Life Group - Study Guides

No matter if they were hurtful (“good-for-nothing”) or exaggerated (“Hey, Princess!”), the labels attributed to us can affect our lives. We live up to them. We see ourselves as our worst critics see us, or we become entitled—just as doting adults taught us to be. The way to break free of labels and live up to God’s best for us is to look to Him for our worth. What does He say about you? Once you know, you can be confident in that identity.

Life is hard and we have difficult tasks ahead of us: finishing the project, healing a relationship, starting a business, even quitting a career to go back to school! This saying is healthy: “We can do hard things.” However, many of us struggle with starting or completing the dreams God has given us. God has a strategy and has supplied all the resources you need to do all He has put in your heart to do.

Much of the stress we have about money and finances comes from fear. Will I have enough? Am I a success? Am I providing for my family and giving them a great life? We need to replace fear with confidence and satisfaction. God is our help and our provider. He never meant for us to handle this pressure. He has a plan to free us from stress. In fact, He will provide all we need for a life that honors Him.

All throughout the Bible, mighty men and women of the Bible have failed, gotten up, and trusted God again. Failure is not the end: it is a wonderful teacher...if you know how to “win at failing.” God’s plan for following Him leads us back to success as we obey His directions.

Jesus told us that in this world we would have trouble. He also said that He was sharing this odd bit of news with us so that “in Me you may have peace.” God loves you. He knows your pain, stress, and struggles. Jesus has overcome the world and death, yet we still suffer today. Paul gives us the strategy for releasing those anxieties and fears and focusing on God.