Let God Write a New Story for You
By: Victoria Riollano
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:19
Years ago, I completed a certification in Contemporary and Marriage Therapy. Out of everything learned, my favorite therapy learned was Narrative Couples Therapy. This form of therapy asserts that we all have a narrative or a story. Your story is created from the womb, has a foundation in childhood, and shaped by culture, demographics etc. However, here’s the great news….
Your story can change at any moment.
Your narrative can shift.
The way things were are not the way they have to ever be again!
The more I researched, the more I could see the heart of God all over this therapy. The truth is, God can rewrite our narrative at any time. He can bring a refreshing and renewal to your story. In fact, He says that when we accept Him, old things pass away and we are new.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
This is not a “maybe-we-are new” moment. Instead, this is a promise. The key is to accept a new story and be willing to allow the Lord to show you His plan for your life. We no longer have to fill like a victim to our past circumstances. We can rise up and recognize that it happened but CHOOSE to move forward.
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:19
Out of all the verses on this topic, the one above is the one that I love the most. In this section of the Bible, God is reminding His people of all that they’ve been through. However, He also declares who He is and letting them know He has a plan. Nothing they had experienced would be in vain. Instead, if they would only follow His way for their life, they would see the Lord move in a new way in their lives.
Even so, what stands out the most in the verses is the phrase, “do you not perceive it”? Is it possible that the Lord wants to rewrite our narrative, but we simply cannot perceive it. Are we too caught up in what happened to us before? Our disappointed expectations? Our busy lives?
Is it possible that the Lord has been trying to help us walk in a refreshing for years, but we simply couldn’t see it?
Today, I encourage you to have a heart that is ready for a new story. Rather than stay in a place of defeated expectation, make a choice to rethink who you are and what God is calling you to do. Remember, the best way to start a new book, is to be willing to close the prior one. Our newfound life with Christ doesn’t delete or ignore the past. Instead, we use the stories of our past as a testimony of how the Lord delivered us and showed His love in the hardest moments. May the Lord open your eyes to see the new thing He is doing and allow Him to write our story as only He can.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11
Victoria Riollano is an author, blogger, and speaker. As a mother of six, military spouse, Psychology professor and minister’s wife, Victoria has learned the art of balancing family and accomplishing God’s ultimate purpose for her life. Recently, Victoria released her book, The Victory Walk: A 21 Day Devotional on Living A Victorious Life. Her ultimate desire is to empower women to live a life of victory, hope, and love. She believes that with Christ we can live a life that is ALWAYS winning. You can learn more about her ministry at victoryspeaks.org.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Monday, 24 June 2024.
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