March 31, 2025 • 26 mins
The legacy we leave behind isn't measured by monuments or accolades, but by the lives we touch and the faith we demonstrate. Standing at the crossroads of pop culture and profound faith, this episode explores how our personal origin stories—like those of beloved fictional characters—lay the foundation for something greater than ourselves.
What can Spider-Man's Uncle Ben, Naruto's lonely childhood, or Abraham's faithful journey teach us about purpose? Whether your beginnings were marked by triumph or struggle, they've shaped how you see the world and connect with God. Your story matters not because it's perfect, but because it's purposeful.
We dive deep into what makes a legacy last, revealing how characters like Professor X, Uncle Iroh, and biblical figures like Paul demonstrate that lasting impact comes through investing in others rather than seeking recognition. The most powerful legacies aren't built on platforms but through consistent presence and meaningful relationships that echo across generations.
Your spiritual compass matters more than you realize. Just as Aang and Miles Morales need guidance to fulfill their calling, we need Scripture to navigate life's complexities and avoid wandering aimlessly. When culture screams for attention, God's Word provides the steady direction that leads to a life worth remembering.
Perhaps most powerfully, we explore how God redeems our past—transforming our deepest regrets, failures, and pain into purpose. Like Joseph who declared "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good," your broken roads can become bridges of hope for others. Nothing in your story is beyond God's redemptive reach.
Your legacy isn't built in grand moments but in small, faithful steps—prayers whispered in the dark, forgiveness offered when it hurts, love extended without condition. These seemingly insignificant choices create ripples of impact you may never fully see. Join us in discovering how faith and fandom intersect to reveal the profound truth that your life, surrendered to God, becomes part of an eternal narrative bigger than anything you could imagine alone.
I would love to hear from you!
For listeners looking to deepen their engagement with the topics discussed, visit our website or check out our devotionals and poetry on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting The New York School of The Bible at Calvary Baptist Church. Stay connected and enriched on your spiritual path with us!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to the Compass Chronicles podcast.
Where faith meets fandom, lifegets real and every step of your
journey reveals a deeperpurpose.
I'm your host, javier, and I'mso glad you're here.
If you've ever wondered howyour roots shape your road or
what kind of legacy you'rebuilding through the choices you
make every day, this episode isfor you.
Today, we're talking aboutroots, roads and redemption, and
take a deep dive into how ourfaith, our influences and even
(00:21):
our fandoms can teach us what itmeans to leave something behind
that matters Not just a name,but a life that echoes into
eternity.
But first, let's pray together.
Heavenly Father, thank you forthis moment.
Thank you for the breath in ourlungs and the journey we're on.
As we talk about legacy today,help us reflect on where we've
come from, where we're going andhow you want to shape our path.
Speak through this episode.
Let your word plant seeds thatgrow into something eternal.
(00:43):
In Jesus' name, amen.
Let's be honest.
Everyone loves a good originstory.
Whether you're talking aboutSpider-Man getting bit by that
radioactive spider, narutogrowing from an outcast into a
symbol of hope, or Frodostarting off as a simple hobbit
in the Shire, we're drawn to thebeginning of things.
Why?
Because our origins givemeaning to our journey.
In comics, spider-man's UncleBen teaches him that with great
(01:04):
power comes great responsibility, a lesson born from loss that
drives every swing he takesthrough New York.
Naruto's loneliness as a kidfuels his relentless pursuit to
protect his village, turningrejection into resilience and
Frodo.
His quiet life in the Shiremakes his courage against
Sauron's darkness all the moreremarkable.
In the world of fandom, originstories help us understand not
just what someone can do, butwhy they do it.
(01:25):
It's not just power as itspurpose.
Think of Bruce Wayne witnessinghis parents' murder.
It's not the gadgets or thecape that make him Batman.
It's the vow he makes in thatalley.
That's where his road begins.
The Bible is filled with originstories too.
Think about Abraham In the bookof Genesis, chapter 12, verses
1 through 2.
It says Now the Lord said toAbraham, verses 1 through 2 it
(01:56):
says that moment wasn't just arelocation.
It was a radical uprooting ofeverything familiar, planting
him in a promise he couldn't yetsee.
That's the beginning of ajourney and a legacy.
Abraham's obedience wasn't justabout his own story.
It was the starting point ofsomething far greater than
himself.
His roots were in God's promise, and the road he walked became
the foundation of a nation.
Imagine him stepping into theunknown, leaving behind the
(02:17):
safety of Haran, trusting avoice that promised descendants
as numerous as the stars.
Every step was a brick in alegacy that still stands today.
Now think about your own story.
Maybe you haven't thought of itas an origin story before, but
you have one.
You may not have radioactivespiders or ancient rings, but
you have a moment or severalwhere your heart shifted, where
God reached in or wheresomething happened that changed
the trajectory of your life.
(02:38):
Maybe it was small, like a wordsomeone spoke at just the right
time, or maybe it was somethinglife altering, a crisis, a
revelation, a calling.
The point is your beginningsmatter.
They shape how you see theworld, how you relate to others
and how you connect with God.
And, just like in fandoms, it'snot about how flashy your start
is, it's about what grows fromit.
So here's a question to thinkabout.
What's your original story?
(02:59):
Not just where you were born orraised, but what shaped your
heart.
Was it a teacher who believedin you?
A loss that broke you open?
A quiet moment when hopeflickered to life?
What influenced your beliefs?
And, most importantly, wheredid God first show up in your
story?
Maybe it was a Sunday schoolsong that stuck with you, or a
night when you felt him nearingthe chaos.
That's your route.
That's where your road begins.
(03:29):
When we talk about legacy, it'stempting to imagine grand
monuments or famous names, butlegacy in the kingdom of God
looks different.
In fandoms, legacy often comeswith more than just powers or
reputation.
It's about passing the torch.
Think of Professor X from X-Men, who dedicates his life to
mentoring young mutants at hisschool.
He doesn't just teach them howto use their powers, he teaches
them how to live with purposeand integrity in a world that
fears them.
Or take Uncle Eero from Avatar,the Last Airbender.
He's not the flashiestcharacter, but his wisdom,
kindness and patience deeplyshaped Zuko's transformation.
Through drinking tea, tellingtales and with tough love, iroh
(03:52):
quietly builds a legacy thatreshapes the destiny of the Fire
Nation.
Then there's Steve Rogers'Captain America.
When he passes the shield toSam Wilson, it's more than a
handoff.
It's a statement of trust,identity and belief in the kind
of man Sam is.
Steve's legacy isn't just inbattles one.
It's in the people he believedin and the values he stood for.
What ties all these examplestogether is this they invested
(04:13):
in others.
They didn't just fight for thepresent, they prepared for the
future.
Legacy isn't always about fameor big speeches.
Sometimes it's showing up,speaking truth and pouring into
someone else's growth.
Sometimes it's as simple andpowerful as saying I see
something in you, let me helpyou rise.
In the book of 2 Timothy 2,verse 2, paul tells Timothy and
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what you have heard from me, inthe presence of many witnesses
and trust, to faithful men whowill be able to teach others
also.
That's a legacy Quiet,consistent discipleship.
Paul didn't build statues, hebuilt people.
He sat with Timothy, sharedmeals, wrote letters and passed
down truth like a torch in thedark.
That chained Paul to Timothy,to faithful men, to other
stretches across centuries.
Because it wasn't about fame,it was about faith.
You don't need a stage to builda legacy, you need faithfulness
(04:56):
.
It might look like teachingyour kids the Bible, sitting at
the kitchen table, stumblingthrough Genesis, watching their
eyes light up at Noah's Ark, ormentoring someone younger in the
faith, listening to theirdoubts, praying over their
dreams, or just choosing dailyto live in integrity, even when
no one's watching, paying theextra dime at the self-checkout,
speaking truth when it's hard.
Legacy isn't loud, it's lasting.
It's the echo of your life insomeone else's story.
(05:18):
Think about how Jesus built hislegacy on earth.
He spent time with 12 veryordinary men fishermen, tax
collectors, zealots.
He walked dusty roads with them, ate meals, answered questions,
corrected their pride andcalmed their fears.
He didn't publish books orbuild cathedrals.
He invested in people, andthose people turned the world
upside down.
In the real world, people oftenchase fame or influence, but the
(05:39):
influence that lasts isn'tbuilt overnight.
It's built through root-strongfoundations and roads of
faithful walk.
Think of a tree.
Its strength isn't in thebranches waving in the wind, but
in the roots digging deep,unseen.
Your legacy is like thatgrounded in what you stand for,
growing through where you go.
Legacy is also built in what wemodel.
If you're a parent, a leader, afriend or even just someone
walking through life with others, the choices you make today
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will be someone else's exampletomorrow, whether it's how you
handle stress, how you treatpeople who can't repay you, or
how you respond when you mess up.
That becomes part of the legacyyou leave.
So think about this who are youinfluencing right now?
Maybe it's a coworker whowatches how you handle stress?
A friend who hears your quiettrust in God, a child who mimics
your habits?
What are you passing down evenunintentionally, a temper, a
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prayer down, evenunintentionally A temper, a
prayer, a laugh.
And is what you're plantinggoing to bear fruit long after
you're gone?
Every word, every choice is aseed.
What's it growing into?
Your legacy isn't about beingremembered by the world.
It's about being faithful inthe world so others remember God
.
It's not about spotlightmoments.
It's about the small, steadywitness that points others to
Christ.
So go ahead, plant those seeds,even if you never see the full
(06:43):
harvest.
Trust that God is growingsomething eternal.
Imagine going on a road tripwith no map, no GPS and no clue
where you're headed.
That's chaos.
Now imagine having a compassbut ignoring it every few miles.
That's confusion.
You'd end up circling back,lost in the same dusty, nowhere,
wondering why the scenery neverchanges.
In every epic journey, whetherit's Aang learning to master all
four elements in Avatar, theLast Airbender, or Miles Morales
(07:06):
stepping into his role asSpider-Man in Into the
Spider-Verse, there's alwayssome kind of guide, a mentor, a
mission, a deeper pull.
Aang has Uncle Eero's wisdomand the support of his friends
to help him carry the weight ofbeing the Avatar.
Miles is guided by the legacyof Peter Parker and the
encouragement of others who'veworn the mask before him.
Without those voices, withoutthat direction, their paths
would unravel.
The guide isn't just helpful,it's what gives the journey
(07:28):
meaning.
It keeps them grounded whenthings get overwhelming and
reminds them of who they are andwhy they're moving forward.
Spiritually, our compass isGod's word.
In the book of Psalm, chapter119, verse 105, it says your
word is a lamp to my feet and alight to my path.
It's not a floodlight showingthe whole highway.
Many Christians today treatscripture like background music.
It's on but it's not leading.
(07:49):
It's familiar, but it's notforming them.
They know verses like John 3, 3, verse 16, but don't let it
shape their decisions or softentheir anger.
The Bible becomes inspirationalwallpaper instead of an active
(08:11):
GPS.
But if we want to build alegacy that lasts, we need to
stay rooted in the word and letit shape our decisions,
relationships and goals.
It's the difference betweenwandering aimlessly and walking
with direction, between a legacythat fades and one that endures
.
Think of characters in fandomwho lost their way but found a
new direction, a new compass.
Take Steven Universe, forexample.
At first Steven's just tryingto live up to the legacy of his
(08:32):
mom, rose Quartz, without reallyunderstanding who she was or
what she left behind.
But as the story unfolds,steven begins to question
everything he thought he knew.
Instead of blindly followingthe expectations laid on him, he
starts listening to his ownconvictions, choosing healing
over violence, compassion overcontrol.
He becomes a leader not byimitating the past, but by
forging a new path rooted inempathy and truth.
(08:53):
Or look at Finn from the StarWars sequel trilogy.
He begins as FN-2187, astormtrooper trained to obey
without question, but somethinginside him breaks through the
programming.
He sees injustice and decidesto walk away, even though he has
no map for what comes next.
Finn goes from running away torunning towards something bigger
than himself, choosing loyalty,sacrifice and freedom.
His compass shifts from fear topurpose.
(09:15):
These characters remind us thatreal change doesn't happen when
we get stronger.
It happens when we find abetter guy, when we stop
following the loudest voice andstart listening to the right one
.
That's what it means to realignyour compass.
Now flip that back on us.
What's guiding your decisions?
Is it God's word or somethingelse?
Maybe it's comfort, choosingwhat feels good, not what's
right.
Maybe it's fear, avoiding riskinstead of trusting God.
(09:36):
Maybe it's comparison, lettingsomeone else's highlight reel
dictate your direction.
Whatever it is, if it's notanchored in scripture, it's
going to lead you off course.
We all have a compass, whetherit's scripture, culture,
ambition or emotion.
Culture says chase likes andhustle.
Ambition says climb higher, nomatter who you step on.
Emotion says feel good now,worry later.
But only one leads us towardeternal legacy.
(09:56):
The Bible doesn't promise theeasiest route, but it promises
the truest one.
God's word points us toward alife that matters, one rooted in
grace, truth and purpose.
Sometimes reading scripture canfeel slow or confusing.
That's okay.
The point isn't speed, it'sconsistency.
You don't have to understandevery word in Leviticus on the
first read.
You just have to show up, openthe Bible, ask God to speak and
(10:17):
take the next step in obedience.
One verse at a time, one prayerat a time, one decision at a
time.
Maybe today your compass feelsbroken.
Maybe you've been walking incircles, overwhelmed or numb.
Here's the truth.
It's never too late torecalibrate.
God's word is still steady.
His voice still speaks.
If you feel lost, stop breatheand ask what does God say about
this?
Not what culture says, not whatyour feelings scream.
(10:39):
What does the word say?
Check your compass.
Where is it pointing?
Today?
Let's talk identity.
In geek culture, characters areoften defined by the symbols
they carry or the origin storiesthat shape them.
Think of the Rebel Allianceemblem from Star Wars, the
lightning bolt on the Flash'ssuit, or the Survey Corps wings
and attack on Titan.
These aren't just cool designs,they're statements of identity.
The Rebel insignia isn't just alogo.
(11:00):
It's a symbol of resistance andhope against overwhelming odds.
The Flash's bolt, it's morethan speed, it's a commitment to
protect Central City.
And those wings, they're notjust for aesthetics.
They represent courage in theface of fear, humanity's drive
to push beyond the walls.
But what happens when thatidentity is challenged?
Barry Allen constantly wrestleswith being the Flash and just
being a guy who wants a normallife one foot in crime scenes,
(11:22):
the other in emotional chaos.
He runs fast but often feelsstuck between saving the world
and holding his personal lifetogether.
Or look at Irin Yeager.
His story starts with loss anda desperate desire for freedom,
but as his journey unfolds, thelines between hero and blur and
he has to decide what kind oflegacy he's actually leaving
behind.
These characters hit us deeplybecause their struggles echo
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ours, wanting to fit in but alsoknowing we're meant for
something more, longing fornormalcy while carrying a
calling, wondering who we reallyare.
When life gets complicated andour symbol, our identity, feels
like it's fading.
Spiritually, we wrestle withidentity too.
In the book of 1 Peter, chapter2, verse 9, it says but you are
a chosen race, a royalpriesthood, a holy nation, a
(12:05):
people for his own possession,that you may proclaim the
excellencies of him who calledyou out of darkness into his
marvelous light.
That's our true identity inChrist.
Not a suggestion, not a maybe afact.
You're chosen, not discarded.
Royal, not rejected suggestion,not a maybe a fact.
You're chosen, not discarded.
Royal, not rejected.
Holy, not hopeless.
His not adrift.
But let's be honest.
Culture is loud.
It's constantly throwingalternative labels at us.
You are your career, you areyour followers, you are your
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relationship status, you areyour failures, or maybe you are
your past.
You are what you lack.
You are what others say aboutyou.
It's easy to feel lost when youridentity is being defined by
shifting shadows instead ofGod's unchanging truth.
If we're not rooted in ourGod-given identity, we'll chase
roads that lead us away from ourlegacy, running after temporary
applause instead of eternalaffirmation.
That's like Batman trading inthe Batcave for a corporate
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office just to prove somethingto the world, or Spider-Man
hanging up his suit to blend inat prom.
When we forget who we are, weforget why we're here.
That's why grounding yourselfin scripture matters, because it
doesn't just inform you, itforms you, it reminds you who
God says you are when the worldforgets or gets it wrong.
You're not just a number, ausername or a brand.
You are fearfully andwonderfully made, created in the
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image of God.
In the book of Ephesians,chapter 2, verse 10, paul
reminds us for we are hisworkmanship, created in Christ
Jesus for good works which Godprepared beforehand that we
should walk in them.
That means you are not anaccident.
You're an intentional creationwith purpose etched into your
DNA.
And get this, your identity inChrist, doesn't fluctuate with
your performance.
On your best day, you're deeplyloved.
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On your worst day, you're stillchosen.
When you succeed, god smiles.
When you stumble, he stays.
When you feel unseen, he seesyou.
When you feel unworthy, hereminds you that Jesus died for
you anyway.
That's the kind of rootedidentity that fuels a legacy
worth building.
But this identity isn't justabout comfort.
It's about clarity when youknow who you are, you know how
to live.
You make decisions not out offear or insecurity, but out of
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confidence in who you belong to.
You lead with grace, you servewith humility.
You stand firm when temptationtries to twist your value.
You stop performing and startliving in purpose.
So here's a reflection.
When people see your life, whatsymbol do they see?
Is it a paycheck, a grudge, ascreen or a cross?
Is it clear who you belong to?
Your life's a signal.
What's it beaming out?
Let's get practical.
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Legacy isn't just a big pictureidea.
It's built into small things.
In the Legend of Zelda, breathof the Wild, link's journey
isn't just about epic battles.
It's about gathering supplies,picking apples in the rain,
hunting boars at dusk, solvingpuzzles that test his patience,
learning from each failure whenhe tumbles off a cliff and
patiently unlocking each step ofthe adventure, shrine by shrine
, memory by memory.
That's a metaphor for spiritualgrowth.
(14:33):
No shortcuts, no cheat codes,just steady, faithful progress.
In the book of Luke, chapter 16,verse 10, jesus says One who is
faithful in a very little isalso faithful in much, and one
who is dishonest in a verylittle is also dishonest in much
.
That's a powerful reminder.
Legacy grows through dailyobedience.
Not the flashy stuff, the quietstuff, not the grand stage but
the kitchen floor, not the viralposts but the whispered prayer.
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That means showing up, draggingyourself to prayer when you're
tired, praying when no one sees.
Whispering thanks in the car,saying no to temptation,
scrolling past the gossip,biting your tongue Enc.
Encouraging someone who needsit with a text, a coffee or a.
You've got this.
Staying in the word, even ifit's just five minutes, with a
psalm when your eyes are heavy,serving without applause, doing
the dishes in the sink or takingout the trash to the curb.
(15:17):
In our real lives these momentsfeel small, but they're bricks
in a foundation that lasts.
But let's be real.
Small steps don't always feelsatisfying.
We crave quick wins andovernight breakthroughs.
We want the six-figure calling,not that six-in-the-morning
type of commitment.
We want the spiritualmountaintop, not the daily hike.
But God works throughconsistency, the fruit of the
Spirit, which are love, joy,peace, patience, kindness,
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goodness, faithfulness,gentleness.
Self-control doesn't grow in aday.
It grows through daily watering, pruning and staying.
Rooted In fandom, we love thehero's big moment, the dramatic
scene, the final battle, theslow-motion victory, but every
hero's climax is built on athousand little choices.
Frodo didn't just throw thering into Mount Doom on a whim.
He walked miles through despairto get there.
Deku didn't wake up with powerand control.
(16:00):
He trained.
He failed.
He pushed forward, sometimesinch by inch.
Link's greatest victories comeafter hundreds of tiny tasks and
quiet decisions to keep going.
Spiritually, it's the same.
Your faith is built in themiddle of the mundane.
That Bible study you almostskipped that prayer.
You whispered over your kidwhile they slept.
That choice to forgive evenwhen it hurt, those are the
stones that pave your legacy.
You don't have to preach asermon to change your life.
(16:24):
You might just need to show up,be kind and stay faithful.
When no one else sees it andhere's the amazing part God sees
it all.
In the book of Galatians,chapter 6, verse 9, paul
encourages us and let us notgrow weary of doing good, for in
due season we will reap if wedo not give up.
That means the seeds you'resowing today, the invisible ones
, the thankless ones.
They matter.
They're part of a harvest.
You might not see yet, but Godpromises it will come.
So, but God promises it willcome.
(16:44):
So don't underestimate yourdaily decisions.
Your choices today are craftingthe legacy of tomorrow.
Each yes you say to God is astone in the foundation of your
life.
Maybe you're not where you wantto be yet, but that doesn't
mean God isn't building.
Legacy isn't about speed.
It's about direction.
Faithfulness over flash,obedience over outcome.
So what's one small step youcan take today?
Read a chapter of scriptureText someone, encouragement,
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confess something you've beenholding in.
Choose honesty, choose worship.
Legacy doesn't wait for perfectconditions.
It grows right where you are,one faithful step at a time.
Let's be real.
Sometimes the toughest part ofbuilding a legacy is looking
back at where we've come from.
Maybe your past feels like amess.
Maybe your story is tied up inpain or trauma.
There might be nights you wishyou could erase, mistakes that
haunt you, a lie that got out ofcontrol, an opportunity you let
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slip through your fingers.
Maybe there's brokenness, ahome that fell apart, a heart
that still hasn't fully healed.
We all carry chapters we'drather skip and moments we wish
we could rewrite.
But here's the beautiful truthGod isn't scared of your past.
He's not shaking his head indisappointment.
He's the God of redemption andhe's already written the ending
to your story and, trust me,it's a good one.
In the book of Genesis, chapter50, verse 20,.
(17:51):
Joseph tells his brothers asfor you, you meant evil against
me, but God meant it for good,to bring it about that many
people should be kept alive, asthey are today, sold into
slavery, framed, forgotten.
Joseph's roots were a pit, butGod turned the dirt into a
throne, the betrayal into alifeline for nations.
Joseph's legacy wasn't justsurviving the pain, it was
transforming it into purpose.
Every tear watered Egypt'sfields, every chain forged his
(18:13):
compassion.
His ability to forgive hisbrothers wasn't weakness, it was
strength shaped by fire.
Joseph didn't just rise above,he reached back to lift others.
That's legacy.
In fandom we see this too.
Characters like Tony Stark gofrom selfish to sacrificial.
He starts as a playboybillionaire, drowning in
arrogance and distraction.
But his past the cave, theshrapnel, the failure shapes him
into someone who giveseverything to save the world.
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His story is powerful, notbecause it's perfect, but
because it's redeemed.
He doesn't erase his past.
He builds something better fromit.
That's what God wants to dowith your story.
Your past doesn't disqualifyyou from legacy.
In fact, it may be the verysoil your legacy grows from.
God doesn't waste pain.
He doesn't waste regret.
He doesn't even waste rebellion.
He transforms it.
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He takes your lowest momentsand weaves them into something
that gives hope to others, atestimony, a witness, a miracle
in motion.
Look at Moses.
His story didn't begin in thepalace.
It started with murder, exileand insecurity.
He stuttered, he doubted, heran.
In the palace it started withmurder, exile and insecurity.
He stuttered, he doubted, heran.
But God still called him tolead.
In the book of Exodus, chapter3, verse 12, god tells him but I
will be with you and this shallbe the sign for you that I have
sent you.
When you have brought thepeople out of Egypt, you shall
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serve God on this mountain.
Notice that God already seesthe victory before Moses ever
says yes, that's redemption.
Take a look at Peter.
He was bold and passionate, butalso the guy who denied Jesus
three times when it matteredmost.
You'd think that kind offailure would be the end of the
story, but it wasn't.
Jesus restored him and used himto help build the early church.
That's what grace does.
It doesn't cancel you, ittransforms you.
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Peter's mistake didn't definehim.
His faith did.
Maybe your story feels too fargone.
Maybe you think God can't usethat part of me, but nothing is
beyond his reach.
In the book of Romans, chapter8, verse 1, paul reminds us
there is therefore now nocondemnation for those who are
in Christ Jesus.
None, not even for the stuffyou don't talk about, not even
for the seasons you still cryover.
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If you're in Christ, your pastisn't a prison, it's a platform.
So what do you do with thebroken roots?
You give them to the gardener.
Let God dig them up, trim whatneeds to go and replant what
needs to grow.
Healing takes time, it takessurrender, it takes courage to
face the hard stuff.
But it's worth it, because onceGod redeems your roots, he
strengthens your road.
And here's the beautiful rippleeffect your healing becomes
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someone else's hope.
Your redemption becomes someoneelse's roadmap.
That time you thought you'dnever make it through.
That becomes the story thathelps someone else keep going.
So let God redeem your roots,let Him heal what's behind you,
unbind the shame, soften thehurt so you can move freely
toward what's ahead.
Your road doesn't end in themess.
It starts there with Him.
So where do we go from here?
In the book of Philippians,chapter 3, verses 13 through 14,
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paul writes Brothers, I do notconsider that I have made it my
own, but one thing I do,forgetting what lies behind and
straining forward to what liesahead.
I press on toward the goal forthe prize of the upward call of
God in Christ Jesus.
That's our call to press on, towalk forward, to keep going
even when it's uphill.
Paul didn't linger in his daysas Saul persecuting the church.
He didn't let shame or regretanchor him in place.
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He let God burn that past intofuel for the future.
Forgetting doesn't meanpretending it never happened.
It means choosing not to bedefined by it.
Straining forward isn't easy.
It's sweat, it's grit, it'schoosing the hill over the
hammock.
Building a legacy is not abouthaving it all figured out.
It's about showing up again andagain with a yes in your spirit
(21:25):
and your eyes set on Jesus.
You may not see all the fruitnow.
Abraham didn't meet Moses,joseph didn't see the exodus,
but every step mattered.
The work you're doing right now, the prayers, the quiet
faithfulness, the smallsacrifices.
It's building something eternal, a ripple you can't measure, a
harvest you may never see.
Think about this.
Every great hero, everyfaithful servant had to walk
forward even when the path wasunclear.
Noah built an ark before itever rained.
Esther stepped into the king'scourt without knowing if she'd
(21:47):
survive.
Ruth followed Naomi into aforeign land.
Not knowing her name would bepart of Jesus' family tree.
What set them apart wasn'tperfection, it was movement
Forward, motion, trust thatwalked.
You don't have to run, justwalk.
And when walking feels hard,crawl, just don't stop.
Sometimes your legacy is forgedin the dark, in the valley, in
the quiet, uncelebrated moments.
(22:07):
The prayer you prayed over yourchild while they slept, the
scripture you held onto when thediagnosis came, the faith that
whispered God is still good whenlife screamed otherwise.
That's the road, that's theprize.
Not applause but closeness toChrist, the upward call, his
presence.
And let's not forget you're notwalking alone.
In the book of Isaiah, 41,verse 10, god says Fear not, for
(22:28):
I am with you.
Be not dismayed, for I am yourGod.
I will strengthen you, I willhelp you, I will uphold you with
my righteous right hand.
That's a promise to lean onwhen your legs feel weak.
He is with you in every detour,every delay, every dry season.
You are not alone on this road.
Even in fandom, we see thepower of persistence.
Alone on this road.
Even in fandom, we see thepower of persistence In Doctor
(22:49):
who.
The doctor says we're allstories in the end Just make it
a good one.
But in Christ, we're not juststories.
We're part of a divinenarrative that never ends.
God isn't just writing achapter.
He's writing eternity throughyou.
You're not the main character,but your role is essential.
Your obedience, your love, yourconsistency it all points to
him.
Keep going.
Maybe you're in a valley rightnow where everything feels dark,
tight and heavy.
Or maybe you're pushing yourway up a steep mountain, tired
(23:10):
out of breath, and wondering ifit's worth it.
Either way, you're not alone.
God is right there with you.
He's working on your heart,growing your faith and using
every step, every struggle andevery victory to build something
meaningful, something thatlasts, something that leaves a
legacy.
Your legacy isn't built in onegrand moment.
It's built in the thousandsteps of faith between now and
eternity.
So keep walking one foot infront of the other, one prayer
(23:32):
at a time, one act of love afterthe next.
You are walking in the light ofhis presence, and that light
leaves a trail for others tofollow.
Before we wrap up, I wanna talkto anyone listening right now
who feels like you're standingat a crossroads.
Maybe your past feels too heavy.
Maybe your future feelsuncertain.
Maybe you're ready to stopwandering and start walking with
Jesus.
If you've never accepted Christas your Savior, or maybe you've
(23:54):
drifted and want to come home,you can make that decision right
now.
You don't need a stage or aperfect prayer, you just need an
open heart.
Jesus, I believe you are the Sonof God.
I believe you died on the crossfor my sins and rose again so I
could have new life.
I turn from my old ways and askyou to be the Lord of my life.
Forgive me, heal me, lead me.
I give you my heart and Ichoose to follow you from this
(24:14):
day forward In your name Jesus.
Amen.
If you prayed that prayer,welcome to the family of God.
Your story is just beginningand your legacy is being
rewritten by grace For freeresources to help you grow in
your faith.
Visit us atwwwthecrossroadscollectiveorg
and, if you'd like to connect,share your story or ask
questions, email us anytime atjm at thecrossroadscollectiveorg
(24:34):
.
This has been the CompassChronicles Podcast.
Thanks for walking with metoday.
Until next time, keep yourcompass set on Christ.
God bless, thank you, you.
Welcome to the Compass Chronicles podcast.
Where faith meets fandom, lifegets real and every step of your
journey reveals a deeperpurpose.
I'm your host, javier, and I'mso glad you're here.
If you've ever wondered howyour roots shape your road or
what kind of legacy you'rebuilding through the choices you
make every day, this episode isfor you.
Today, we're talking aboutroots, roads and redemption, and
take a deep dive into how ourfaith, our influences and even
(00:21):
our fandoms can teach us what itmeans to leave something behind
that matters Not just a name,but a life that echoes into
eternity.
But first, let's pray together.
Heavenly Father, thank you forthis moment.
Thank you for the breath in ourlungs and the journey we're on.
As we talk about legacy today,help us reflect on where we've
come from, where we're going andhow you want to shape our path.
Speak through this episode.
Let your word plant seeds thatgrow into something eternal.
(00:43):
In Jesus' name, amen.
Let's be honest.
Everyone loves a good originstory.
Whether you're talking aboutSpider-Man getting bit by that
radioactive spider, narutogrowing from an outcast into a
symbol of hope, or Frodostarting off as a simple hobbit
in the Shire, we're drawn to thebeginning of things.
Why?
Because our origins givemeaning to our journey.
In comics, spider-man's UncleBen teaches him that with great
(01:04):
power comes great responsibility, a lesson born from loss that
drives every swing he takesthrough New York.
Naruto's loneliness as a kidfuels his relentless pursuit to
protect his village, turningrejection into resilience and
Frodo.
His quiet life in the Shiremakes his courage against
Sauron's darkness all the moreremarkable.
In the world of fandom, originstories help us understand not
just what someone can do, butwhy they do it.
(01:25):
It's not just power as itspurpose.
Think of Bruce Wayne witnessinghis parents' murder.
It's not the gadgets or thecape that make him Batman.
It's the vow he makes in thatalley.
That's where his road begins.
The Bible is filled with originstories too.
Think about Abraham In the bookof Genesis, chapter 12, verses
1 through 2.
It says Now the Lord said toAbraham, verses 1 through 2 it
(01:56):
says that moment wasn't just arelocation.
It was a radical uprooting ofeverything familiar, planting
him in a promise he couldn't yetsee.
That's the beginning of ajourney and a legacy.
Abraham's obedience wasn't justabout his own story.
It was the starting point ofsomething far greater than
himself.
His roots were in God's promise, and the road he walked became
the foundation of a nation.
Imagine him stepping into theunknown, leaving behind the
(02:17):
safety of Haran, trusting avoice that promised descendants
as numerous as the stars.
Every step was a brick in alegacy that still stands today.
Now think about your own story.
Maybe you haven't thought of itas an origin story before, but
you have one.
You may not have radioactivespiders or ancient rings, but
you have a moment or severalwhere your heart shifted, where
God reached in or wheresomething happened that changed
the trajectory of your life.
(02:38):
Maybe it was small, like a wordsomeone spoke at just the right
time, or maybe it was somethinglife altering, a crisis, a
revelation, a calling.
The point is your beginningsmatter.
They shape how you see theworld, how you relate to others
and how you connect with God.
And, just like in fandoms, it'snot about how flashy your start
is, it's about what grows fromit.
So here's a question to thinkabout.
What's your original story?
(02:59):
Not just where you were born orraised, but what shaped your
heart.
Was it a teacher who believedin you?
A loss that broke you open?
A quiet moment when hopeflickered to life?
What influenced your beliefs?
And, most importantly, wheredid God first show up in your
story?
Maybe it was a Sunday schoolsong that stuck with you, or a
night when you felt him nearingthe chaos.
That's your route.
That's where your road begins.
(03:29):
When we talk about legacy, it'stempting to imagine grand
monuments or famous names, butlegacy in the kingdom of God
looks different.
In fandoms, legacy often comeswith more than just powers or
reputation.
It's about passing the torch.
Think of Professor X from X-Men, who dedicates his life to
mentoring young mutants at hisschool.
He doesn't just teach them howto use their powers, he teaches
them how to live with purposeand integrity in a world that
fears them.
Or take Uncle Eero from Avatar,the Last Airbender.
He's not the flashiestcharacter, but his wisdom,
kindness and patience deeplyshaped Zuko's transformation.
Through drinking tea, tellingtales and with tough love, iroh
(03:52):
quietly builds a legacy thatreshapes the destiny of the Fire
Nation.
Then there's Steve Rogers'Captain America.
When he passes the shield toSam Wilson, it's more than a
handoff.
It's a statement of trust,identity and belief in the kind
of man Sam is.
Steve's legacy isn't just inbattles one.
It's in the people he believedin and the values he stood for.
What ties all these examplestogether is this they invested
(04:13):
in others.
They didn't just fight for thepresent, they prepared for the
future.
Legacy isn't always about fameor big speeches.
Sometimes it's showing up,speaking truth and pouring into
someone else's growth.
Sometimes it's as simple andpowerful as saying I see
something in you, let me helpyou rise.
In the book of 2 Timothy 2,verse 2, paul tells Timothy and
(04:34):
what you have heard from me, inthe presence of many witnesses
and trust, to faithful men whowill be able to teach others
also.
That's a legacy Quiet,consistent discipleship.
Paul didn't build statues, hebuilt people.
He sat with Timothy, sharedmeals, wrote letters and passed
down truth like a torch in thedark.
That chained Paul to Timothy,to faithful men, to other
stretches across centuries.
Because it wasn't about fame,it was about faith.
You don't need a stage to builda legacy, you need faithfulness
(04:56):
.
It might look like teachingyour kids the Bible, sitting at
the kitchen table, stumblingthrough Genesis, watching their
eyes light up at Noah's Ark, ormentoring someone younger in the
faith, listening to theirdoubts, praying over their
dreams, or just choosing dailyto live in integrity, even when
no one's watching, paying theextra dime at the self-checkout,
speaking truth when it's hard.
Legacy isn't loud, it's lasting.
It's the echo of your life insomeone else's story.
(05:18):
Think about how Jesus built hislegacy on earth.
He spent time with 12 veryordinary men fishermen, tax
collectors, zealots.
He walked dusty roads with them, ate meals, answered questions,
corrected their pride andcalmed their fears.
He didn't publish books orbuild cathedrals.
He invested in people, andthose people turned the world
upside down.
In the real world, people oftenchase fame or influence, but the
(05:39):
influence that lasts isn'tbuilt overnight.
It's built through root-strongfoundations and roads of
faithful walk.
Think of a tree.
Its strength isn't in thebranches waving in the wind, but
in the roots digging deep,unseen.
Your legacy is like thatgrounded in what you stand for,
growing through where you go.
Legacy is also built in what wemodel.
If you're a parent, a leader, afriend or even just someone
walking through life with others, the choices you make today
(06:01):
will be someone else's exampletomorrow, whether it's how you
handle stress, how you treatpeople who can't repay you, or
how you respond when you mess up.
That becomes part of the legacyyou leave.
So think about this who are youinfluencing right now?
Maybe it's a coworker whowatches how you handle stress?
A friend who hears your quiettrust in God, a child who mimics
your habits?
What are you passing down evenunintentionally, a temper, a
(06:22):
prayer down, evenunintentionally A temper, a
prayer, a laugh.
And is what you're plantinggoing to bear fruit long after
you're gone?
Every word, every choice is aseed.
What's it growing into?
Your legacy isn't about beingremembered by the world.
It's about being faithful inthe world so others remember God
.
It's not about spotlightmoments.
It's about the small, steadywitness that points others to
Christ.
So go ahead, plant those seeds,even if you never see the full
(06:43):
harvest.
Trust that God is growingsomething eternal.
Imagine going on a road tripwith no map, no GPS and no clue
where you're headed.
That's chaos.
Now imagine having a compassbut ignoring it every few miles.
That's confusion.
You'd end up circling back,lost in the same dusty, nowhere,
wondering why the scenery neverchanges.
In every epic journey, whetherit's Aang learning to master all
four elements in Avatar, theLast Airbender, or Miles Morales
(07:06):
stepping into his role asSpider-Man in Into the
Spider-Verse, there's alwayssome kind of guide, a mentor, a
mission, a deeper pull.
Aang has Uncle Eero's wisdomand the support of his friends
to help him carry the weight ofbeing the Avatar.
Miles is guided by the legacyof Peter Parker and the
encouragement of others who'veworn the mask before him.
Without those voices, withoutthat direction, their paths
would unravel.
The guide isn't just helpful,it's what gives the journey
(07:28):
meaning.
It keeps them grounded whenthings get overwhelming and
reminds them of who they are andwhy they're moving forward.
Spiritually, our compass isGod's word.
In the book of Psalm, chapter119, verse 105, it says your
word is a lamp to my feet and alight to my path.
It's not a floodlight showingthe whole highway.
Many Christians today treatscripture like background music.
It's on but it's not leading.
(07:49):
It's familiar, but it's notforming them.
They know verses like John 3, 3, verse 16, but don't let it
shape their decisions or softentheir anger.
The Bible becomes inspirationalwallpaper instead of an active
(08:11):
GPS.
But if we want to build alegacy that lasts, we need to
stay rooted in the word and letit shape our decisions,
relationships and goals.
It's the difference betweenwandering aimlessly and walking
with direction, between a legacythat fades and one that endures
.
Think of characters in fandomwho lost their way but found a
new direction, a new compass.
Take Steven Universe, forexample.
At first Steven's just tryingto live up to the legacy of his
(08:32):
mom, rose Quartz, without reallyunderstanding who she was or
what she left behind.
But as the story unfolds,steven begins to question
everything he thought he knew.
Instead of blindly followingthe expectations laid on him, he
starts listening to his ownconvictions, choosing healing
over violence, compassion overcontrol.
He becomes a leader not byimitating the past, but by
forging a new path rooted inempathy and truth.
(08:53):
Or look at Finn from the StarWars sequel trilogy.
He begins as FN-2187, astormtrooper trained to obey
without question, but somethinginside him breaks through the
programming.
He sees injustice and decidesto walk away, even though he has
no map for what comes next.
Finn goes from running away torunning towards something bigger
than himself, choosing loyalty,sacrifice and freedom.
His compass shifts from fear topurpose.
(09:15):
These characters remind us thatreal change doesn't happen when
we get stronger.
It happens when we find abetter guy, when we stop
following the loudest voice andstart listening to the right one
.
That's what it means to realignyour compass.
Now flip that back on us.
What's guiding your decisions?
Is it God's word or somethingelse?
Maybe it's comfort, choosingwhat feels good, not what's
right.
Maybe it's fear, avoiding riskinstead of trusting God.
(09:36):
Maybe it's comparison, lettingsomeone else's highlight reel
dictate your direction.
Whatever it is, if it's notanchored in scripture, it's
going to lead you off course.
We all have a compass, whetherit's scripture, culture,
ambition or emotion.
Culture says chase likes andhustle.
Ambition says climb higher, nomatter who you step on.
Emotion says feel good now,worry later.
But only one leads us towardeternal legacy.
(09:56):
The Bible doesn't promise theeasiest route, but it promises
the truest one.
God's word points us toward alife that matters, one rooted in
grace, truth and purpose.
Sometimes reading scripture canfeel slow or confusing.
That's okay.
The point isn't speed, it'sconsistency.
You don't have to understandevery word in Leviticus on the
first read.
You just have to show up, openthe Bible, ask God to speak and
(10:17):
take the next step in obedience.
One verse at a time, one prayerat a time, one decision at a
time.
Maybe today your compass feelsbroken.
Maybe you've been walking incircles, overwhelmed or numb.
Here's the truth.
It's never too late torecalibrate.
God's word is still steady.
His voice still speaks.
If you feel lost, stop breatheand ask what does God say about
this?
Not what culture says, not whatyour feelings scream.
(10:39):
What does the word say?
Check your compass.
Where is it pointing?
Today?
Let's talk identity.
In geek culture, characters areoften defined by the symbols
they carry or the origin storiesthat shape them.
Think of the Rebel Allianceemblem from Star Wars, the
lightning bolt on the Flash'ssuit, or the Survey Corps wings
and attack on Titan.
These aren't just cool designs,they're statements of identity.
The Rebel insignia isn't just alogo.
(11:00):
It's a symbol of resistance andhope against overwhelming odds.
The Flash's bolt, it's morethan speed, it's a commitment to
protect Central City.
And those wings, they're notjust for aesthetics.
They represent courage in theface of fear, humanity's drive
to push beyond the walls.
But what happens when thatidentity is challenged?
Barry Allen constantly wrestleswith being the Flash and just
being a guy who wants a normallife one foot in crime scenes,
(11:22):
the other in emotional chaos.
He runs fast but often feelsstuck between saving the world
and holding his personal lifetogether.
Or look at Irin Yeager.
His story starts with loss anda desperate desire for freedom,
but as his journey unfolds, thelines between hero and blur and
he has to decide what kind oflegacy he's actually leaving
behind.
These characters hit us deeplybecause their struggles echo
(11:42):
ours, wanting to fit in but alsoknowing we're meant for
something more, longing fornormalcy while carrying a
calling, wondering who we reallyare.
When life gets complicated andour symbol, our identity, feels
like it's fading.
Spiritually, we wrestle withidentity too.
In the book of 1 Peter, chapter2, verse 9, it says but you are
a chosen race, a royalpriesthood, a holy nation, a
(12:05):
people for his own possession,that you may proclaim the
excellencies of him who calledyou out of darkness into his
marvelous light.
That's our true identity inChrist.
Not a suggestion, not a maybe afact.
You're chosen, not discarded.
Royal, not rejected suggestion,not a maybe a fact.
You're chosen, not discarded.
Royal, not rejected.
Holy, not hopeless.
His not adrift.
But let's be honest.
Culture is loud.
It's constantly throwingalternative labels at us.
You are your career, you areyour followers, you are your
(12:25):
relationship status, you areyour failures, or maybe you are
your past.
You are what you lack.
You are what others say aboutyou.
It's easy to feel lost when youridentity is being defined by
shifting shadows instead ofGod's unchanging truth.
If we're not rooted in ourGod-given identity, we'll chase
roads that lead us away from ourlegacy, running after temporary
applause instead of eternalaffirmation.
That's like Batman trading inthe Batcave for a corporate
(12:47):
office just to prove somethingto the world, or Spider-Man
hanging up his suit to blend inat prom.
When we forget who we are, weforget why we're here.
That's why grounding yourselfin scripture matters, because it
doesn't just inform you, itforms you, it reminds you who
God says you are when the worldforgets or gets it wrong.
You're not just a number, ausername or a brand.
You are fearfully andwonderfully made, created in the
(13:08):
image of God.
In the book of Ephesians,chapter 2, verse 10, paul
reminds us for we are hisworkmanship, created in Christ
Jesus for good works which Godprepared beforehand that we
should walk in them.
That means you are not anaccident.
You're an intentional creationwith purpose etched into your
DNA.
And get this, your identity inChrist, doesn't fluctuate with
your performance.
On your best day, you're deeplyloved.
(13:29):
On your worst day, you're stillchosen.
When you succeed, god smiles.
When you stumble, he stays.
When you feel unseen, he seesyou.
When you feel unworthy, hereminds you that Jesus died for
you anyway.
That's the kind of rootedidentity that fuels a legacy
worth building.
But this identity isn't justabout comfort.
It's about clarity when youknow who you are, you know how
to live.
You make decisions not out offear or insecurity, but out of
(13:51):
confidence in who you belong to.
You lead with grace, you servewith humility.
You stand firm when temptationtries to twist your value.
You stop performing and startliving in purpose.
So here's a reflection.
When people see your life, whatsymbol do they see?
Is it a paycheck, a grudge, ascreen or a cross?
Is it clear who you belong to?
Your life's a signal.
What's it beaming out?
Let's get practical.
(14:12):
Legacy isn't just a big pictureidea.
It's built into small things.
In the Legend of Zelda, breathof the Wild, link's journey
isn't just about epic battles.
It's about gathering supplies,picking apples in the rain,
hunting boars at dusk, solvingpuzzles that test his patience,
learning from each failure whenhe tumbles off a cliff and
patiently unlocking each step ofthe adventure, shrine by shrine
, memory by memory.
That's a metaphor for spiritualgrowth.
(14:33):
No shortcuts, no cheat codes,just steady, faithful progress.
In the book of Luke, chapter 16,verse 10, jesus says One who is
faithful in a very little isalso faithful in much, and one
who is dishonest in a verylittle is also dishonest in much
.
That's a powerful reminder.
Legacy grows through dailyobedience.
Not the flashy stuff, the quietstuff, not the grand stage but
the kitchen floor, not the viralposts but the whispered prayer.
(14:56):
That means showing up, draggingyourself to prayer when you're
tired, praying when no one sees.
Whispering thanks in the car,saying no to temptation,
scrolling past the gossip,biting your tongue Enc.
Encouraging someone who needsit with a text, a coffee or a.
You've got this.
Staying in the word, even ifit's just five minutes, with a
psalm when your eyes are heavy,serving without applause, doing
the dishes in the sink or takingout the trash to the curb.
(15:17):
In our real lives these momentsfeel small, but they're bricks
in a foundation that lasts.
But let's be real.
Small steps don't always feelsatisfying.
We crave quick wins andovernight breakthroughs.
We want the six-figure calling,not that six-in-the-morning
type of commitment.
We want the spiritualmountaintop, not the daily hike.
But God works throughconsistency, the fruit of the
Spirit, which are love, joy,peace, patience, kindness,
(15:39):
goodness, faithfulness,gentleness.
Self-control doesn't grow in aday.
It grows through daily watering, pruning and staying.
Rooted In fandom, we love thehero's big moment, the dramatic
scene, the final battle, theslow-motion victory, but every
hero's climax is built on athousand little choices.
Frodo didn't just throw thering into Mount Doom on a whim.
He walked miles through despairto get there.
Deku didn't wake up with powerand control.
(16:00):
He trained.
He failed.
He pushed forward, sometimesinch by inch.
Link's greatest victories comeafter hundreds of tiny tasks and
quiet decisions to keep going.
Spiritually, it's the same.
Your faith is built in themiddle of the mundane.
That Bible study you almostskipped that prayer.
You whispered over your kidwhile they slept.
That choice to forgive evenwhen it hurt, those are the
stones that pave your legacy.
You don't have to preach asermon to change your life.
(16:24):
You might just need to show up,be kind and stay faithful.
When no one else sees it andhere's the amazing part God sees
it all.
In the book of Galatians,chapter 6, verse 9, paul
encourages us and let us notgrow weary of doing good, for in
due season we will reap if wedo not give up.
That means the seeds you'resowing today, the invisible ones
, the thankless ones.
They matter.
They're part of a harvest.
You might not see yet, but Godpromises it will come.
So, but God promises it willcome.
(16:44):
So don't underestimate yourdaily decisions.
Your choices today are craftingthe legacy of tomorrow.
Each yes you say to God is astone in the foundation of your
life.
Maybe you're not where you wantto be yet, but that doesn't
mean God isn't building.
Legacy isn't about speed.
It's about direction.
Faithfulness over flash,obedience over outcome.
So what's one small step youcan take today?
Read a chapter of scriptureText someone, encouragement,
(17:07):
confess something you've beenholding in.
Choose honesty, choose worship.
Legacy doesn't wait for perfectconditions.
It grows right where you are,one faithful step at a time.
Let's be real.
Sometimes the toughest part ofbuilding a legacy is looking
back at where we've come from.
Maybe your past feels like amess.
Maybe your story is tied up inpain or trauma.
There might be nights you wishyou could erase, mistakes that
haunt you, a lie that got out ofcontrol, an opportunity you let
(17:30):
slip through your fingers.
Maybe there's brokenness, ahome that fell apart, a heart
that still hasn't fully healed.
We all carry chapters we'drather skip and moments we wish
we could rewrite.
But here's the beautiful truthGod isn't scared of your past.
He's not shaking his head indisappointment.
He's the God of redemption andhe's already written the ending
to your story and, trust me,it's a good one.
In the book of Genesis, chapter50, verse 20,.
(17:51):
Joseph tells his brothers asfor you, you meant evil against
me, but God meant it for good,to bring it about that many
people should be kept alive, asthey are today, sold into
slavery, framed, forgotten.
Joseph's roots were a pit, butGod turned the dirt into a
throne, the betrayal into alifeline for nations.
Joseph's legacy wasn't justsurviving the pain, it was
transforming it into purpose.
Every tear watered Egypt'sfields, every chain forged his
(18:13):
compassion.
His ability to forgive hisbrothers wasn't weakness, it was
strength shaped by fire.
Joseph didn't just rise above,he reached back to lift others.
That's legacy.
In fandom we see this too.
Characters like Tony Stark gofrom selfish to sacrificial.
He starts as a playboybillionaire, drowning in
arrogance and distraction.
But his past the cave, theshrapnel, the failure shapes him
into someone who giveseverything to save the world.
(18:34):
His story is powerful, notbecause it's perfect, but
because it's redeemed.
He doesn't erase his past.
He builds something better fromit.
That's what God wants to dowith your story.
Your past doesn't disqualifyyou from legacy.
In fact, it may be the verysoil your legacy grows from.
God doesn't waste pain.
He doesn't waste regret.
He doesn't even waste rebellion.
He transforms it.
(18:57):
He takes your lowest momentsand weaves them into something
that gives hope to others, atestimony, a witness, a miracle
in motion.
Look at Moses.
His story didn't begin in thepalace.
It started with murder, exileand insecurity.
He stuttered, he doubted, heran.
In the palace it started withmurder, exile and insecurity.
He stuttered, he doubted, heran.
But God still called him tolead.
In the book of Exodus, chapter3, verse 12, god tells him but I
will be with you and this shallbe the sign for you that I have
sent you.
When you have brought thepeople out of Egypt, you shall
(19:18):
serve God on this mountain.
Notice that God already seesthe victory before Moses ever
says yes, that's redemption.
Take a look at Peter.
He was bold and passionate, butalso the guy who denied Jesus
three times when it matteredmost.
You'd think that kind offailure would be the end of the
story, but it wasn't.
Jesus restored him and used himto help build the early church.
That's what grace does.
It doesn't cancel you, ittransforms you.
(19:39):
Peter's mistake didn't definehim.
His faith did.
Maybe your story feels too fargone.
Maybe you think God can't usethat part of me, but nothing is
beyond his reach.
In the book of Romans, chapter8, verse 1, paul reminds us
there is therefore now nocondemnation for those who are
in Christ Jesus.
None, not even for the stuffyou don't talk about, not even
for the seasons you still cryover.
(20:00):
If you're in Christ, your pastisn't a prison, it's a platform.
So what do you do with thebroken roots?
You give them to the gardener.
Let God dig them up, trim whatneeds to go and replant what
needs to grow.
Healing takes time, it takessurrender, it takes courage to
face the hard stuff.
But it's worth it, because onceGod redeems your roots, he
strengthens your road.
And here's the beautiful rippleeffect your healing becomes
(20:21):
someone else's hope.
Your redemption becomes someoneelse's roadmap.
That time you thought you'dnever make it through.
That becomes the story thathelps someone else keep going.
So let God redeem your roots,let Him heal what's behind you,
unbind the shame, soften thehurt so you can move freely
toward what's ahead.
Your road doesn't end in themess.
It starts there with Him.
So where do we go from here?
In the book of Philippians,chapter 3, verses 13 through 14,
(20:43):
paul writes Brothers, I do notconsider that I have made it my
own, but one thing I do,forgetting what lies behind and
straining forward to what liesahead.
I press on toward the goal forthe prize of the upward call of
God in Christ Jesus.
That's our call to press on, towalk forward, to keep going
even when it's uphill.
Paul didn't linger in his daysas Saul persecuting the church.
He didn't let shame or regretanchor him in place.
(21:04):
He let God burn that past intofuel for the future.
Forgetting doesn't meanpretending it never happened.
It means choosing not to bedefined by it.
Straining forward isn't easy.
It's sweat, it's grit, it'schoosing the hill over the
hammock.
Building a legacy is not abouthaving it all figured out.
It's about showing up again andagain with a yes in your spirit
(21:25):
and your eyes set on Jesus.
You may not see all the fruitnow.
Abraham didn't meet Moses,joseph didn't see the exodus,
but every step mattered.
The work you're doing right now, the prayers, the quiet
faithfulness, the smallsacrifices.
It's building something eternal, a ripple you can't measure, a
harvest you may never see.
Think about this.
Every great hero, everyfaithful servant had to walk
forward even when the path wasunclear.
Noah built an ark before itever rained.
Esther stepped into the king'scourt without knowing if she'd
(21:47):
survive.
Ruth followed Naomi into aforeign land.
Not knowing her name would bepart of Jesus' family tree.
What set them apart wasn'tperfection, it was movement
Forward, motion, trust thatwalked.
You don't have to run, justwalk.
And when walking feels hard,crawl, just don't stop.
Sometimes your legacy is forgedin the dark, in the valley, in
the quiet, uncelebrated moments.
(22:07):
The prayer you prayed over yourchild while they slept, the
scripture you held onto when thediagnosis came, the faith that
whispered God is still good whenlife screamed otherwise.
That's the road, that's theprize.
Not applause but closeness toChrist, the upward call, his
presence.
And let's not forget you're notwalking alone.
In the book of Isaiah, 41,verse 10, god says Fear not, for
(22:28):
I am with you.
Be not dismayed, for I am yourGod.
I will strengthen you, I willhelp you, I will uphold you with
my righteous right hand.
That's a promise to lean onwhen your legs feel weak.
He is with you in every detour,every delay, every dry season.
You are not alone on this road.
Even in fandom, we see thepower of persistence.
Alone on this road.
Even in fandom, we see thepower of persistence In Doctor
(22:49):
who.
The doctor says we're allstories in the end Just make it
a good one.
But in Christ, we're not juststories.
We're part of a divinenarrative that never ends.
God isn't just writing achapter.
He's writing eternity throughyou.
You're not the main character,but your role is essential.
Your obedience, your love, yourconsistency it all points to
him.
Keep going.
Maybe you're in a valley rightnow where everything feels dark,
tight and heavy.
Or maybe you're pushing yourway up a steep mountain, tired
(23:10):
out of breath, and wondering ifit's worth it.
Either way, you're not alone.
God is right there with you.
He's working on your heart,growing your faith and using
every step, every struggle andevery victory to build something
meaningful, something thatlasts, something that leaves a
legacy.
Your legacy isn't built in onegrand moment.
It's built in the thousandsteps of faith between now and
eternity.
So keep walking one foot infront of the other, one prayer
(23:32):
at a time, one act of love afterthe next.
You are walking in the light ofhis presence, and that light
leaves a trail for others tofollow.
Before we wrap up, I wanna talkto anyone listening right now
who feels like you're standingat a crossroads.
Maybe your past feels too heavy.
Maybe your future feelsuncertain.
Maybe you're ready to stopwandering and start walking with
Jesus.
If you've never accepted Christas your Savior, or maybe you've
(23:54):
drifted and want to come home,you can make that decision right
now.
You don't need a stage or aperfect prayer, you just need an
open heart.
Jesus, I believe you are the Sonof God.
I believe you died on the crossfor my sins and rose again so I
could have new life.
I turn from my old ways and askyou to be the Lord of my life.
Forgive me, heal me, lead me.
I give you my heart and Ichoose to follow you from this
(24:14):
day forward In your name Jesus.
Amen.
If you prayed that prayer,welcome to the family of God.
Your story is just beginningand your legacy is being
rewritten by grace For freeresources to help you grow in
your faith.
Visit us atwwwthecrossroadscollectiveorg
and, if you'd like to connect,share your story or ask
questions, email us anytime atjm at thecrossroadscollectiveorg
(24:34):
.
This has been the CompassChronicles Podcast.
Thanks for walking with metoday.
Until next time, keep yourcompass set on Christ.
God bless, thank you, you.
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