YOUR STORY MUST CHANGE

SERMON TITLE: YOUR STORY MUST CHANGE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Supporting Texts: 2 Kings 7:1-20, Luke 13:10-13, Job 42:10-17

INTRODUCTION:
Everyone has a story, a narrative that defines their past, present, and sometimes even their future. However, we serve a God who can change stories, no matter how bleak or hopeless they may seem. Jabez, a man whose name meant "pain," cried out to God, and his story was transformed. The lepers outside Samaria were doomed to die, but in one day, their story changed when they discovered abundance. God is in the business of rewriting destinies, and today, we will explore how your story can change, no matter the circumstances you're facing.

1. GOD CAN CHANGE ANY STORY

a) God is not limited by your past. No matter where you've been or what you've done, He can rewrite your story.

b) The power of prayer, as seen in the life of Jabez, can be a key that opens the door to divine transformation (1 Chronicles 4:10).

c) No story is too painful or too difficult for God to turn around.

d) God is the author and finisher of our faith; He alone has the final say over our lives.

e) Biblical Example: Jabez’s story changed when he called on the Lord, and God granted him his request (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).

2. FAITH IN GOD ACTIVATES CHANGE

a) To see a change in your story, you must believe that God can and will do it.

b) In 2 Kings 7, the lepers had faith to take a step into the unknown, and God used that step to change their destiny.

c) Faith allows you to see beyond your current circumstances and to trust that God is working behind the scenes.

d) Without faith, it's impossible to please God or to receive the transformation He desires for you.

e) Biblical Example: The four lepers in 2 Kings 7:3-8 who moved in faith, found provision, and their story changed from despair to abundance.

3. A DIVINE ENCOUNTER CAN TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND

a) Throughout the Bible, we see that one encounter with God can change everything.

b) When Jesus encountered the woman who had been bent over for 18 years, her story of suffering ended, and she was healed (Luke 13:10-13).

c) Divine encounters often come when you least expect them but bring about immediate transformation.

d) You must position yourself to receive divine encounters through prayer, worship, and the Word.

e) Biblical Example: The woman with the spirit of infirmity for 18 years had her story changed instantly after encountering Jesus (Luke 13:12-13).

4. YOUR STORY CAN CHANGE THROUGH DIVINE INTERVENTION

a) Sometimes, God steps into your situation in an extraordinary way to bring about change.

b) The story of Job shows us that no matter how terrible things may seem, God can intervene and restore all that was lost.

c) Divine intervention brings restoration, promotion, and blessings that far exceed what you had before.

d) Trusting in God’s timing is essential, as He knows the best moment to step in and rewrite your story.

e) Biblical Example: Job’s story changed from loss and suffering to double restoration and blessings (Job 42:10-17).

5. SPEAKING AND DECLARING A NEW STORY

a) The power of your words can shape your future. Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).

b) Begin to declare what God says about you, even when circumstances seem contrary.

c) Speaking faith-filled words aligns you with God’s plan and sets the stage for change.

d) Change your narrative by speaking blessings, healing, and breakthrough over your life.

e) Biblical Example: Ezekiel spoke to the dry bones as God instructed, and they came to life (Ezekiel 37:4-10).

CONCLUSION:
Just like Jabez, Job, and the lepers outside Samaria, God is ready to change your story. He can take you from a place of pain, loss, and despair to a place of victory, abundance, and restoration. Your current situation does not have to define your future. As you pray, believe, and speak God’s Word over your life, trust that He will rewrite your story for His glory. Today is the day to claim your new story, because with God, all things are possible!

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, change my story for Your glory.

2. Father, rewrite every negative narrative in my life.

3. Lord, grant me the faith to believe in the impossible.

4. Father, I ask for a divine encounter that will turn my life around.

5. Lord, intervene in every difficult situation and bring about a supernatural turnaround.

6. Father, help me to speak words of faith and not doubt.

7. Lord, restore everything that has been lost or stolen from me.

8. Father, just as You changed the story of Jabez, change my story today.

9. Lord, position me for divine encounters and breakthroughs.

10. Father, may my life be a testimony of Your power to change stories.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that your story is changing for the better, in the mighty name of Jesus.

2. May you encounter divine favour that will rewrite the narrative of your life.

3. I decree that every delay and setback in your life is turning into a testimony.

4. May the God of Jabez turn your sorrow into joy and your pain into purpose.

5. Your story of lack is turning into a story of abundance and overflow.

6. I declare that your faith will rise, and you will see the hand of God in your life.

7. May every dry season in your life come to an end as God restores you.

8. I decree that your life will reflect the goodness and mercy of God.

9. Every negative report about your life is being reversed right now in Jesus' name.

10. I declare that your story will bring glory to God and joy to your heart.