What is the path to recovery after you’ve hit rock bottom?
What do you do after you self-destruct? Will God still accept you? Is there a reason to be hopeful?
Angus Nelson ruined his first marriage and wallowed in the pit of despair for three years. He had to resign from his ministry positions. People asked behind his back what he was going to destroy next.
It seemed pointless to keep trying.
Then he discovered God’s undeserved grace. He realized that the gospel changes you forever and it happens every day.
It can change you too.
ABOUT THIS SHOW:
- Under how Angus went from a highly successful ministry to the pit of despair
- Learn the 8 tips Angus shares for recovering from rock bottom
- Get inspired to embrace your next crisis with the question, “What does this make possible?”
HOW TO RECOVER FROM ROCK BOTTOM
#1: Ask yourself “What does this make possible?”
Every tragedy can lead to a silver lining. Instead of focusing on the tragedy or pain, ask yourself what this makes possible and pursue that.
#2: You no longer have to be afraid. You’re already hit rock bottom and survived.
Since you’ve endured some of the worst of what life could offer, you have a resilience that few others have. Trust God and say “bring it on.”
John Eldridge inWild at Heart says every man asks this question, “Am I really a man? Have I got what it takes when it counts?”
#3: Admit that you need others
If you want to have good friends, you must become a good friend.
#4: Be committed to personal growth.
Become very selective about what you read, hear, and watch. Avoid those things that become a distraction. Feed upon those things
“If you hang out with chickens, you become a chicken. If you hang out with eagles, you’ll become an eagle.”
“I want to be the dumbest person in every room and have determined to be a lifelong learner.”
#5: Take on a victorious mindset.
Crisis is meant to build us up. You have Chris in you who is greater than He who is in the world.
Colossians 1:27: “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
#6: Embrace pain as part of the path to growth
We mix up pain and pleasure all the time. Working out and reading can seem painful in the short-term, but they lead to growth. Watching movies or porn can seem easy in the short run, but they are easy and won’t lead to growth. They actually lead to destruction.
#7: Forgive yourself and those around you.
#8: Remember the importance of your heart.
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. –PSALM 40:1-3 (ESV)
QUOTES:
Matthew 11:28-30: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (The Message)
OTHER HELPFUL EPISODES:
Warren Peterson: http://maninthepew.com/success-suicide-significance-warren-peterson/
Scott Beebe: http://maninthepew.com/create-vision-story-scott-beebe-mitp041/
RESOURCES:
Wild at Heart by John Eldridge
You Have What It Takes by John Eldridge
Love’s Compass by Angus Nelson
Angus Nelson site
ABOUT ANGUS:
Angus Nelson lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife and three children. His desire to develop others has led him to travel to five continents and twelve countries, a life that has been anything but boring. He’s served as youth leader, worship leader, counselor, speaker, and now, writer. In addition, he’s been a waiter, ski resort ticket checker, carpenter, telemarketer, and landscaper. He’s hosed chili vats, stuffed wood chips in bags, sold health club memberships, told off Jean-Claude Van Damme, and even helped Bruce Willis call his bookie once. As a motivational speaker, Angus has ranked in the top 5% of Monster.com’s “Make It Count” high school program and is currently available for college, corporate, and conference speaking events.