Each of us has a life story as unique and varied as personal DNA. Some life stories are filled with pain and hardship; others are stories of blessing and ease. But most of our life stories are filled with ups and downs, seasons of goodness and seasons of struggle.
What story is your life telling?
Despite seasons of hardship, fear, or depression, your life story has the ability to tell a positive story of God’s grace and purpose. Many times, difficulty leads to resentment, anger, and frustration, leading your life to tell a story that is negative. People see those emotions and that negativity on your face and in your speech and actions.
Perhaps it’s time to assess the story your life is telling and make adjustments. Despite what you have endured, it’s possible to find positives, focus on them instead, and praise God for his faithfulness. Let your life tell a story that inspires others.
Past and Present
Some, but not all, of your life story involves your upbringing. Your home life, family, and extended family shaped your beliefs, responses, and mannerisms. Most of us quote things our parents said or behave in ways that were acted out in front of us. That works if those words are positive or instructional, and actions are gentle. But if the words are harsh, derogatory, fearful, or hurtful, and actions are brutal or violent, we pass along that negativism to our children and grandchildren, along with generational bondage.
Your life story doesn’t have to be defined by the past. You can carve a new legacy for your children and grandchildren, one of love, respect, generosity, and faithfulness.
Plan and Purpose
Often, people feel they are responsible for making things happen in their lives. To some extent, that is true. If our decisions are wise and well thought out, we benefit. However, if decisions are sporadic and impulsive, we often reap negative consequences.
God’s plan and purpose for each of us is as unique as we are. Avoid getting caught up in looking at the lives of others with envy. As crazy as it may sound, God may have allowed difficulty in your life for your growth and benefit. How you respond to hardship and grief determines whether you maintain forward motion or remain mired in defeat and negativism.
When you look for positives in God’s plan and seek His wisdom, even in the most difficult circumstances, you allow your life to resonate truth and hope to those around you.
“We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan” (Romans 8:28 VOICE).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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