Embracing Our Stories: God's Narrative in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Menlo Church! Today, we embark on a new series called "Storytellers," where we explore the power of our personal stories and how they connect us to God and each other. Whether you're here for the first time or returning after a while, know that your story matters. We all have different chapters in our lives—some filled with joy, others with challenges—but each one is significant in God's grand narrative.
We often find ourselves in difficult chapters that make us want to give up. But remember, our stories are still being written by God, the ultimate author. Even when life feels like a bad book, don't stop reading. God is with us through every sentence and every page, guiding us towards a greater purpose. Sometimes, we live out stories based on what we believe, even if those beliefs are not true. Dallas Willard once said that what we call reality is often just a story we tell ourselves until we discover the reality of God's kingdom.
Our youngest, Wells, has a habit of asking for things and saying "thank you" before we even respond. This mirrors how we sometimes interact with God, assuming His answers without truly listening. The power of our stories lies not just in living out the truth but in living out what we believe. Therefore, it's crucial to align our beliefs with God's truth.
As we delve into this series, let's not give up on the power of our stories because of the problems we face. God is working on a long arc of history, weaving our stories together for His glory. Whether you're struggling with addiction, facing a tough diagnosis, or dealing with challenges at work, know that your story is far from over. God is still writing, and He has a beautiful plan for each of us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Story: Our stories are powerful because they connect us to God and each other. Even when life feels like a bad book, don't stop reading. God is the ultimate author, and He is still writing your story. Trust in His plan and keep moving forward. [03:51]
2. Living Out Beliefs: We often live out stories based on what we believe, even if those beliefs are not true. Align your beliefs with God's truth to live a story that reflects His kingdom. Dallas Willard reminds us that reality is often just a story we tell ourselves until we discover God's kingdom. [05:08]
3. God's Guidance: God is with us through every chapter of our lives, guiding us towards a greater purpose. Even when we face difficult times, He is there, writing a story of redemption and hope. Don't give up on your story because of temporary challenges. [06:21]
4. Listening to God: Like Wells, who asks for things and says "thank you" before we respond, we often assume God's answers without truly listening. Take time to listen to God and align your desires with His will. This will help you live a story that honors Him. [07:36]
5. God's Long Arc: God is working on a long arc of history, weaving our stories together for His glory. Whether you're struggling with addiction, facing a tough diagnosis, or dealing with challenges at work, know that your story is far from over. Trust in God's plan and keep moving forward. [09:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:32] - Introduction to Storytellers Series
[03:51] - The Power of Story
[05:08] - Living Out Beliefs
[06:21] - God's Guidance
[07:36] - Listening to God
[09:01] - God's Long Arc
[10:31] - Personal Stories and God's Plan
[12:05] - Encouragement to Keep Going
[13:36] - The Role of Community
[15:05] - Overcoming Challenges
[16:42] - Aligning with God's Truth
[18:20] - The Importance of Hope
[19:50] - Conclusion and Prayer
[21:31] - Final Thoughts and Blessing
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. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 8:28 say about God's role in our lives and stories?
2. How does Jeremiah 29:11 reflect God's intentions for our future?
3. In Proverbs 3:5-6, what are we instructed to do, and what is promised in return?
4. According to the sermon, why is it important not to give up on our stories, even during difficult chapters? [03:51]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the idea that "God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28) influence the way we view our personal challenges and setbacks?
2. What does it mean to align our beliefs with God's truth, as mentioned in the sermon? How can this change the way we live our stories? [05:08]
3. How can we practically "trust in the Lord with all our heart" in the context of facing life's uncertainties and challenges? [06:21]
4. The sermon mentions that God is working on a long arc of history. How does this perspective help us understand our individual stories within the larger narrative of God's plan? [09:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a challenging chapter in your life. How can you see God's hand at work in that situation, even if it wasn't clear at the time? [03:51]
2. Think about a belief you hold that might not align with God's truth. What steps can you take to align your beliefs more closely with His word? [05:08]
3. In what ways can you practice listening to God more attentively, rather than assuming His answers? How might this change your relationship with Him? [07:36]
4. Identify a current struggle you are facing. How can you remind yourself that your story is still being written and that God has a beautiful plan for you? [09:01]
5. How can you support someone else in your community who might be going through a difficult chapter in their life? What practical steps can you take to encourage them?
6. Consider a time when you acted like Wells, assuming God's answer without truly listening. How can you change this behavior in your future interactions with God? [06:21]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to trust in God's plan for your life, especially in areas where you feel uncertain or discouraged? [18:20]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Story
Our stories are powerful because they connect us to God and each other. Even when life feels like a bad book, don't stop reading. God is the ultimate author, and He is still writing your story. Trust in His plan and keep moving forward. Each chapter, whether filled with joy or challenges, is significant in God's grand narrative. When we face difficult times, it’s easy to feel like giving up, but remember that God is with us through every sentence and every page, guiding us towards a greater purpose. [03:51]
Isaiah 46:10 (ESV): "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"
Reflection: Think of a challenging chapter in your life. How can you trust God to continue writing your story, even when it feels difficult?
Day 2: Living Out Beliefs
We often live out stories based on what we believe, even if those beliefs are not true. Align your beliefs with God's truth to live a story that reflects His kingdom. Dallas Willard reminds us that reality is often just a story we tell ourselves until we discover God's kingdom. It’s crucial to examine the stories we tell ourselves and ensure they align with the truth of God’s Word. By doing so, we can live out a story that truly reflects His kingdom and purpose for our lives. [05:08]
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV): "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What false beliefs have you been living out? How can you align your thoughts and actions with God's truth today?
Day 3: God's Guidance
God is with us through every chapter of our lives, guiding us towards a greater purpose. Even when we face difficult times, He is there, writing a story of redemption and hope. Don’t give up on your story because of temporary challenges. Trust that God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating everything for His glory and your good. He is the ultimate author, and His plans for you are filled with hope and a future. [06:21]
Psalm 32:8 (ESV): "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's guidance more fully? How can you seek His counsel today?
Day 4: Listening to God
Like Wells, who asks for things and says "thank you" before we respond, we often assume God's answers without truly listening. Take time to listen to God and align your desires with His will. This will help you live a story that honors Him. It’s important to cultivate a habit of listening to God, rather than rushing ahead with our own plans and assumptions. By doing so, we can better understand His will and align our lives with His purposes. [07:36]
James 1:19 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."
Reflection: How often do you take time to listen to God in your daily life? What steps can you take to improve your listening and discern His will more clearly?
Day 5: God's Long Arc
God is working on a long arc of history, weaving our stories together for His glory. Whether you're struggling with addiction, facing a tough diagnosis, or dealing with challenges at work, know that your story is far from over. Trust in God's plan and keep moving forward. He is weaving a beautiful tapestry, and every thread of your life is part of His grand design. Your story, no matter how difficult, is being used for His glory and your ultimate good. [09:01]
Romans 8:18 (ESV): "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Reflection: What current struggles are you facing? How can you trust that God is using these challenges as part of His greater plan for your life?
Quotes
1. "We are one church in multiple locations with the same belief that hope is for everyone, and our stories are the way that we see and show that to one another and to the world. Met's story of finding Jesus at Menlo and becoming a vital part of our church is a beautiful example of that. Her joy is contagious, and we are better, not just because God wrote part of her story here, but because she was willing to share it." [01:00] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Some of us, maybe for you, if your life was a story, you came today, and you're in the middle of a chapter that makes you want to give up on the story of your life. And I hope that you won't. I hope that what you'll discover in the coming moments and weeks together is that even when you want to give up, your story is still being written." [04:30] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our stories have different genres. Like, we can go chapter to chapter, and the story feels different. Some of the chapters are romance. Some of the chapters are personal development. Maybe for some of you, you feel like you're in the middle of a chapter that's, like, the genre is horror, right? Like, we all have different genres and different chapters of our life. Encouragement is that you not give up on the story that God is writing in your life." [04:50] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The power of story, it isn't just the power to live out the truth, it's the power to live out what we believe. And sometimes, the challenges that are in our lives make us live a story that we believe, even if it isn't true. And so, as we make sure we're living out God's story for us over the next few minutes together, here's my encouragement to you. Don't give up on the power of your story for the problems of your situation." [06:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We all have things in our life that would lead us to believe that our story has already had its conclusion predetermined, but it actually hasn't. You know, from your perspective, you have every day in front of you, and God has this long arc of history that he is working on your story in connection with other people's to deliver." [07:36] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Some of you, you can't imagine that the addiction you're hung up on right now could be overcome, that the diagnosis you're in right now could be healed, that the headwinds at work that you face will ever subside. And story, it might seem like a sweet idea for someone with free time, but that's not you. And I would tell you that you are living a powerful story, truth, lie, or the combination. It's just maybe not helping you, and I think that it can." [07:55] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "What's tricky is when we try to live on our own, we're not going to be able to live on our own. And we live a story that's a mixture of truth and error, because oftentimes we will live into the thing we believe, whether it's true or not. The late, great Dallas Willard puts it this way. He says, what we call reality is, in fact, nothing more than a story we tell ourselves until we discover the reality of God's kingdom. Then we begin to see the world, and I would argue our story as it truly is." [05:08] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Now, before we get started, I do kind of just want to ask, have you ever read a book and realized, like, just a few pages into the book that the book is terrible? Now, there are a few books that I have picked up over the years, and I feel like autocorrect of the program that the book was written in could have written a better book than the one that I'm reading. Anybody ever been there before? It just feels like an absolute waste of time." [03:51] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Now, our youngest, Wells, has a new habit as an exuberant five-year-old, where he will ask you something, usually for a treat, and before you can even respond, he just says, thank you, and runs off. So, be like, hey, Daddy, can I have a Popsicle? And I'm like, well, buddy, it's 6 a.m., and you haven't eaten anything. And he's like, thank you, Daddy, you're the best, and just runs away. Now, he knows exactly what he's doing, and unfortunately, I think some of us have some of the same kind of conversation relationship with God." [06:21] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "All summer, we spent time digging into a chapter in the letter to the church at Rome in the first century, written by the Apostle Paul. Paul, someone who had a radical experience in the church, and he said, I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. I'm going to tell you a story. 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