Part 1: Are You a Hero or a Victim? – Understanding Your Role in God’s Story

The Epic Story You Were Born Into

You were born into an epic story—one that’s been unfolding for centuries, and your part in it is more important than you might realize. It’s a drama that’s been in the making since before Genesis 1, and the big question is: What part are you meant to play in this grand epic? Your choices, actions, and character can shape not just your own story but also will impact the stories of other people. The sobering reality is that this could be positive or negative. 

What’s amazing is that you have the power to choose what character you’ll be in this ongoing adventure.

Why Do Stories Move Us

So, why do stories move us so much? Why do we feel so connected to characters, even fictional ones? The answer is simple but profound—eternity is written on our hearts. Stories resonate with something deep inside of us because they speak to eternal truths that are embedded in our very DNA. There’s something in our souls that recognizes when a story is true, real, and points to something bigger than just the here and now.

God is an incredible storyteller. The world He created, the universe, and even our existence are woven with story. Every experience, every twist and turn, every victory and defeat is part of a bigger story. We’re not isolated individuals living random lives—we’re all part of something bigger. The story we’re living is not just about us—it’s about God’s kingdom that’s being built, and the roles we play—heroes, guides, villains, and victims.

In every great story, there are moments filled with difficulty, hardship, and intense drama that need to be overcome. Whether it’s the hero fighting through impossible odds, the guide leading them through tough times, or the villain challenging the hero’s growth, stories are driven by conflict. Without that conflict, there’s no growth, no transformation. We love stories because we can see ourselves in them. We identify with the struggles, the victories, and the decisions characters make.

The powerful truth is that you get to choose which character you will play in this story. Whether you realize it or not, you’re already part of a much larger story line that’s bigger than just your life. Your choices matter. The decisions you make today ripple out into the greater story that’s unfolding. And even more amazing, your story isn’t random—it’s part of a larger cosmic tale that’s connected to eternity.

In upcoming posts, we’ll dive into the four key characters in every story: the hero, the guide, the victim, and the villain. Each of these roles plays a crucial part in moving the story forward, shaping the outcome, and teaching us lessons we need to learn. But before we get into those roles, take a moment to reflect on the role you’re playing right now.

The Power of Your Choice

The fact that you’re part of a larger story is empowering. It means that how you live truly matters. Your actions, words, and choices aren’t just about getting through the day—they’re part of a larger story. You have the chance to shape your role, to choose whether you will be a hero, a guide, a victim, or a villain. Every day, you’re writing your own character arc, growing, and leaving a legacy.

What’s exciting about this is that you’re not just a passive character in the story. You don’t have to sit back and let life happen to you. You get to choose your role. You can decide whether to step up as the hero in your own life or rise to become a guide for others. You can decide if you’ll let difficulties defeat you or if you’ll overcome them, growing stronger and wiser in the process.

The truth is, you were made for a purpose. Your story is part of something far greater than yourself. God has been writing it from the beginning, and He’s inviting you to step into the part He has for you. You get to choose! 

So, what part will you play in this epic story?

In the next post, we’ll dive into the essential roles that every compelling story features—heroes, guides, victims, and villains.

Read Part 2: Who are you in the story? The Hero & Guide or a Victim & Villain 

(This post is inspired by Wellspring Group, John Eldredge & Donald Miller’s work, with my personal application of some of their concepts.)

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