Flip the Script
Part 2 of the “Second Chances” Message Series for 2021
Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the ears of the Lord; and the Lord heard them and His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some at the outskirts of the camp. 2 The people then cried out to Moses; and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died out. 3 So that place was named Taberah, because the fire of the Lord burned among them. 4 Now the rabble who were among them had greedy cravings; and the sons of Israel also wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat? 5 We remember the fish which we used to eat for free in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna!” - Numbers 11:1-6 (NASB)
The BIG Idea
Though we may not like the story we have developed throughout our lives, God offers us a new story and identity. If we desire to change our life, we must begin by changing the story.
God wants to rewrite our stories.
We often struggle with letting go of our past story, even after we are liberated by God.
True transformation can only occur when we mentally grasp our new story and our newfound freedom through the mercies and miracles of God.
Changing our story often involves facing obstacles.
“Flipping the script” is redefining the entire course of our lives.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. – II Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
We change our story by . . .
When we suffer setbacks, don’t forget to choose to grow through them.
22 Slaves, obey those who are your human masters in everything, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. – Colossians 3:22-24 (NASB)
Be faithful in the small things first.
Meet the needs of today instead of sitting around and waiting for the needs of tomorrow.
Every single day of our lives has purpose in it.
6 Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9 as it is written: “He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. 13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, 14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! - II Corinthians 9:6-15 (NASB)
Sow today what you desire to see tomorrow.
Questions for Reflection
In what ways do you feel like your life’s story has panned out differently than the way you originally thought that it would?
What goals do you feel are not out of reach due to the path your life has taken?
We are all guilty of living in the past from time to time, but this can often hold us back. Can you think of an example of a way that you are keeping your thoughts, and as a result your actions, in the past?
How are your past struggles, even though they have been resolved, holding you back from your future goals and “flipping the script”?
Can you think of a past painful experience or season that you went through that was difficult to overcome, yet you found growth through it?
In what ways has past pain conditioned you to have unhealthy habits? How have you felt yourself being held captive by that experience?
In what ways can you improve your mindset to no longer dwell on the negative things happening to you, and instead live victoriously for what God has ahead of you?
Are you able to recognize the thoughts that are holding you back from doing that?
The BIG Idea
Though we may not like the story we have developed throughout our lives, God offers us a new story and identity. If we desire to change our life, we must begin by changing the story.
God wants to rewrite our stories.
We often struggle with letting go of our past story, even after we are liberated by God.
True transformation can only occur when we mentally grasp our new story and our newfound freedom through the mercies and miracles of God.
Changing our story often involves facing obstacles.
“Flipping the script” is redefining the entire course of our lives.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. – II Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
We change our story by . . .
- Defining a goal.
- Working backwards to see how to achieve the goal.
- Making the decision to take the steps toward the goal.
- Changing the way we think.
When we suffer setbacks, don’t forget to choose to grow through them.
22 Slaves, obey those who are your human masters in everything, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. – Colossians 3:22-24 (NASB)
Be faithful in the small things first.
Meet the needs of today instead of sitting around and waiting for the needs of tomorrow.
Every single day of our lives has purpose in it.
6 Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9 as it is written: “He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. 13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, 14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! - II Corinthians 9:6-15 (NASB)
Sow today what you desire to see tomorrow.
Questions for Reflection
In what ways do you feel like your life’s story has panned out differently than the way you originally thought that it would?
What goals do you feel are not out of reach due to the path your life has taken?
We are all guilty of living in the past from time to time, but this can often hold us back. Can you think of an example of a way that you are keeping your thoughts, and as a result your actions, in the past?
How are your past struggles, even though they have been resolved, holding you back from your future goals and “flipping the script”?
Can you think of a past painful experience or season that you went through that was difficult to overcome, yet you found growth through it?
In what ways has past pain conditioned you to have unhealthy habits? How have you felt yourself being held captive by that experience?
In what ways can you improve your mindset to no longer dwell on the negative things happening to you, and instead live victoriously for what God has ahead of you?
Are you able to recognize the thoughts that are holding you back from doing that?