Courageous Change: How to Boldly Pivot When Pain or Plateaus Are Keeping You StuckSample

Day 1: Our Journey Begins

Welcome to our study, Courageous Change: How to Boldly Pivot When Pain or Plateaus Are Keeping You Stuck. I know the title is a mouthful, but considering the trials most of us have faced over the last few years, it seems appropriate.

Have you experienced unimaginable hardship recently? Are you grieving the loss of someone you love? Do you have a child or spouse struggling with addiction or mental health issues? Are you suffering from physical pain or a chronic illness?

Perhaps a career upheaval or financial crisis has left you wondering if you can stay afloat. Whether it’s a devastating divorce or separation, a broken relationship, or another loss I failed to mention, the pain is real. It may seem like the sorrow you are experiencing will last forever.

For others, you may be feeling stuck in a rut or trapped by your circumstances. You have a vision for your future, but don't know how to make it a reality. You are ready to step out in faith and follow the Lord’s plan for your life, but don’t know where or how to start.

I can relate to what you're going through. The dreams I once had for myself and our family were crushed the day addiction entered our lives. Instead, they were replaced with pain, despair, and fear for our unknown futures. But right when I was at the point of giving up, I remembered these words from Jeremiah 29:11(ESV).

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

How reassuring it is to know the Lord is with us in our deepest trials and sufferings. He is near us when we are brokenhearted. He cares deeply for us and for our welfare. And we can have hope because the Lord has good plans for our future. We have his assurance he will lead us and instruct us as we move forward in the purpose he has for our lives.

The Lord has prepared a season of renewal and transformation for you. The process of change may be uncomfortable, even painful, tempting you to give up. Resist the urge. The metamorphosis awaiting is life changing and worth the effort.

Let's start by acknowledging the brave step you are taking by beginning this journey. It's difficult to accept when life has hit us hard, and we need to make a fresh start. It will take time to pivot and step into the unique purpose God has for you as his child. But I can promise you it will be the beginning of a beautiful transformation. Shall we begin?

Prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for placing the desire in my heart to move forward from the painful places and persistent plateaus in my life. Please heal my broken heart and give me hope for my future. I ask you to forgive me for the times I rejected your wisdom and did things my own way. Thank you for renewing my mind and giving me the faith and courage to step out as you lead me by your Spirit and guide me in your truth. Amen.