Recently I read that we make the choices we do based on the story we believe about ourselves—what we see in the mirror. And the story we believe about ourselves is based on the choices we make.
For instance, a person who believes they cannot write will not make the choice to write anything—a social media post, a blog, a book. That person will continue to say, “I’m not a writer.” because it is the story they believe about themselves.
It’s a bit of a circular look at what I “preach” all the time about choice. We take responsibility when we choose the path of life, light, and blessing over death, darkness, and destruction.
Whatever path you are on you must take responsibility for your thought life.
“For as he thinks within himself, so he is. ” Proverbs 23:7
Who do you see when you look in the mirror? What is the story you believe about yourself? What choices do you make to fit your story?
Is there a way to rewrite the story?
The answer is yes!
You change your story by changing your thoughts and beliefs about yourself. You change your story and your choices by taking negative, self-limiting thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.
“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
You can change your story by asking Holy Spirit to show you who God created you to be. Replace toxic thoughts with the truth of God. Science shows us this can be done with conscious effort.
Our person above might hear Holy Spirit asking them to tell their story in written form. They then might take the baby steps necessary by signing up for a writing workshop. They might begin by writing in a journal everyday. As they step out in faith, they replace the thought, “I am not a writer” with “I choose to write” or “I’m beginning to write.”
Soon the story they see in the mirror and the choices they make will reflect what could be a new found love for words and writing.
Where do you start? Begin with an honest assessment of who you believe yourself to be. Who do you see in the mirror? What is the story you believe about yourself?
Writ it down. Then with Holy Spirit’s guidance reflect on what you have written and recognize the thoughts that are “raised up against the knowledge of God”— who He says you are.
That’s a great place to start to rewrite the story and change your choices to align with your God-given identity.
Over the next week, I will be sharing what I call the Five Rs. Follow along, do the work and you will find freedom to soar in who God created you to be doing what God created you to do.