When God Doesn't Fix It

Author: Laura Story
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 0718037189
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 305

Book Description
Is it possible that good things can come out of our broken dreams? Worship leader and recording artist Laura Story’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband, Martin, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Their lives would never be the same. Yes, with God all things are possible. But the devastating news was that no cure existed to restore Martin’s short-term memory, eyesight, and other complications. The fairy-tale life Laura had dreamed of was no longer possible. And yet in struggling with God about how to live with broken dreams, Laura has found joy and a deeper intimacy with Jesus. In When God Doesn’t Fix It, Laura helps you understand that: We aren’t the only ones whose lives have taken unexpected turns Even heroes of our faith experienced brokenness Despite our flaws and stories, God can use us in extraordinary ways God may not fix everything. In fact, although your situation might not ever change or get better, with Jesus you can. Not because of your faith, but because of the faithfulness of God.

When God Doesn't Fix It

Author: Laura Story
Publisher: W Publishing Group
ISBN: 9780718036973
Category : Christian life
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Laura helps us understand we arent the only ones whose lives have taken unexpected turns. She examines the brokenness of some of the heroes of our faith, and shows how despite their flaws and flawed stories, God was able to use them in extraordinary ways. And it was not because of their faith, but because of the faithfulness of their God. God may not fix everything. In fact, although your situation might not ever change or get better, with Jesus you can.

So Long, Normal

Author: Laura Story
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 0785248579
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 240

Book Description
In the shifting (or even collapsing) of everything familiar in life, you don’t have to wring your hands in fear. Push past the loss of your “normal” with bestselling author and Bible teacher Laura Story, and step into the new story God is writing for you. You've been faced with circumstances beyond your control. Your plans are altered. But you have the blessing of a Father who loves you enough to take off the training wheels and place his beloved child in the best possible scenario for your good and growth. So Long, Normal guides you to leave behind the idols of comfort, caution, and routine so you can live strong and well, even when life takes an unwelcome turn. In her confessional, conversational style, worship leader, Bible teacher, and Christian recording artist Laura Story weaves her own personal stories with examples from Scripture of characters whose lives were upended by unexpected (and undesired) change. So Long, Normal will help you: Process the trauma of the loss of your “normal” Learn to rest in God’s plan for you instead of trying to control your circumstances Find true community and encouragement in your struggle with uncertainty Discover three great comforts and three gifts to steady you on your journey Face the future with fresh spiritual eyes and find joy in the unwavering strength of Christ Losing your “normal” is not the end of the world but the beginning of a new adventure. It is possible to grow with grace through tough times, navigating the unknown secure in the knowledge that God is with you—every step of the way.

You'll Get Through This

Author: Max Lucado
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 0849965373
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 241

Book Description
We all fear that the depression will never lift, the disappointment will never stop, the pain will never leave. Here in the pits, surrounded by steep walls, we wonder if our gray skies will ever brighten. Though these unprecedented and challenging times may bring a load of uncertainty and fear that feels too heavy to bear, God gives us this promise: You'll Get Through This. In You'll Get Through This, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado traces the story of Joseph as told in the book of Genesis. The Bible tells us that Joseph was tossed into a pit by his brothers, sold into slavery, wrongfully imprisoned, forgotten and dismissed. Yet Joseph's story is proof that we can flourish even in this broken world. On his darkest days, Joseph may have thought that the sun would never shine again, but God ultimately used these hardships for a greater purpose. Whether you find yourself in the pit of financial downturn, job loss, health crisis, or relationship stresses, God has a plan and a path forward designed just for you. Max reminds readers God doesn't promise that getting through trials will be quick or painless, but he does use our mess for good. In this book, Max will help you: Find comfort in the knowledge that you are God's child and God cares deeply for you Remember that God is near you and has never left you Look for hope in each hardship that you face Lean on your loving community in challenging times Take courage that God will restore even the most painful circumstances and use them for good Each copy of You'll Get Through This includes thoughtful questions for reflection designed to give you a chance to dive deeper into the hard yet hopeful story of Joseph's perseverance. With the compassion of a pastor, the heart of a storyteller, and the joy of one who has seen what God can do, Max explores the story of Joseph and the truth of Genesis 50:20: what Satan intends for evil, God redeems for good.

I Give Up

Author: Laura Story
Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM
ISBN: 0785226303
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 241

Book Description
Most of us long to be in control—of our schedule, our relationships, and our future. Newlywed Laura Story thought she had control over the great life ahead of her. After all, she followed Jesus and had a promising new job as a worship leader. Why would God not want to fulfill her dreams? But when Laura and her husband, Martin, faced a brain tumor, infertility, and a son’s birth defect, she realized she’d been looking for a happiness that comes from circumstances, rather than a deeper joy that comes from God. Again and again, Laura had to surrender her vision for her life so she could embrace God’s vision. And again and again she learned that even in the midst of shattered dreams, God’s plan brought greater joy than she could have imagined. Now the Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter known for such hits as “Blessings,” “Indescribable,” and “Mighty to Save” shares her powerful story of finding blessing in her deepest pain. In, I Give Up, Laura explores: How to delight in God’s gifts no matter your circumstances. Why waiting on God is a daily decision, not a step-by-step process. The strength we find from meditating on God’s Word. Why surrendering to God leads to reconciliation with others. How the things we consider to be losses are ways for God to display his glory. As Laura writes, she no longer wants to be in control of her life. She wants to be rooted in the God who is in control. I Give Up will help you Discover a deeper life of worship, a fuller life of joy, and a freer life of true surrender as you open your hands to God. And give up.

Fix Your Eyes

Author: Amy Gannett
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 1087730554
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 171

Book Description
We live in a polarized time. Christians are quick to conceive of themselves either as theologically-minded or worship-minded; either thinking Christians or feeling Christians. The results are damaging: theology without worship is muted, stifled, and cold, and worship without theology is ungrounded, unrooted, and uninformed. This is not the way it was meant to be. Theology (our study and knowledge of God) should always lead to doxology (our worship of Him). Worship should always be rooted in theology. When we study the nature and character of God as revealed in his Word, we are invited to respond in the affectionate, obedient discipleship of worship. How can we keep our theology from being mere head knowledge? How do we give our worship roots that will last? By fixing our eyes on God Himself—the object of our study and the object of our worship. Fix Your Eyes is an invitation to understand core doctrines of the Christian faith and apply them in our daily worship of God. It walks believers through key theological concepts and shows how each can be lived out in daily life.

Stuck Bible Study Guide

Author: Jennie Allen
Publisher: HarperChristian Resources
ISBN: 1418548766
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 144

Book Description
Do you feel stuck? So many of us live stuck. Stuck in trying to seem perfect. Stuck in sadness. Stuck feeling numb. Stuck pursuing more stuff to make us happy. Stuck in something we can't even name. These stuck places often go unattended inside of us and they are shaping our lives more than we would like to think. We've been trying to fix this feeling with everything but... God. He has a plan for these spaces inside of us, the places we feel broken, but we have to go to Him. Stuck is a journey to take an honest look at the fight going on inside, leading us to the God who has a plan to restore it, to restore us. The eight lessons in this study guide are simple and interactive, offering projects, stories, and Bible study to dig into Scripture, to deeply engage the mind and heart. Because as we realize that our stuck places are the very places that make us ache for God, we find Him waiting there for us with hope and freedom. Sessions include: stuck broken mad discontent scared overwhelmed sad unstuck Designed for use with the Stuck DVD 9780849922541 (sold separately).

When God Doesn't Fix It Bible Study Guide

Author: Laura Story
Publisher: HarperChristian Resources
ISBN: 0310089174
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 128

Book Description
Is it possible for our faith in God to deepen despite loss, heartache, struggle, and pain? Worship leader and recording artist Laura Story's life testifies that God doesn't promise to save us from all hardship. No matter how hard we pray, sometimes our circumstances don't change. Laura's own story took an unexpected turn when her husband, Martin, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The devastating news forever changed their lives and challenged Laura's belief in the little control she thought she had. Her discovery: that her struggles to accept her new situation ended up convincing her even more strongly of God's faithfulness and love. In this five-session video study (DVD/digital video sold separately), Laura shares her deeply personal testimony and renewed hope to help us: Examine the promises of the gospel and what the Bible says about our experiences here on Earth. See how the hardships endured by some of the men and women of the Bible teach us how God works in our lives to bring us closer to him. Understand that the possibility exists for a deeper intimacy with God, whose everlasting promises remain no matter what happens in this life. This study guide includes leader helps, video discussion questions, Bible exploration questions, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions. Sessions include: Don't Be Surprised by Trouble – Healthy ways of recognizing the existence of loss and pain without being paranoid or cynical. Best-Made Plans – A closer look at human plans and God's plans and how they might be different. When God Doesn't Fix It – How stories of imperfect lives and struggles can showcase God's faithfulness and what that means for us. Why? The Question on Replay – Finding freedom in not having all the answers. A Better Broken – How to change despite our unchanging circumstances. Designed for use with When God Doesn’t Fix It Video Study (sold separately).

Finding I Am - Bible Study Book with Video Access

Author: Lysa TerKeurst
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781087773100
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 176

Book Description
What is the deep cry of your heart? The ache in your soul just waiting to be fulfilled? The prayer you keep repeating without end? Jesus not only cares about this deep, spiritual wrestling, but He also wants to step in and see you through it. Join Lysa TerKeurst on the streets of Israel to explore the I AM statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John, ultimately trading feelings of emptiness and depletion for the fullness of knowing who Jesus is in this in-depth Bible study. Features: Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups Five weeks of personal study segments to complete between six weeks of group sessions Four days, with an optional fifth day, of study within each week of personal study Six enriching teaching videos, approximately 15-20 minutes per session, available via redemption code printed in Bible study book for individual streaming access Benefits: Find freedom in difficult circumstances by learning how to shift from "slave mentality" to "set free mentality." Discover how Jesus is the key to satisfaction by learning the crucial significance behind each of His I AM statements. Trade feelings of emptiness for the fullness of knowing who Jesus is. Grow in biblical literacy with this exploration of the Gospel of John. Video Sessions: Session 1: I AM (18:40)--In this introductory session, Lysa introduces the topic of I AM by looking in the book of Exodus where God talks to Moses through the burning bush. First came God's name, then came His promise. Session 2: I AM the Bread of Life (15:40)--Lysa is in Capernaum during this session and discusses how important bread was in the life of the Jewish people during this time. She reminds participants that only Jesus Himself can satisfy every craving of our soul. Session 3: I AM the Light of the World (21:40)--This third session puts participants at Jacob's well where Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman. Lysa discusses Jesus as the Living Water and how this Samaritan woman became a light to her world by telling others about Jesus. Session 4: I AM the Good Shepherd and I AM the Gate of the Sheep (18:10)--Psalm 23 tells us about God as a Good Shepherd. Lysa explores that Psalm and reminds listeners that God promises not to restore our circumstances, but rather to restore our soul. Session 5: I AM the Resurrection and the Life and I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life (20:55)--In this fifth session Lysa overlooks the city of Jerusalem and studies the passage of the raising of Lazarus. She reminds the listener that Jesus longs to bring His resurrection power to us. Session 6: I AM the True Vine (17:35)--During this final session we find ourselves in a vineyard learning about God as the Gardener and Jesus as the True Vine. We learn that pruning makes us look more like Jesus and prepares us to bring forth fruit.

Holding On When You Want to Let Go

Author: Sheila Walsh
Publisher: Baker Books
ISBN: 1493432893
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 240

Book Description
Are you struggling today? Do you look back and long for what used to be, or are you looking ahead and have no idea what's coming? Are you stuck in the middle of a mess because life has not turned out as you expected? When you run to God for answers, do you often feel like you aren't getting them--or at least aren't getting the answers you want? Are you holding on . . . but not sure how much longer you can? In times of not knowing, Sheila Walsh offers a lifeline of hope. With great compassion born of experience and hardship, Walsh comes alongside the hurting, fearful, and exhausted to remind us that we serve a God who is so much greater than our momentary troubles, no matter how insurmountable they feel. She doesn't offer a quick fix. She offers a God fix. Sharing from her own painful struggles and digging deep into biblical stories of rescue, hope, and miracles, she gives you the strength to keep going, to keep holding on to God in a world turned upside down. The accompanying study includes 10 lessons to help individuals or groups dive deeper.