Kirjahaku

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).

But I don’t want to surrender! It’s normal. It’s natural. It’s human to want to be in control. But when your need for peace surpasses your desire for control, God–who truly uses all things for our good–demonstrates how much we can trust him. The very act of completely surrendering our will to his can become the one act that will change your life forever. Recording artist and bestselling author Laura Story demonstrates the ironic joy found when we surrender it all to God and simply give up. Surrendering expectations and power is not a step-by-step process but a willful, daily decision worth every single ounce of effort. In I Give Up, we learn what surrender is not: Surrender does not come naturally to any of us. Surrender is not acquiescing to an enemy who wants to dominate us. Surrender is not "My will be done!" Surrender makes it impossible for you, and the people around you, to stay the same. Though surrender sometimes flies in the face of our instincts, hopes, and dreams, it’s never without benefit. A surrendered life includes the surprise of a truly full and satisfying existence where trust is reasonable, reconciliation is possible, and relationships can heal. Sessions include: What Is Surrender Anyway? God’s Character Matters Giving In and Up Being Transformed The Ripple Effect of Surrender Designed for use with the I Give Up Video Study (9780310103899) sold separately. Streaming video access also included.

Untether from your sense of "normal" and fall into the abundant life God intends.Singer-songwriter and Bible teacher Laura Story gets what it's like to have plans altered and to surrender security when faced with circumstances beyond our control. But she also understands the blessing of having a Father who loves you enough to place you in the best possible scenario for good and growth.The So Long, Normal video study guide (streaming included) walks small groups through the process of leaving behind the idols of comfort, caution, and routine so you can live strong and well--even when life takes an unwelcome turn.This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including:The study guide itself--with discussion and personal reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide.An individual access code to stream all five video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!).Laura Story looks at the obstacles of attachment to comfort and leads the way to learning how to trust our unknown future to a faithful God.With personal stories and deep dives into biblical stories of people who wavered between God and earthly comfort, this five-session study is for anyone who finds themselves paralyzed by fear in the inevitable changes of life.When we say goodbye to normal, our joy and peace are no longer tethered to our circumstances; we can truly experience the abundant life Christ offers his children.Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2027. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

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 turnsEven heroes of our faith experienced brokennessDespite our flaws and stories, God can use us in extraordinary waysGod 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.

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.

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 circumstancesFind true community and encouragement in your struggle with uncertaintyDiscover three great comforts and three gifts to steady you on your journeyFace the future with fresh spiritual eyes and find joy in the unwavering strength of ChristLosing 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.

30 Daily Devotions that will guide the reader into a deeper understanding of God's mysterious use of Blessings. Chapter Titles include, What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops? (a signature line in the song), and He Loves Us Too Much To Give Us Lesser Things. Each chapter contains thoughts, prayers and quotes along with a journaling page for the reader to recall blessings they have seen in their own lives.

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 (streaming included), 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: Individual access to streaming video sessions Video notes and a comprehensive structure for group discussion time Personal study for deeper reflection between sessions A guide to best practices for leading a group Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2031. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Eligible only on retail purchases inside the United States. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.