Embracing Our Stories: Faith, Influence, and Gratitude

 

Summary

In our journey through life, each of us carries a unique story, a narrative that is deeply significant not only to us but also to God. The book of Hebrews, particularly chapter 11, highlights the stories of great heroes of faith like Abraham, Moses, and Deborah. These individuals had profound desires and faced significant conflicts, yet they persevered in faith despite not receiving all they hoped for. This perseverance is a testament to their faith and serves as an inspiration for us to run our own races with endurance, surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses."

Reflecting on our own lives, it's essential to consider who is in our "cloud"—those who have shaped us and influenced our stories. These individuals may come from various backgrounds, from esteemed scholars to beloved family members, each contributing uniquely to our growth. Recognizing their impact involves acknowledging both their strengths and their imperfections, and expressing gratitude for the role they have played in our lives.

Moreover, we are called to be part of others' clouds, to shape and influence their stories. This doesn't require extraordinary intelligence or qualifications but rather the ability to listen—truly listen. Listening goes beyond merely not speaking; it involves being present, attentive, and open to what God and others are communicating. By doing so, we can become a meaningful part of someone else's story, offering support and encouragement.

As we navigate our stories, we must also guard against pride and the desire for personal glory. Instead, we should celebrate the successes of others and find joy in their achievements. This humility and willingness to uplift others enrich our own stories and align us with God's purpose.

In conclusion, our stories are intertwined with those of others, and by recognizing the influence of our cloud of witnesses and actively participating in the stories of others, we fulfill a greater narrative that honors God.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Significance of Our Stories: Each person's story is unique and significant to God. Like the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, we are called to persevere in our journeys, even when we don't receive everything we desire. Our stories are marked by desires and conflicts, but faith enables us to continue running our race. [00:23]

2. Identifying Our Cloud of Witnesses: Reflect on the individuals who have shaped your life. These people, whether family, friends, or mentors, have contributed to your growth. Acknowledge their imperfections but express gratitude for their influence, recognizing that God has placed them in your life for a purpose. [03:28]

3. Becoming Part of Others' Stories: We are called to shape and influence the lives of others. This requires the ability to listen deeply, being present and attentive to God's voice and the needs of others. Listening is more than not speaking; it's about truly understanding and supporting those around us. [04:41]

4. Guarding Against Pride: Avoid seeking personal glory or validation from others. Instead, find joy in celebrating the achievements of others. Humility and the willingness to uplift others enrich our own stories and align us with God's purpose. [07:35]

5. The Power of Gratitude: Take time to thank God for the people who have influenced your story. Recognize the good they have brought into your life and seek to be a positive influence in the stories of others. Gratitude transforms our perspective and deepens our connection with God and others. [08:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - The Power of Stories
- [00:53] - Heroes of Faith
- [01:21] - Cloud of Witnesses
- [01:45] - Personal Influences
- [02:33] - Joyful Sound of Faith
- [03:28] - Recognizing Our Influencers
- [04:18] - Shaping Others' Stories
- [04:55] - The Art of Listening
- [05:41] - Spiritual Memoir
- [06:38] - Humility in Service
- [07:35] - Avoiding Pride
- [08:23] - Celebrating Others
- [08:39] - Gratitude for Our Cloud
- [09:12] - Community and Connection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 11:1-40

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Observation Questions:

1. What are some of the key characteristics of the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11, and how did they demonstrate perseverance despite not receiving what was promised? [00:53]

2. In the sermon, the pastor mentions a "great cloud of witnesses." What does this term mean, and how does it relate to the concept of running a race with perseverance? [01:04]

3. The pastor talks about the influence of various people in his life. How does he describe the impact of these individuals, and what role did they play in shaping his story? [02:03]

4. What does the pastor suggest is the most important quality needed to be a part of someone else's story, and how does he define this quality? [04:41]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of a "cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews 11 encourage believers to persevere in their faith journeys, even when they face significant challenges? [01:04]

2. The pastor emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the strengths and imperfections of those who have influenced us. Why might acknowledging these imperfections be crucial in understanding their impact on our lives? [03:28]

3. Listening is highlighted as a key component of influencing others' stories. How does the pastor differentiate between simply not talking and truly listening, and why is this distinction important? [04:55]

4. The sermon warns against pride and the desire for personal glory. How does the pastor suggest believers can guard against these tendencies, and what role does celebrating others play in this process? [07:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own "cloud of witnesses." Who are the individuals that have significantly shaped your life, and how can you express gratitude for their influence this week? [03:28]

2. Consider the people whose stories you are currently a part of. How can you practice truly listening to them this week, and what steps can you take to be more present and attentive in your interactions? [04:41]

3. The pastor talks about the freedom found in celebrating others' successes. Identify someone in your life whose achievements you can celebrate this week. How can you genuinely support and uplift them? [07:04]

4. Pride can often creep into our lives unnoticed. What are some practical ways you can guard against pride in your daily interactions, and how can you focus on serving others instead? [07:35]

5. The sermon encourages believers to find joy in the achievements of others. Think of a recent success of a friend or family member. How can you share in their joy and offer encouragement? [08:23]

6. Gratitude is a powerful tool for transforming our perspective. What are three specific things you are grateful for in your life right now, and how can you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine? [08:39]

7. The pastor mentions the importance of being a part of someone else's story. Identify one person you feel called to support or mentor. What is one action you can take this week to invest in their life? [04:18]

Devotional

Day 1: The Uniqueness of Our Stories
Each person's life story is a unique tapestry woven with desires, conflicts, and faith. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 exemplify perseverance, continuing their journeys even when their desires were not fully realized. Their stories inspire us to run our own races with endurance, knowing that our narratives are significant to God. We are encouraged to embrace our unique stories, understanding that faith is the thread that holds everything together, enabling us to move forward despite challenges. [00:23]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that requires perseverance? How can you rely on your faith to navigate this challenge today?


Day 2: Recognizing Our Influencers
Reflecting on our lives, we are encouraged to identify the "cloud of witnesses" who have shaped us. These individuals, whether family, friends, or mentors, have contributed to our growth and development. Acknowledging their influence involves recognizing both their strengths and imperfections and expressing gratitude for their role in our lives. Understanding that God has placed these people in our paths for a purpose allows us to appreciate their impact and learn from their experiences. [03:28]

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (ESV): "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves."

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that has significantly influenced your journey? How can you express gratitude to them today for their impact on your life?


Day 3: Listening as a Form of Influence
We are called to be part of others' stories by shaping and influencing their lives. This requires the ability to listen deeply, being present and attentive to God's voice and the needs of others. Listening is more than not speaking; it involves truly understanding and supporting those around us. By being attentive and open, we can offer meaningful support and encouragement, becoming a positive influence in the lives of others. [04:41]

James 1:19 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may need support or encouragement. How can you practice active listening with them today to better understand their needs?


Day 4: Celebrating Others' Successes
Guarding against pride involves avoiding the desire for personal glory and instead finding joy in celebrating the achievements of others. Humility and the willingness to uplift others enrich our own stories and align us with God's purpose. By focusing on the successes of those around us, we cultivate a spirit of gratitude and humility, recognizing that our stories are intertwined with the stories of others. [07:35]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Who is someone in your life whose achievements you can celebrate today? How can you genuinely express your joy and support for their success?


Day 5: The Transformative Power of Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful force that transforms our perspective and deepens our connection with God and others. By taking time to thank God for the people who have influenced our stories, we recognize the good they have brought into our lives. This gratitude not only honors those who have shaped us but also encourages us to be a positive influence in the stories of others, fulfilling a greater narrative that honors God. [08:39]

Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: What are three specific things you are grateful for today? How can you express this gratitude to God and to those who have impacted your life?

Quotes


Everybody's got a story everybody's story matters immensely not just to you but to God and nobody gets the story that they want there's actually one of the most inspiring passages I think not just in the Bible but in all of human literature in the book of Hebrews chapter 11 the story of great Heroes of the faith Abraham and Moses and Deborah and uh people who they have a strong object of desire a story is your story is you have a heart's desire something that you deeply want you got problems there's conflict and these are both inevitably a part of life and uh these people in Hebrews 11 were told they were all commended for their faith cuz none of them got what was promised they they never got to fully receive what it is that they wanted they always had to face big conflict but they kept running they didn't give up and then the writer of Hebrews says now since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. [00:11:28]

So who are the people that have shaped your life and a real important part of uh learning to grow is to identify them to be aware of their deficiencies and their inadequacies and uh the people who are part of our life will have misshaped us and deformed Us in some ways um but to be very grateful that God sent us the people who shaped us and uh most likely pretty much all of them have done that in ways that we can be grateful for and so this might be a really good day to just pause and think about your teachers maybe your parents maybe folks who are part of a church maybe a friend who has shaped you. [00:03:14]

And how do you express thanks to God for them how is it that they're part of your story and then how do you express gratitude for that and part of one of the questions that comes with that is not just who are the people that are in my cloud but who are the people that God is calling me to help shape whose Cloud should I be in we were having a conversation yesterday and somebody made a comment when it comes to how do you help shape somebody else's life what is it that enables you what will enable you today to be a part of somebody else's story. [00:04:02]

You know what the number one thing you need is you need today the ability to listen to Listen to God and then listen to another person and somebody put it like this it's important to remember that listening is not the same thing as just not talking that may be the primary thought you need to carry away today listening is not just the same thing as simply not talking to truly listen means even in this moment right now I humble myself and I'm aware that God is right here cuz any place can be a prayer Chapel God what is it that you want to say and then I really look at the other person look into their face and their eyes and are their shoulders back and is there a sense of confidence are they kind of slumped are they going through difficulties listening is not the same as not talking. [00:04:46]

So who who do you want to be a part of their Cloud who do you want to uh influence and and who do you want to have shape you I mentioned a book on spiritual Memoir by Richard ler also we're going to walk together as we think about our stories through uh great Giants people that we all want in our cloud of witnesses in a wonderful resource there's a book called devotional Classics and it was put together by Richard Foster and Jim Smith quite a few years ago and it looks at all kinds of U remarkable Souls Hearts minds and some of their very best choicest words and so we're going to look at those together. [00:05:41]

It when you feel slighted by someone or undervalued do not Harbor any secret anger supposing you actually deserved praise and they overlooked your value or neglected to praise you do not try to seek out a group of flatterers who will take your side in whose vain noises and empty Praises you may try to keep up your high opinion of yourself that's not who you want in your Cloud do not entertain any of the devil's Whispers of greatness or Pride such as that of Nebuchadnezzar is not this the great Babylon that I have built to honor my own name for the might of my Majesty some people spend their time dreaming of greatness envisioning theaters full of people applauding them all this is nothing but the fumes of Pride instead take an active part in the praising of others entertaining their good with delight. [00:07:27]

Today what's your story who's in your Cloud who are the people that have shaped you and for all of the good in it just pause and thank you God thank you God thank you God thank you for this witness and for that witness for their story and how it intersects with my story and oh God would you help me today be a part of somebody else's story remember right now remember listening is not the same thing as just not talking everybody's got a story your story becomes great when you become a great part of other people's stories. [00:08:36]

Everybody has a story and everybody's story matters and we want to know about your story whether it's a story of coming to Faith or a story of spiritual growth whatever it is we're here for you you can email that to us at connectcom new.com or you can text it to us you can also sign up for daily reminders whenever we drop a new video via text by texting the word become to the number 855 888 0444 you can also send us prayer requests there there's a team of us that meet to pray each weekday for viewers just like yourself if you'd like to receive the emails that go along with each video be sure to check that out at becom new.com ssubscribe more than a video to watch this is really a community to belong to and we're so glad that you're a part of it we'll catch you next time. [00:09:25]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?