I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…” Galatians 2:20

The definition of a “re-Write” is to write something again in order to change it or improve it . See you were created as perfect beings, in the image of God. However, we have an enemy seeking to change the ending of our story. And to that end, satan’s been lying to us, working hard to convince us that our story steeped in sin is the final draft. We can’t change. It can’t get better. We won’t win.

But the God of the universe, our Creator and Redeemer has the power to rewrite our story! He can take everything that He knows about the previous and current drafts, and rewrite it into something more glorious for our good (Romans 8:28).

I’ve borrowed tips from “Master Writers” to help you partner with God (our editor in chief) in the process of your Life’s Story Rewrite. Here are 10 Tips to get you started!

1. Take time away. Many times when you’re emersed knee-deep in the this thing called life, it’s hard to get a birds eye view of what’s going on. It’s hard to see the big picture. If Jesus himself need to take time away in order to connect with The Father, how much more important is it for us (Mark 1:35)? Take a few hours, a day, a weekend or a week to just be in the presence of God. Ask Him to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). Ask Him to show you why you’re stuck and how you can move forward (Psalm 25:4). Allow Him to break you so that He can remold you (Jeremiah 18:1-6).
2. Allow your life to be broken. Don’t be afraid of the “breaking” It is without a doubt that God’s rewrite will make your story better, not worse (Jeremiah 17:7-8). All of the ingredients of a good a perfect story are there (Ephesians 2:10), however, expect the initial process of the rewrite to be painful (Genesis 32:22-32).  Sometimes a rewrite requires a complete overhaul while other times it’s just a matter of reordering, digging deeper, slowing down here, speeding up there, etc.
3. Allow your life’s story to be rewritten. Allow God complete access to your heart and listen for His guidance regarding  what’s not working. Don’t be afraid to change the main characters in your life (Proverbs 13:20). Be open to allowing new ideas to evolve and take root (Isaiah 43;19). Allow him to show you how to settle unresolved conflict (Ephesians 4:31-32). Let Him get rid of excess drama (Galatians 5:15) or where needed, add some spice (Matthew 5:13, Acts 28:31). Surrender completely to Him (James 4:7)!
4. Transform your mind and allow a renewed spirit to dwell within. Purpose to live in the newness of your story (I Peter 1:3-6). For some, moving from the position of being the main character to being a supporting character (letting Christ take the lead and you following and supporting His plan) may be hard. For others, you may have to mourn the fact that some characters in your story have been written out. However the shift impacts you, know that with shift comes discomfort, maybe even pain (James 1:2-4). First purpose in your heart to change (Deuteronomy 30:19). You will then have to intentionally change negative behaviors and practice new behaviors (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Lean into the shift.
5. Get support from a friend or mentor. A new “reader” of your planned rewrite can provide valuable feedback, support and accountability (I Thessalonians 5:11), however, be sure to seek God’s leading regarding the person to serve in this role. You’ll want to choose someone who is like-minded (I Corinthians 15:33), who isn’t going to be inclined to praise your just because they love you (Ephesians 4:15), but who can “sharpen” and encourage you (Proverbs 27:17). Listen and learn, but remember the ultimate validation should come from God (Galatians 1:10).
6. Spend a limited amount of time focusing on the problem areas. Don’t get bogged down in all of your needs, that can be overwhelming. Don’t spend too much time “editing” the proposed rewrite over and over. This only leads to procrastination (James 4:17). And the times when you don’t get it right, that’s ok. Delete and start again (Acts 3:19-20). Don’t allow frustration or guilt to hinder your progress (Isaiah 54:4). Try to find a balance between the rewrite and the living without  ruining the original beauty of God’s story for your life (James 1:23-25).
7. Remain intentional and accountable.  Allow God to continue perfecting your story (Hebrews 12:2) and keep track of your progress. Write it down and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2). This not only gives you space to document your progress or share your concerns with God (Psalm 55:22) but to also thank Him as you see the difference in your life and have your prayers answered (Hebrews 13:15). Mark all that you’re satisfied with or have accomplished in green, the things you’re not sure about or still figuring out in yellow, and the things you know need to be improved in red. When you accomplish a milestone, celebrate (Psalm 150:1-6)! When something feels off, seek guidance from the Holy Spirit for correction and pray for strength to persist (John 16:13).
8. Repeat.  When you’re all in the green, allow God to write a new chapter of your amazing life story and repeat steps 1-7!