Journaling Chazown – Past Experience  

Posted by Benjie in , ,


Having examined core values and spiritual gifts, the concept found in Craig Groeschel’s Chazown directs the vision-seeker to look into personal experience. Not only should you dig into the good things that happened in your past, but also look closely at those things that could be designated as sad or disappointing—even tragic—to determine where God has been working in your life. Why? Scripture indicates that “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) The suggestion is that regardless of the circumstance—good or bad—if it is our desire to please God, He will use all our experiences to work together to advance His plan. With these ideas racing in my head, I addressed Groeschel’s “experience” questions:


  • What do your good and bad experiences have in common?

  • What do you think your experiences have done within you to prepare you for the future?

My answers:
The common thread in all my experiences have been family and relationships. These two concepts play a strong part in my experiences. There is a deep-seated need to for approval running through my experiences. I see a great concern when I have not been the crowd-pleaser that I want to be, and equally great jubilation when I have.
Developing the desire to please my audience, I have learned tact and discretion as well as communication skills that have been necessary in the path that lays before (and behind) me.

Finally, Groeschel asks the reader to try to name the next chapter in their life path. Keeping in mind the things I value, the gifts I’ve identified, and the dreams affected by my experience, I’ve come up with the following challenging title for my life’s book:

“Writing the Right Way”

Feel free to answer the questions for yourself, and share your next life chapter title if you wish. Some of the suggestions Groeschel offers as starting points are:


“Making a Difference”
“Starting Over”
“Restoring Brokenness”
“Going for It”
“Taking the Faith Risk”
“Living the Dream”
“Shaping Up”
“Close to God”


What do you think?

This entry was posted on 12 September 2007 at 9:51 AM and is filed under , , . You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed .

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