Your Coherent Narrative
Your ‘coherent narrative’ is the story of your life. It’s usually chronological…starting with where and how you grew up and the big things that happened to you leading to big changes in you. Where you are now and where you see yourself going from here.
It starts with remembering. Mark Buchanan says “To remember is, literally, ‘to put broken pieces back together’…to re-member. It is to create an original wholeness out of what has become scattered fragments.”1 To “dis-member” something is to take it apart, to “re-member” is the opposite.
And the most important ‘piece’ you decide to put in…or leave out… is God. Was he in your story? Where was he involved? Is he in it now?
I’m one of those ‘nut cakes’ who believes God is in my story big time! His omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence means he’s there throughout. By definition, everything came through his hands. He either made it happen or, most often, allowed it to happen. Sure, he gave me free will….to love, sin, wonder, lie, repent, care, learn, struggle, fail, and surrender. There’s purpose and meaning, even in painful times. If God’s not in my story, life is out of control. If he is, it all makes sense. It comes down to Romans 8:28, where we’re told…
“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”.
God uses everything. He wastes nothing. If we love Him… if we sign up for the purpose of everything being for His Glory, and if we’ll extend to eternity the time horizon for God to make good use of ‘bad’ things, then it adds up.
Not too long ago, I heard someone tell their story and I just wanted to bawl. It was so sad…a story of loneliness, betrayal and shattered dreams. Later, I heard the same person tell their story with God in it and and thought, “Wow, that’s amazing”. Each version of the story was true. I could have believed either one. But I was left wondering which version they really believe…which version they tell themselves when they’re alone. Is God in their story? Or is it them, their decisions, the decisions of others, and fate that writes the script?
There’s a version of everyone’s coherent narrative that includes God and one that doesn’t. The version you believe…the story you tell yourself affects everything….your outlook, attitude, relationships, confidence, your peace and your hope (or lack thereof). It shapes how you see God.
Is God in your story? Isn’t it more logical…more helpful…more worshipful….more ‘glory-giving’ to ‘figure Him in’ than to spend the rest of your life futilely trying to ‘figure Him out’?
Question: Have you ever thought about how you tell your story? To others and to yourself? Is it the truth? Is it God’s story in your life, or a version you pieced together to stay safe? Tell us here.
1 The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath by Mark Buchanan – Thomas Nelson, 2007. page 197
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Responses (7)
Very true! I used to tell my story or give my testimony without including God because I did not realize the way His hand has been with me even when I did not live my life according to His precepts. Now that I invited Him in my life as Lord and saviour, I do see how gracious, guiding and protecting His hand has been in my life all along. My story nowadays is about how He has been with me and how is love for me is deep in spite of myself.
I’ll bet you’re living a more peaceful life too. Keep it going Zack!
Thanks Regi. Where did you hear the two versions of the story? Is it available online to watch?
personal friend….not on line. Sorry Andy
“God uses everything. He wastes nothing. If we love Him…”.
Jesus is in the redemption business. Because this is a broken world and we are broken people, this is an unending task.
Rather than being daunted by the enormity of it I am invigorated and honored to be part of the story. This can only be Christ.
Doesn’t mean it isn’t hard or doesn’t hurt. But so much better knowing He’s in my life and I’m not alone.
Regi,
great post. you said a while back that The 3:15 Project is like shining a flashlight into the heart, and that’s continuing to prove true. The notion of ‘laying down’ one’s story on camera for the world to see really causes men to pause and think about God’s proper place in their story.
Sean Seay spoke of the power of sharing the raw story here:
https://vimeo.com/58750502
We talk to a lot of guys who bail out on the process because they realize they don’t have it altogether as they remember all those broken pieces. But it’s the very act of remembering those broken pieces and reflecting on the journey that God can do amazing things!
Peace