Did you know that God is working in the midst of the chaos of life? He has a creative process to help you rebuild your life! Dawn Mann Sanders—Bible teacher, author of When Your World Ends, and associate minister and Director of Life Groups at FBCG International—joins Angela to explore Genesis 1:1-2 in a whole new light. Dawn shares how God’s creative process in the face of chaos models how we too can experience restoration after loss, disruption, or disappointment. With warmth and wisdom, she unpacks how to partner with God as He brings light, purpose, and new beginnings even when life feels formless, empty, or dark. Episode Highlights

• The conversation dives into Genesis 1:1–2—how the description of the earth as “formless, empty, and dark” mirrors the inner experience of deep grief, loss, or life’s upheavals.
• Dawn explains the context of Genesis as Israel’s origin story, written by Moses to connect God’s creative power with His authority, presence, and ability to restore.
• Exploration of the text’s imagery: God’s Spirit “hovering” in the dark, and how that speaks to God’s presence and power available to us during times of chaos and confusion.
• Dawn details her “seven-step process” for creative restoration, drawn from the creation account, offering practical hope for partnering with God to rebuild after devastation.

Great Quotes

• “As long as we’re alive, what seems like an ending has the possibility to be a new beginning.”
• “The Spirit of God was hovering… in the beginning, God was present. Even before we perceive that He’s moving, He’s moving.”
• “We’re meant to partner with God for restoration. He wants us to rebuild our lives, and He provides both the blueprint and the community for it.”
• "God breathes into us His creative power. Trauma can harden us, but when we go deep with Him, He prepares us for new structures, new understanding, and new life.”
• “Restoration is possible. Trials come, but God’s creative process is available for all who will partner with Him.”

Resources Mentioned

• Scripture Focus: Genesis 1:1-2
• Book: When Your World Ends: God’s Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life by Dawn Mann Sanders (affiliate link)
• Movement: Creative Restoration Movement & Rebuilder Circle (details and sign-up at dawnmannsanders.com)

Related Episodes

• Ep. 8: “We Do Not Lose Heart” (Laura Acuna)
• Ep. 4: “Anticipating God’s Goodness on Earth” (Sara Cormany)
• Ep. 9: “God Sings Over You” (Karen Dorsey)

Life as Worship Newsletter For devotionals, small group questions, updates, and MORE: Subscribe Here