At Gateway Church in Austin, we are hearing from authors this month in our series called Voices.
This past Sunday, Laurie Polich Short shared a powerful message on When Changing Nothing Changes Everything: The Power of Reframing Your Life.
Check out the NEXT STEPS to apply the message to your life. This is great material for conversations at the dinner table with your roommates, family, or with your life group.
Here is the video from the message from Laurie:
Laurie Short – Voices 2017 from Gateway Church on Vimeo.
Here are notes from the message from Laurie:
shapes so much
Paul wrote the “be happy” letter to the Philippians while he was in prison.
Perspective changes how we view our circumstances.
What has happened to me has helped advance the message of Jesus.
Rather than feeling sorry himself, Paul asked himself: “what can I do in jail?”
Esther was the original Wonder Woman! She was an orphan raised by her cousin. The King chose Esther to be his wife. She discovers a plot to kill her people.
Her cousin tells her:
“Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this!”
“With eyes of faith we see our lives as a much bigger story.”
Developing Eyes of Faith Through Four Lenses
Big View Lens
Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. 2 Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. 3 The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. 4 So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. – Psalm 143:1-4
Ever feel like your circumstances are not what you want?
After her fiancé broke up with her at age 43 to get back with his ex-wife, Laurie angry at God prayed: “I can’t tell my story or people won’t want to follow you!”
God’s response: “Don’t feel like you need to defend me”
God isn’t Santa Clause but The Living God! We can trust Him!
Your story isn’t over! Remember you are part of a bigger story!
When struggling, be honest with God and honest with community.
Rearview Mirror
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works – Psalm 143:5
In order to see our way forward, sometimes we have to look backward.
Remember what God has done for you in the past to help you get through a difficult present.
What are your stones? Choose something to help you remember (journals, art, music, etc.)
Too often we forget what God did and rewrite the story from the wrong perspective.
We hardly ever know what God is doing when He is doing it.
The Present View
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. – Psalm 143:8
Rest in what is, knowing that is part of what will get you to where God wants you to go.
Be present.
God is the great I AM!
God will be there when you get there but He is also with us now.
Let God guide your steps.
Don’t miss what God has for you right now.
Sometimes the door that is open leads to another door that leads to another door that leads to the door you are looking for.
Higher View Lens
Psalm 143:11-12 “I am your servant.”
David didn’t tell God what to do for him but acknowledged he was here to serve God.
Let my life point others to you even when life is difficult.
Let God be glorified with your life and through your life!
