The StoryChanger
What is the story of your life? In The StoryChanger, David Murray shares how God rewrites our story by inviting us into his.
Stories, Reading, and Writing
Murray uses the theme of stories and writing beautifully and effectively to retell and frame the Gospel. We first need to know the beginning of our story, and how we are headed for an unhappy ending. The devil is the StoryShredder who seeks to destroy us. The Good News is that the StoryChanger can make things right.
Just like using the examples of stories and writing to explain salvation, Murray is able to speak of theological concepts with simple illustrations. Being washed and cleansed from our sins is said to be washing our dirty dishes, and sanctification is said to be separating our new clean dishes from the dirty old dishes. I found his way of illustrating to be helpful throughout the book.
We Don’t Have to be Stuck in Our Stories
My favorite chapter was Chapter 4, explaining how we are all failed authors who need to give our pen to the Master Storyteller. As a person who loves the idea of storytelling, this idea really resonated with me. We don’t have to be stuck in our stories.
I was most moved to see how Murray uses the concept of endorsements to show how Jesus changes lives. Interestingly, Jesus doesn’t use the popular and powerful for endorsements, but those who are weak in this world. What I most appreciated was how Murray interspersed his own personal story -- his testimony -- in each chapter. His honesty, such as how meeting some of his sports heroes still left him feeling empty, was moving.
Our Stories for His Glory
The end of each chapter includes a simple summary statement, discussion questions, and a short prayer, making this book is perfect for personal growth or group study.
This book will bless those who love stories, reading, and writing. It will show you a different way to view the world. I am challenged to see how God has been authoring my life as well, and how I can share my story for his glory.
I received a media copy of The StoryChanger and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.