Ruth Chou Simons - When Strivings Cease Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace

Hey friend,

I hope youve picked up this Bible study because youre tiredtired of striving. Of course, I dont wish for you to be weary, but the truth is: Im glad youre ready to lay down the exhausting pursuit of self-betterment and find Gods remedy for our need for approval and belonging. When Strivings Cease is my story of freedom from striving, and this study is a journey through Gods Word that will show us why Jesus is better than our very best efforts.

Chances are, like me, you find that in spite of what the latest meme says or what funny video your girlfriend texted you this morning, you still dont feel like youre quite enough. For all thats on your plate, for the kids in your care, for the dreams you have, for the friends you long for, for the ministries you wait on others to start. With so many opportunities and resources available to us, why do we still feel like were not enough?

Well, perhaps its because we were never actually meant to measure up by popular opinion, earthly standards, religious ideals, or dream-making aspirations. If youve been fed a steady diet of, You are enough!, you likely believe it all depends on you. Perhaps youre tempted to believe you just need to try harder, get your act together, make a plan, and execute it with precision. You may feel like youre running on empty... because you are.

The You are enoughjust improve yourself narrative has left so many women like you and me exhausted, worn out, and wondering why we cant figure out how to be satisfied or how to stop striving so anxiously.

The answer were looking for isnt the latest strategy for self-improvement; its the enduring gift of amazing grace, through Jesus. Together, we will explore the welcome God meant for us to have by grace, through faith. It is a welcome that replaces striving for approval, striving for self-betterment, and striving to earn love and favor. I am so glad youve picked up this study and are ready to dig into the riches of Gods grace, together. I cant wait for you to see just how amazing grace really is!

Because of grace,

Each week is split into two different sectionsone for the video sessions and group discussion, and one for your personal study.

For the group time each week, I invite you to start by reading a quick opening thought together with a short Scripture passage that will be discussed in the video. Theres a warm-up question to help you start thinking about what youll be discussing for the sessionyou can have a couple of people share their thoughts or let it serve you as more of a rhetorical question.

As you watch the video together, feel free to take notes or just listen. After the video, youll use the discussion questions to help process what youve heard. You may or may not talk about every question, and thats okay.

Lastly, theres a prayer prompt to help close out your time together.

There are five days of personal study for you each session. Four of the days are designed to help you either revisit a biblical truth or remind yourself of the practical application of that truth, and the fifth day is designed to help you slow down and reflect on the session. There will be 12 prompts to get you thinking, but this is your space to translate what youre studying into a personal application, so feel free to use it in whatever way makes the most sense for you.

Remember, the goal is to let these truths sink in, not to finish a course.

This study is not a formula or a 5step plan to success with God (its actually the exact opposite of that kind of thinking!)

This study is intended to draw you closer to the life-changing, life-impacting truths you may have overlooked in the sea of self-reliance. This study is ultimately not about you; its about God. Trust me: slow down and take time to consider all that God has done on your behalf, and you, too, will uncover the freedom when strivings cease.

Gather your people, call a friend, and commit to this 6session journey together. Im cheering you on and praying for your encouragement!