Excerpt
God Chose Me Study Guide
IntroductionWelcome to the study guide for my book
God Chose Me. This study guide is designed to work in many different situations—including small groups, book discussion groups, or on your own as you walk through your healing journey. It is meant to serve as a companion to
God Chose Me, where I share true stories and practical principles for those on the journey toward living a life with untouchable confidence. In this guide, we’ll do a deep dive into the concepts laid out in my book, with an emphasis on gaining wisdom from God’s Word.
I encourage you, as you work through this book, to be intentional not only in completing the exercises but also in allowing them to transform your thinking. If you treat this merely as a checklist of tasks accomplished, you will significantly diminish the opportunity to embrace a beautiful new life. So take a deep breath and be patient and present. Commit to walking through this study guide with honesty and intentionality, and see how God shows up.
How to Use This Guide If you haven’t already read
God Chose Me, I encourage you to do so as you work through these sessions. The content is structured for a twelve-week study. Engage with the principles we’ll explore, and reflect on how they relate to and apply to your life.
Remember to allow yourself—and God!—the time and space to work on your heart and mind. Even if you are meeting with a group, it will be beneficial to work through the sessions on your own first.
The Group Experience God didn’t design us to go through life alone, and that especially applies to life in the Spirit. The journey from insecurity to resting in God’s love is best taken together, so, if possible, find a couple of friends to walk with you. We need fellow believers to help us live a Jesus-shaped life.
For a group setting, this guide will work best if you complete each session prior to meeting so that you can spend your time together in discussion. Each session includes enough material for about an hour of meeting time, though you can adapt the length to your group’s needs. Whether you are the group leader or a participant, be kind, sensitive, and respectful of the other people in your group. Facing the damage left by rejection is hard! Courage comes and goes, and each person’s journey has its ups and downs. Do all you can to create a place of safety and love so that everyone can receive what the Spirit is so ready to give.
Session Format Each session includes three sections:
1.
Word: Read, meditate, and reflect on a passage of Scripture. The Bible clearly states that God’s Word is the only firm foundation upon which we can build our lives. As we begin to step into the confidence God calls us to, we must lean into and rely on the truth of His Word. Take time to read, re-read, and then read again if necessary to gain understanding. Seek help from a friend or one of my personal favorites, Google. Ultimately, allow God’s Word to replace and renew the areas within you that need to embrace the confidence that only He can provide.
2.
Work: Anywhere worth going requires work. And work is not bad; it’s beautiful. Sit with each question and let it guide you in identifying the effects rejection and insecurity have had on your life. This might bring up some discomfort, or even pain, because rejection isn’t God’s intention for us; we’re not built for it. But pay attention to the painful areas—they will show you where God wants to heal you. As much as you are able, share your thoughts and insights with those in your group.
3.
Wait: The Bible tells us that those who wait on the Lord shall be renewed and find new strength (Isaiah 40:31). Throughout this study, take some time to wait on God and allow yourself to find new strength. This is a perfect opportunity to journal and acknowledge new findings. Pray through the thoughts, feelings, and issues that come up throughout the study. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and heal you. Lasting restoration involves God’s Spirit helping us understand who He made us to be (and who we already are, even if we don’t believe it yet!): loved, chosen, and empowered for purpose.
A Note for LeadersIf you’re leading a small group through this guide, I encourage you to do some extra preparation to ensure your group time is as profitable as possible. As you work through each session on your own, take notes and mark the questions that are not only most meaningful to you but also those that might be important for your group to discuss.
Consider consulting a study Bible for any pressing questions that arise as you work through the Scriptures. However, do not feel like you need to have the answers to every question your group members might ask. The goal of meeting together is to grow in relationship with God and with one another, not to have all the answers. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know, let me get back to you” if a question comes up in your group time that you don’t know how to handle.
Most importantly, pray. Before you meet with your group to discuss each session, spend some time praying for your group members by name if possible. Ask God to meet each member as they work through the material. Ask Him to heal wounds, instill confidence and contentment, and move you all to greater love and faithfulness.
Be Present and Patient In the prologue of
God Chose Me, it says, “Whatever you are hoping to get or change about yourself from reading this book is not nearly as important as being present in and to this moment” (page 8). Exactly who and where you are now is exactly when and where God wants to work—not in the past (though He can heal that) and not in the future (though He has a plan for that), but right here in the present.
So practice bringing your wandering mind and heart to be present right here, right now—because here and now is where God is present to you. Practice trusting the future to the God who loves you and chose you (which means you can afford to be patient rather than worrying that you’re not further along on your journey). You’re right where you need to be.
Take a deep breath. And another. And maybe one more just to be sure.
Okay. The study guide starts now.
