Free to Thrive: How Your Hurt, Struggles & Deepest Longings Can Lead to a Fulfilling LifeSample

A Global Crisis

Many people today experience devastating levels of hurt, loneliness, anxiety, depression, porn use, and other struggles. So many of us can struggle and not know how to get free, let alone live a flourishing life. Yet, our struggles aren't random; they're signals that when answered, can pave our way toward a thriving life.

We know this well. I (Josh) was sexually abused for years growing up and experienced deep pain from my alcoholic father and dysfunctional family. When I came to Christ, many things got better until my unresolved pain caught up to me. I was angry, exhausted, and struggling to go on. I needed God’s healing.

I (Ben) also experienced deep hurt, confusion, and trauma growing up. I experienced bullying, my father’s anger, mental health struggles, an addiction to porn, and eventually suicidal thoughts.

Our stories aren’t anomalies. After 75+ years of combined ministry experience, we’ve seen so much brokenness, unhealthy relationships, hurt, and addiction all around the world. The Church is in crisis. We need a radical movement of God to heal our brokenness and bring abundant wholeness.

Perhaps you relate to our stories, and have wondered how to heal from your pain; how to overcome anxiety or that struggle you continue to return to. Or maybe you’ve simply wondered how to truly thrive in life and in your relationships with God and others.

This 7-day devotional will help kickstart your journey. In it, we combine our years of research, the latest findings from neuroscience, and biblical principles that Jesus has used in our lives and thousands of others to set us free to thrive.

Today, we encourage you to remember that:   

• Jesus cares about your hurt – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 NIV   
   
• Jesus has broken the power of sin in your life – “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 NLT   
   
• Jesus came to bring you true life – “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b ESV

He holds the keys and the power to heal you and set you free. Take some time to sit with Him and tell Him about your hurt, anxieties, and struggles. Ask Him to bring healing and breakthrough in your life.

1. Where do you need to experience God’s freedom in your life?

2. How do you think your life will be different as you are healing from those struggles and walking in freedom?