative of your life in five clear steps.
1. Know Jesus Christ and walk with Him
The apostle Paul summed it up like this;
“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” (Ephesians 1:11-12)
First base is this – knowing Jesus Christ (if you’ve never known Him then here’s an article that will help you discover Him for yourself).
For those who know Jesus – how well do you know Him? You may know about Him but how much do you really know him?
Paul shared part of his journey of discovery and summed it up like this;
“Yet all of the accomplishments that I once took credit for, I’ve now forsaken them and I regard it all as nothing compared to the delight of experiencing Jesus Christ as my Lord! To truly know him meant letting go of everything from my past and throwing all my boasting on the garbage heap. It’s all like a pile of manure to me now, so that I may be enriched in the reality of knowing Jesus Christ and embrace him as Lord in all of his greatness.” (Philippians 3:7-8)
If you seriously want to change the narrative of your life then the starting point is to get to know deeply and intimately the Author of life.
Make it your goal to cultivate that relationship with Jesus
Spend time with Him, talk to Him throughout the day, worship, wait and listen for His voice.
Get to really know Him. Delight yourself in Him. Live to please Him.
For those people the Bible promises this;
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalms 37:4)
I would add this – as far as it is possible – stay connected to Him throughout each day.
“This is how you pray continually – not by offering prayer in words, but by joining yourself to God through your whole way of life, so that your life becomes one continuous and uninterrupted prayer.” (St Basil the Great)
If you do that – you will be so blessed and you will really notice the difference.
2. Read His Word
It really is the guide book for our lives. There are so many self help books out there but none of them will impact your life like the Bible.
Why – because it is God’s Word for you. Consider that for a moment – if the God who created everything and knows all things wrote a book – why wouldn’t you want to read it and glean as much from it as you could?
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Wow! God’s word is alive and active meaning that every time we read it we can expect Him to speak to us through it.
The psalmist declared;
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalms 119:105)
Allow His Word to be your main influence
If you take your time to read His Word then you are creating the opportunity for Him to speak into your life and influence you like never before.
Every aspect of your life will be impacted for good – your hopes, ambitions & dreams and your character, relationships, family, marriage, finances, ministry, career…the list goes on.
Can I encourage you to get back into God’s Word – perhaps adopt a daily reading plan.
You could even set a target of reading the Bible in a year.
One thing is certain – your world will change beyond recognition and you will see God begin to change the narrative of your life.
3. Stop looking back
Why – because God wants to do something new!
“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?.” (Isaiah 43:16-18)
For some – the past may have been amazing and full of achievements, success and fulfilment. Whilst that’s great – it can actually stop us moving forward into all God has for us. If we’re constantly looking back at the ‘glory days’ we can miss what God is wanting to do right now.
Didn’t He have to refocus Israel, who kept looking back to the glory days of David and Solomon, with these words;
“‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”” (Haggai 2:9)
Sometimes we have to let go of our past, no matter how incredible it was, in order to experience the new things that God has planned and purposed for us.
Letting go of the past
Now your past may actually have been a dark horrible joyless season. My heart goes out to you. Believe me – I have been there.
Our lives are full of ups and downs, successes and failures, great joy and yet also times of deep despair.
However, as I have discovered – if you will allow Him, God will comfort you and heal your wounds and turn your mourning into dancing.
He is the God who rescues, restores and rebuilds broken lives. I’ve experienced it myself and seen it in the lives of countless others.
I believe that, no matter what you see as you look back, Father God longs to change the narrative of your life for the better. He has a plan.
A prayer that you can pray
Lord I want to step into all you have for me. Thank you for the past – for the good, the bad and the ugly. You have been with me through it all. I celebrate and give thanks to you for all the good times and successes. Thank you for your blessing and favour upon my life.
I also ask you to help me let go of the bad stuff. I forgive all those who have hurt me, rejected me or sinned against me and, as I forgive others – please forgive me for any part that I played in those dark days knowingly or unknowingly. Heal my heart and allow me to move forward into all that you have for me. In Jesus name. Amen
4. Serve
What an example Jesus is to us!
I still find it incredible that the Lord of Heavenies Armies became one of us and actually chose not just to serve but to sacrifice His life in our place.
He declared these words; “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”” (Matthew 20:28)
He is our example. The Servant King who spent His life serving God and others.
Something happens when we start serving others.
I’ve discovered that it’s in serving that we often discover our purpose in life.
We also discover our passions (plus those things we’re not so keen on!) and we make discoveries about ourselves – what we’re good at, what we’re suited to, where our God-given gifts and abilities lie and where our experiences will benefit others and more!
Doors often open when we serve, new opportunities arise, creative ideas are released, new skills are learned, new character is formed in us, new relationships develop (in fact I met my wife when I was serving at the church coffee morning!) and sometimes new ministries/businesses are launched. I’ve seen it happen!
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know, the only ones among you who will be really happy, are those who have sought and found how to serve.” (Albert Schweitzer)
I think sometimes we forget what a privilege it is to serve God and serve others.
It’s actually part of our worship.
We get to join His team and be a part of all that He has planned and purposed for this generation.
That’s so exciting and so fulfilling too. Whatever you do – don’t miss your opportunity to serve.
5. Take risks with God
In order to change the narrative of your life you’re going to have to take some risks and step out with God.
Nothing will change unless we do. Hasn’t this been the case throughout history.
Consider Noah building his Ark in the middle of a drought filled desert, Abraham setting off for a land he did not yet know, Moses heading to confront Pharoah, Joshua crossing the Jordan to take Canaan, David confronting Goliath, Esther facing the King, Peter speaking after Pentecost, Paul reaching out to the Gentiles…the list is endless.
Time to take that first step?
At some point, after you’ve prayed, sort the wise counsel of others you’re going to need to take a first step forward with God.
Perhaps you’ve been holding back from doing something that you know God wants you to do.
Sometimes I think we’re hamstrung because we want everything mapped out ahead of us and everything covered.
In my experience that’s not how God works. Just like so many of those biblical men and women of faith – we need to be people who take a step of faith and trust God to do the rest. Where He calls He always equips.
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” (Martin Luther King)
The disappointing thing is this – I wonder how many of God’s people have missed out on all that God had purposed and planned for them simply because they refused to take that first step.
It’s time perhaps to leave the safe haven of harbour and launch out into the unknown.
You might be amazed where God takes you.
You were born for a purpose – discovering that purpose will change the narrative of your life!
IMAGINE
If you’ve enjoyed this article – you might like to check out the book. It is all about trusting God based on the amazing promise in Proverbs 3:5-6 and discovering His incredible plan for your life.
I’ve shared from my own experiences and personal journey the lessons that I’ve learned about trusting God. It has truly been an amazing journey of discovery of trusting God like never before and living like never before!
Imagine is available here
Recent Amazon reviewers said:
“This is an incredibly powerful book written as if the author is chatting to you about his own life, struggles and experiences during his ongoing walk with God. It is a very real and honest book with bible verses to back up what the author is sharing about. Personally this book is having a big impact on me and my faith in God. I would recommend to anyone to buy this book if you want to deepen your relationship with God at whatever stage you are in your walk. Imagine the impact this book could have on your life….”
“Imagine is a brilliant read and it is challenging too. Using Proverbs 3:5-6 as the central scripture and Simon Lawton’s personal journey, the important issues of trust and faith are discussed in depth. It’s easy to read, enjoyable and has really helped me think long and hard about God’s calling for my life and how I can trust Him with so much more. Well worth reading, whether you are exploring or are new to the Christian faith, or if you have been a Christian for years – there’s something in this book for everyone. Highly recommended.”
“I have bought this book both on kindle and paperback. It is definitely worth owning one. Apart from my bible, it’s my most read and re read book which is underpinned with the word of God. The authors shares personal experiences, which backs up what’s been said. It’s true to life, and is very simple to read but extremely powerful. It’s a reminder of God’s love for us, and His Fatherly promise to be with us through the storms of life.. we only need to trust in God no matter what life throws at us.. I highly recommend this book and the bible study which is in within the contents of the book. It’s going to be my home groups next study.. A word in season.”
“I found this to be a very easy read about trusting God in your everyday life. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating so they say. “I am a 60 year old man who has spent his entire life worrying. Free floating anxiety its been labelled. Over the last few weeks, each morning on awakening I have made a cup of tea then read a chapter of the New Testament (NIV) followed by a small section or two of this book (kindle version. I wish I’d bought the actual paper version). That’s easy to do as the book is written in lots of small sections. This book is a constant drip of Trust God, Trust God, Trust God…. After only a couple of weeks I said to my wife, “I’ve noticed I’ve stopped worrying. There is not a single worry in my head”. Which, if you knew me would probably astound you! So, I write this as the UK is coming out of Coronavirus lockdown, and last night’s news showed the Chancellor saying that Britain is about to enter the worst recession its ever faced, and the thought that entered my head, as that habitual worrywart’s bolt of adrenalin kicked in, was “That’s OK – God has got me”. And, I didn’t give it another thought. I’m low income self-employed, so in these particular times, not worrying but trusting God instead is a big thing. If I was the chancellor (which thankfully I’m not) I would say something like “I recommend this book to the house!”
Why not grab a copy now! Imagine is available here