Final Exam: The Process of Becoming
May 24, 2026
Life doesn’t unfold the way we expect. At some point, the life we envisioned gives way to the life we're actually living. In that moment, many people assume something has gone wrong —but what if that moment is actually an invitation? In the final message of Home Work, we explore the story of Peter in John 21 and discover that spiritual growth happens in stages. The first half of life focuses on building, achieving, and defining who we are. The second half involves surrendering, trusting, and becoming who God designed us to be. God uses every stage of life — and every relationship in our lives — to shape us into people capable of love. The question isn’t just how you will live … but who you will become.
Passage
John 21:15-19
Principle
##Disillusionment## is not the end of your story — it is the ##doorway## into a ##deeper## ##one##.
Practice
Identify which half of life you are currently in: Building or surrendering?
Ask yourself:
- Where is God asking me to trust Him more deeply?
- What limits do I need to receive as grace?
Ask someone else:
- What do you see God forming in me right now?
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple’s or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
- When you were younger, what did you imagine your life would look like today?
- What is one way your life has turned out differently than you expected?
HEAR
Read John 21:15-19
- Why do you think Jesus asks Peter the same question three times?
- What do you think Jesus means by contrasting Peter’s younger and older years?
- Have you experienced a moment of disillusionment? What did you learn from it?
Read Psalm 16:5-6
- What do “boundary lines” represent in this passage?
- Why is it difficult to see limits as “pleasant”?
- What limits in your life might God be inviting you to receive as grace?
Read Ephesians 4:11-16
- What role do relationships play in spiritual growth?
- Why is it dangerous to try to grow spiritually alone?
- Who is helping shape your spiritual growth right now?
HUDDLE
- Which half of life are you currently in? Building or surrendering?
- What is God trying to form in you right now?
- What might it look like to trust Him more deeply in this season?
- Identify one area where you are resisting limits and reframe it as an opportunity for trust. Now, share with someone: “Here’s what I think God is forming in me right now.”
Daily Reading
As you read the following passages, take your time and read slowly. Sit quietly for a few minutes, reflect on what you've read, and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
- Day 1: John 18:15-18, 25-27; 21:15-19
- Day 2: Psalm 1
- Day 3: Psalm 90:1-12
- Day 4: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14
- Day 5: Romans 12:1-2
- Day 6: Ephesians 4:11-16
- Day 7: 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Passage to Memorize: Psalm 16:6
Think Deeper
- Which half of life are you currently in, building or surrendering?
- Where is God asking you to trust Him more deeply?
- What limits do you need to receive as grace?
Suggested Resources
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter Scazzero
Sacred Fire, by Ronld Rolheiser
Habits of the Household, by Justin Whitmel Earley
The Tech-Wise Family, by Andy Crouch
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.