Laura Story – författare

Is it possible for our faith in God to deepen despite loss, heartache, struggle, and pain? Worship leader and recording artist Laura Story's life testifies that God doesn't promise to save us from all hardship. No matter how hard we pray, sometimes our circumstances don't change.Laura's own story took an unexpected turn when her husband, Martin, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The devastating news forever changed their lives and challenged Laura's belief in the little control she thought she had. Her discovery: that her struggles to accept her new situation ended up convincing her even more strongly of God's faithfulness and love.In this five-session video study (DVD/digital video sold separately), Laura shares her deeply personal testimony and renewed hope to help us:Examine the promises of the gospel and what the Bible says about our experiences here on Earth.See how the hardships endured by some of the men and women of the Bible teach us how God works in our lives to bring us closer to him.Understand that the possibility exists for a deeper intimacy with God, whose everlasting promises remain no matter what happens in this life.This study guide includes leader helps, video discussion questions, Bible exploration questions, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions.Sessions include:Don't Be Surprised by Trouble – Healthy ways of recognizing the existence of loss and pain without being paranoid or cynical.Best-Made Plans – A closer look at human plans and God's plans and how they might be different.When God Doesn't Fix It – How stories of imperfect lives and struggles can showcase God's faithfulness and what that means for us.Why? The Question on Replay – Finding freedom in not having all the answers.A Better Broken – How to change despite our unchanging circumstances.Designed for use with When God Doesn't Fix It Video Study (sold separately).

But I don’t want to surrender! It’s normal. It’s natural. It’s human to want to be in control. But when your need for peace surpasses your desire for control, God–who truly uses all things for our good–demonstrates how much we can trust him. The very act of completely surrendering our will to his can become the one act that will change your life forever. Recording artist and bestselling author Laura Story demonstrates the ironic joy found when we surrender it all to God and simply give up. Surrendering expectations and power is not a step-by-step process but a willful, daily decision worth every single ounce of effort. In I Give Up, we learn what surrender is not: Surrender does not come naturally to any of us. Surrender is not acquiescing to an enemy who wants to dominate us. Surrender is not "My will be done!" Surrender makes it impossible for you, and the people around you, to stay the same. Though surrender sometimes flies in the face of our instincts, hopes, and dreams, it’s never without benefit. A surrendered life includes the surprise of a truly full and satisfying existence where trust is reasonable, reconciliation is possible, and relationships can heal. Sessions include: What Is Surrender Anyway?  God’s Character Matters  Giving In and Up  Being Transformed  The Ripple Effect of Surrender  Designed for use with the I Give Up Video Study (9780310103899) sold separately. Streaming video access also included.

Untether from your sense of "normal" and fall into the abundant life God intends.Singer-songwriter and Bible teacher Laura Story gets what it's like to have plans altered and to surrender security when faced with circumstances beyond our control. But she also understands the blessing of having a Father who loves you enough to place you in the best possible scenario for good and growth.The So Long, Normal video study guide (streaming included) walks small groups through the process of leaving behind the idols of comfort, caution, and routine so you can live strong and well--even when life takes an unwelcome turn.This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including:The study guide itself--with discussion and personal reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide.An individual access code to stream all five video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!).Laura Story looks at the obstacles of attachment to comfort and leads the way to learning how to trust our unknown future to a faithful God.With personal stories and deep dives into biblical stories of people who wavered between God and earthly comfort, this five-session study is for anyone who finds themselves paralyzed by fear in the inevitable changes of life.When we say goodbye to normal, our joy and peace are no longer tethered to our circumstances; we can truly experience the abundant life Christ offers his children.Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2027. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

Can Good Things Come Out of Broken Dreams?Life rarely goes according to plan. You pray for healing, for restoration, for a clear path forward, but sometimes the answer you receive isn’t the one you hoped to get. What do you do when God doesn’t seem to fix it?In this five-session video Bible study, Grammy Award-winning artist and author Laura Story offers a tender and profound look at how to navigate life’s unexpected detours. Drawing from her own journey of walking with her husband through a brain tumor, Laura shares how to find blessing in the midst of brokenness and purpose when your plans fall apart. She weaves her own experiences with the lives of biblical heroes and reveals how their struggles with broken dreams often paved the way for God’s greater purposes.This isn’t just a study about overcoming; it’s about understanding that God may not always fix your circumstances but will always be present in them. This study will help you find incredible joy and strength in the face of disappointment.Video Sessions:Don’t Be Surprised by Trouble (13 min)Best-Made Plans (13 min)When God Doesn’t Fix It (10 min)Why? The Question On Replay (12 min)A Better Broken (13 min)Discover how your most difficult seasons can become the soil for profound spiritual growth and a stronger relationship with the God who is always at work.This study guide includes:Individual access to five streaming video sessionsVideo notes and comprehensive structure for group discussion timePersonal study for deeper reflection between sessionsA guide to best practices for leading a groupStreaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2031. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Eligible only on retail purchases inside the United States. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

Is it possible that good things can come out of our broken dreams?Worship leader and recording artist Laura Story’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband, Martin, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Their lives would never be the same.Yes, with God all things are possible. But the devastating news was that no cure existed to restore Martin’s short-term memory, eyesight, and other complications. The fairy-tale life Laura had dreamed of was no longer possible. And yet in struggling with God about how to live with broken dreams, Laura has found joy and a deeper intimacy with Jesus.In When God Doesn’t Fix It, Laura helps you understand that:We aren’t the only ones whose lives have taken unexpected turnsEven heroes of our faith experienced brokennessDespite our flaws and stories, God can use us in extraordinary waysGod may not fix everything. In fact, although your situation might not ever change or get better, with Jesus you can. Not because of your faith, but because of the faithfulness of God.

Most of us long to be in control—of our schedule, our relationships, and our future.Newlywed Laura Story thought she had control over the great life ahead of her. After all, she followed Jesus and had a promising new job as a worship leader. Why would God not want to fulfill her dreams?But when Laura and her husband, Martin, faced a brain tumor, infertility, and a son’s birth defect, she realized she’d been looking for a happiness that comes from circumstances, rather than a deeper joy that comes from God. Again and again, Laura had to surrender her vision for her life so she could embrace God’s vision. And again and again she learned that even in the midst of shattered dreams, God’s plan brought greater joy than she could have imagined.Now the Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter known for such hits as “Blessings,” “Indescribable,” and “Mighty to Save” shares her powerful story of finding blessing in her deepest pain. In, I Give Up, Laura explores:How to delight in God’s gifts no matter your circumstances.Why waiting on God is a daily decision, not a step-by-step process.The strength we find from meditating on God’s Word.Why surrendering to God leads to reconciliation with others.How the things we consider to be losses are ways for God to display his glory.As Laura writes, she no longer wants to be in control of her life. She wants to be rooted in the God who is in control. I Give Up will help you Discover a deeper life of worship, a fuller life of joy, and a freer life of true surrender as you open your hands to God. And give up.