Stories That Shape Us is a four-week journey through the lives of Joseph, Esther, Nehemiah, and Hannah, four ordinary people whose stories reveal the extraordinary faithfulness of God. Each week, we will discover how God works through confusion, courage, heartbreak, and waiting to accomplish His purposes. Whether you are facing uncertainty, a difficult decision, a burden for others, or a season of waiting, you will find hope and encouragement in God's Word. Discover how the stories of Scripture can shape the way we trust God and live today.

STORIES BIBLE READING PLANS

Engage in Scripture and let the story of God shape you!

WEEK ONE : JOSEPH

Monday:  Genesis 37:12-36
Tuesday:  Genesis 39:1-6
Wednesday:  Genesis 39:7-23
Thursday:  Genesis 40:1-23
Friday:  Genesis 41:37-46
Saturday:  Genesis 50:15-21
Sunday: Romans 8:28-39

Reflection Questions
  1. Where am I tempted to believe God has abandoned me because of my circumstances?
  2. What area of my life requires faithfulness even when I cannot control the outcome?
  3. How might God be using a difficult season to prepare me for something in the future?

Application
Write down one challenge or disappointment you are facing. Each day this week, thank God for His presence in that situation, even before you see a solution.

WEEK TWO:  ESTHER

Monday:  Esther 2:1-18
Tuesday:  Esther 3:1-15
Wednesday:  Esther 4:1-17
Thursday:  Esther 5:1-8
Friday:  Esther 7:1-10
Saturday:  Esther 8:1-17
Sunday:  Joshua 1:1-9

Reflection Questions
  1. Where might God be calling me to step out in faith instead of remaining comfortable?
  2. What fear is currently influencing my decisions more than my faith?
  3. How has God uniquely positioned me to influence others for His purposes?

Application
Identify one conversation, decision, or act of obedience you have been avoiding because of fear. Pray about it and take one courageous step this week.

WEEK THREE:  NEHEMIAH

Monday:  Nehemiah 1:1-11 
Tuesday:  Nehemiah 2:1-10 
Wednesday:  Nehemiah 2:11-20
Thursday:  Nehemiah 4:1-23 
Friday:  Nehemiah 6:1-16 
Saturday:  Nehemiah 8:1-12 
Sunday:  Matthew 9:35-38 

Reflection Questions
  1. What burden or need around me consistently captures my attention?
  2. Have I spent more time talking about a problem or praying about it?
  3. How might God want to use my gifts, influence, or position to help others?

Application
Choose one need that burdens your heart and spend time praying specifically for it every day. Then take one practical step toward helping meet that need.

WEEK FOUR:  HANNAH

Monday:  1 Samuel 1:1-8
Tuesday:  1 Samuel 1:9-18
Wednesday:   1 Samuel 1:19-28
Thursday:  1 Samuel 2:1-11
Friday:  Psalm 27:7-14
Saturday:  Isaiah 40:28-31
Sunday:  Philippians 4:4-9

Reflection Questions
  1. What am I currently waiting on God to do?
  2. How can I continue pursuing God while I wait for His answer?
  3. What would it look like to experience God's peace before my circumstances change?

Application
Create a "waiting prayer list." Write down one request you are waiting on God to answer and spend five minutes each day surrendering both the request and the timing to Him.