Embracing Our Stories: Faith, Suffering, and Hope

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound impact of personal stories and how they intertwine with God's greater narrative. We began by acknowledging the incredible work of Steve Clifford, a man whose life exemplifies kingdom-mindedness and generosity. His story is a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of caring for others' stories. Steve's journey from a tumultuous childhood to becoming a beacon of hope and leadership in the community is a powerful reminder that God can use our past, no matter how painful, to shape our future.

Steve shared his upbringing in a challenging environment with alcoholic parents and the absence of his father. Despite these hardships, he found solace and direction through sports, thanks to the intervention of caring coaches who saw potential in him. This led him to college and eventually to a life-changing encounter with Christ through the ministry of Young Life. His story illustrates how God places people in our lives to guide us and how seemingly small decisions can have significant, life-altering impacts.

We also delved into the theme of suffering and loss, particularly through Steve's experience of losing his son. This tragedy brought about a deep struggle with God, challenging Steve's understanding of faith and service. Yet, through this pain, he discovered the profound truth that God's presence and community can bring healing and joy, even in the darkest times. Steve's journey is a testament to the resilience of faith and the transformative power of God's love.

Ultimately, we are reminded that every story matters to God. Our lives are filled with unexpected turns, and while we may not always understand them, they are part of a larger, divine narrative. Embracing our stories, with all their joys and sorrows, allows us to experience God's grace and purpose more fully.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Friendship and Story: True friendship involves knowing and valuing each other's stories. Steve Clifford's life exemplifies how caring for others' narratives can lead to deep, meaningful relationships that reflect God's love. [02:20]

2. God's Guidance Through Others: Steve's journey from a troubled childhood to a life of purpose highlights how God uses people to guide us. Coaches and mentors played pivotal roles in his life, demonstrating that God often works through others to fulfill His plans for us. [05:21]

3. Embracing Unexpected Paths: Life's unexpected turns, though often challenging, are part of God's greater story for us. Steve's reluctance to become a pastor and move to California ultimately led to profound joy and fulfillment, showing that God's plans are always greater than our own. [09:56]

4. Finding Joy Amidst Suffering: The loss of Steve's son was a profound tragedy, yet it taught him that joy and grief can coexist. Through community and faith, he learned that God's presence can bring healing and joy, even in the midst of deep pain. [13:03]

5. The Journey Through Grief: Grief is a personal journey with no set path. Steve's experience of processing grief differently from his wife underscores the importance of allowing oneself to grieve authentically and the necessity of community support in healing. [17:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:43] - Honoring Steve Clifford
- [01:27] - The Joy of Friendship
- [02:09] - The Power of Story
- [03:01] - Steve's Challenging Upbringing
- [04:32] - The Role of Sports and Mentors
- [06:16] - Encountering Christ
- [07:20] - Reconciling Pain with Faith
- [08:37] - Life's Unexpected Turns
- [10:52] - Embracing Joy and Suffering
- [12:28] - The Loss of a Son
- [14:46] - Grief and God's Presence
- [16:35] - Advice for Those in Pain
- [18:31] - Perseverance Through Grief
- [19:42] - The Impact of Steve's Story

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
2. 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
3. Psalm 23:6 - "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Observation Questions:
1. How did Steve Clifford's early life experiences shape his journey towards finding purpose and faith? [03:01]
2. What role did mentors and coaches play in Steve's life, and how did they influence his path? [05:21]
3. How did Steve's encounter with Christ through Young Life impact his life direction? [06:48]
4. In what ways did Steve's community support him during his time of grief, and how did it help him find joy again? [12:28]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Romans 8:28 relate to Steve's belief that God can use our past, no matter how painful, to shape our future? [07:20]
2. In what ways does 2 Corinthians 12:9 reflect Steve's experience of finding strength in weakness during his journey through grief? [11:10]
3. How does Psalm 23:6 provide comfort and assurance in the context of Steve's story and his understanding of God's presence in his life? [14:46]
4. What does Steve's story teach us about the importance of community and friendship in navigating life's challenges? [02:20]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when a mentor or friend significantly impacted your life. How can you be that person for someone else? [05:21]
2. Steve found solace in community during his grief. How can you actively build a supportive community around you or someone in need? [12:28]
3. Consider a challenging situation in your life. How can you see God's hand at work in it, even if it's not immediately apparent? [07:20]
4. Steve's story highlights the coexistence of joy and grief. How can you find moments of joy in your life, even amidst difficult times? [13:03]
5. How can you embrace the unexpected paths in your life, trusting that they are part of God's greater story for you? [09:56]
6. Reflect on your personal story. How can you share it with others to encourage and inspire them in their faith journey? [02:20]
7. What steps can you take to ensure that you are open to God's guidance through others, as Steve experienced with his mentors? [05:21]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Friendship and Story
True friendship is not just about shared experiences but about deeply knowing and valuing each other's stories. Steve Clifford's life exemplifies how caring for others' narratives can lead to deep, meaningful relationships that reflect God's love. His journey shows that when we invest in understanding the stories of those around us, we create bonds that mirror the love and compassion God has for each of us. This kind of friendship requires intentionality and a willingness to listen and engage with the lives of others, recognizing that every story is significant in God's eyes. [02:20]

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you reach out to today to learn more about their story and deepen your friendship?


Day 2: God's Guidance Through Others
Steve's journey from a troubled childhood to a life of purpose highlights how God uses people to guide us. Coaches and mentors played pivotal roles in his life, demonstrating that God often works through others to fulfill His plans for us. These individuals saw potential in Steve and helped him navigate his path, leading him to a transformative encounter with Christ. This reminds us that God places people in our lives for a reason, and we should be open to the guidance and wisdom they offer, as they may be instruments of God's plan for us. [05:21]

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14, ESV)

Reflection: Who has God placed in your life as a guide or mentor, and how can you seek their wisdom and support today?


Day 3: Embracing Life's Unexpected Paths
Life's unexpected turns, though often challenging, are part of God's greater story for us. Steve's reluctance to become a pastor and move to California ultimately led to profound joy and fulfillment, showing that God's plans are always greater than our own. Embracing these unexpected paths requires trust and faith, knowing that God is orchestrating a narrative far beyond our understanding. When we surrender our plans to God, we open ourselves to experiences and blessings that we might never have imagined. [09:56]

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)

Reflection: What unexpected path has God led you on recently, and how can you embrace it with trust and faith today?


Day 4: Finding Joy Amidst Suffering
The loss of Steve's son was a profound tragedy, yet it taught him that joy and grief can coexist. Through community and faith, he learned that God's presence can bring healing and joy, even in the midst of deep pain. This experience highlights the resilience of faith and the transformative power of God's love, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. God's presence and the support of a loving community can help us find joy and hope, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. [13:03]

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life are you experiencing grief, and how can you invite God's presence and community to bring you comfort and joy today?


Day 5: The Journey Through Grief
Grief is a personal journey with no set path. Steve's experience of processing grief differently from his wife underscores the importance of allowing oneself to grieve authentically and the necessity of community support in healing. Each person's journey through grief is unique, and it's essential to give ourselves and others the grace to navigate it in our own way. By leaning on God's presence and the support of those around us, we can find healing and hope, even in the midst of profound loss. [17:08]

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you allow yourself to grieve authentically today, and who can you reach out to for support in your journey through grief?

Quotes


"Everybody has a story I was supposed to say that at the very beginning everybody has a story oh yeah your story matters to God and one of the ways that you know somebody is becoming your friend is they care about your story and they know about your story and Steve does that and uh your story is so powerful." [00:02:16]

"I grew up in a home uh with uh well early on two violent alcoholic parents and um so there was a lot of fighting and yelling and just dysfunction in that my father left when right before my fifth grade year and that was a happy day for us I can remember the whole family just we went economically we dropped several rungs to where we soon moved into um government subsidized housing." [00:03:08]

"I was in trouble I was a kid in trouble I was unsupervised I was the oldest of five and um I got interested in sport there was nothing really indistinguishable about me except for I could run very fast and so a coach noticed that I could run and in that they started to take ad you know watch my grades my mom didn't look at my grade she didn't care it's not that she didn't care she just was overwhelmed with all of the other things and so someone paid attention to my grades someone kept me in school someone literally fed us got us there was no assisted lunch." [00:04:32]

"Through the ministry of young life a man came a young man came into my life named Scott Koy and he introduced me to Christ um at at a young life camp in Colorado and um so that was right before my senior year so I was radically uh changed and directionally where my life was going." [00:06:48]

"I know part of the idea of story is and we'll talk about this more later on we never know ahead of time what lies before us and that's part of what gives the story meaning and it's a real good thing but looking back on it's kind of scary yeah and and there were so many little choices that seemed so insignificant at the time that were actually directional shaping." [00:07:40]

"I didn't want to go back to school I didn't want to be a pastor I didn't want moved to California I didn't want to do all of these things I didn't want to be a lead Pastor for sure and all of those things have brought just such significance and joy and expression of of I met you because of that that Journey you know and and so the stories I I just I love this theme because I'm convinced of the fact that every single person I see has a fascinating story if you just had the time to hear it." [00:09:56]

"Then other times um very deep pain and very deep suffering and that's been part of the journey for you yeah that's been part of our story too is is I I never really liked the verse in my weakness I'm strong but um you know we we come along and one of the saddest stories in the scriptures is the parable about the prodal son it's not the prodical son that's sad because that ends up with a party and a celebration the sadness is the son the older son left out in the darkness and refusing to come into the community of the family there." [00:10:56]

"12 years ago our youngest son uh dies just a horrible accidental death but that what came out of that was um my anger at God that he was supposed to come through for me because I had given so much to him yeah which of course when I say it out loud here and I now I'm I'm embarrassed now that this is going to go out but that's the truth what was really going on in my heart was God was going to nothing like that was ever going to happen to me because I was serving him and I and he was supposed to make it work you know whatever that meant." [00:11:58]

"Joy is one of the coolest you know traits of God's children um but it's difficult man in the midst of pain it it's easy to turn towards bitterness and the questions of why and and get stuck there um and yet the grandchildren came at just the right time for us well when you're with them it felt like it was okay to have join okay to laugh." [00:13:23]

"My grief over clay my son follows me every day it's a part of my journey uh it's like a little dog that follows me every single day and uh that dog most days most days it's a small Chihuahua kind of dog and when a Chihuahua acts up you just kind of push it aside and just get out of here you know and you can get on with your day but some days that grief is a German Shepherd or a large dog and when that dog's acting up you have to stop what you're doing and reorient yourself around that m dog." [00:13:58]

"I think what I would say is is that in the midst of your pain there's going to be a lot of well-meaning people that will come around you that in their process of trying to help you will use the word should well you should you should do this or your pain should look like that and I would I would say unfortunately we end up stooding all over ourselves and and there are no shs yeah in in grief deep grief there are no shs my wife and I processed our grief incredibly different so much so that we had to make an agreement to stop processing it together for some time and then come back and talk about it." [00:16:33]

"The second thing I would say is the only way out is through you you just you just have to stay at the process of life and not give up on it and not give up on people in relationships and cause that pain to turn you Inward and bitter and instead I'm going to just say I'm going I'm going to persevere the best I can um for this day however it is expressed and um and then you just stack a day on top of another day for months I thought I'd never preach again I thought I'd never preach again wasn't sure what I would do and um we just stacked one day onto the next onto the next and uh we're still doing that it's been 12 years and we we expect that I will I will have grief over my son Clyde every day from now on that's just part of what it meant to love him that's the impact his presence made on my life and I don't want anything different than that." [00:18:31]

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