LORD, CHANGE MY STORY

LORD, CHANGE MY STORY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

Supporting Texts: Psalm 126:1-3; 2 Kings 20:1-6; Luke 7:11-15; John 9:1-7

Description: God specializes in rewriting destinies; no matter how painful your story has been, He is able to turn it into a testimony of glory.

INTRODUCTION:
Life sometimes writes painful stories for people—stories of failure, shame, delay, sickness, or sorrow. These stories may come through background, mistakes, battles, or even circumstances beyond one’s control. Yet, there is a God who changes stories, and He is willing to change yours.

The story of Jabez is a clear example of how God can transform a man’s destiny. Born in sorrow, his life was meant to be defined by pain. But one prayer changed his story forever, and he became a symbol of honour and blessing. When God steps into a man’s life, sorrow turns into joy, and shame is exchanged for glory.

Beloved, your story is not final until God has spoken. What men have written about you can be rewritten by the hand of God. As we look into this message, let your heart cry be, “Lord, change my story!”

1. GOD HAS THE POWER TO REWRITE ANY STORY
There is no situation too hard for God to turn around.

a) God is the author of life (Jeremiah 29:11)
His plans are for peace and not evil, to give you a future.

b) He specializes in impossibilities (Luke 1:37)
Nothing is beyond His power to change.

c) God turns sorrow into joy (Psalm 30:11)
He can rewrite a painful story into one of celebration.

d) Your past does not determine your future (Isaiah 43:18-19)
God makes all things new when He intervenes.

Biblical Example: The story of Hannah was changed from barrenness to fruitfulness when God gave her Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-20).

2. A CRY TO GOD CAN CHANGE YOUR STORY
God responds to heartfelt prayers of faith.

a) Jabez cried to the Lord (1 Chronicles 4:10)
One genuine prayer changed his destiny.

b) God answers desperate prayers (Jeremiah 33:3)
When you call, He promises to show great things.

c) Your tears can provoke divine response (Psalm 34:6)
The cry of the righteous reaches the ears of God.

d) Persistence in prayer births miracles (Luke 18:7)
God answers those who keep calling on Him.

Biblical Example: Hezekiah cried unto the Lord, and God added fifteen more years to his life (2 Kings 20:1-6).

3. OBEDIENCE AND FAITH PREPARE YOU FOR A NEW STORY
Your actions of faith open the door for divine change.

a) Faith positions you for a turnaround (Hebrews 11:6)
Without faith, you cannot receive from God.

b) Obedience brings divine intervention (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
When you obey, God’s blessings overtake you.

c) Taking prophetic steps releases miracles (John 2:7-9)
The servants obeyed, and water became wine.

d) Righteous living attracts divine favour (Psalm 5:12)
God surrounds the righteous with favour as a shield.

Biblical Example: The blind man in John 9 obeyed Jesus’ instruction to wash in the pool of Siloam, and his story changed from blindness to sight.

4. WHEN GOD CHANGES YOUR STORY, MEN WILL SEE IT
God’s interventions are visible testimonies.

a) Divine change is undeniable (Psalm 126:1-3)
Even the heathen said, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

b) Testimonies glorify God (Matthew 5:16)
Men see and glorify your Father in heaven.

c) God’s blessings make you a reference point (Genesis 26:12-14)
Isaac became the envy of nations because of God’s change in his story.

d) A new story gives you a new identity (Isaiah 62:2)
You shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord shall name.

Biblical Example: The widow of Nain’s story changed from mourning to joy when Jesus raised her son (Luke 7:11-15).

CONCLUSION:
Beloved, your current story is not the end. God is able and willing to rewrite it. Just like Jabez, Hannah, and Hezekiah, your cry today can provoke a divine turnaround. What has been written in pain can be erased and replaced with joy.

Let your prayer today be, “Lord, change my story!”—and believe that He will give you a testimony that will cause the world to glorify His name.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for being the changer of stories.
2. Father, have mercy on me and rewrite my story.
3. Lord, turn every sorrow in my life into joy.
4. Father, erase every negative handwriting against me.
5. Lord, let my cry reach Your throne of mercy today.
6. Father, open a new chapter of glory in my life.
7. Lord, let my destiny reflect Your divine purpose.
8. Father, silence every voice that speaks against my progress.
9. Lord, let men see and glorify You through my testimony.
10. Father, make me a living proof of Your power to change stories.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Your story of sorrow is changing to joy!
2. Every painful chapter in your life is closed forever!
3. You shall receive a new identity of glory!
4. The Lord shall surprise you with a sudden turnaround!
5. Where you were once rejected, you shall be celebrated!
6. Your name shall no longer be associated with shame!
7. God shall grant you the desires of your heart speedily!
8. Your testimony shall cause men to glorify God!
9. You shall not end the way you began; your story shall be rewritten!
10. From today, your life shall become a reference point of divine change in Jesus’ name!