Podcasts about trusting god

In this episode, we look at Genesis 15:1-21 and the tension many believers feel: How do we trust God who promises, but has not yet delivered?   When our circumstances seem to contradict what God has said, waiting can feel confusing, painful, and discouraging. But Genesis 15 reminds us that God is not afraid of our questions. He invites us to look to Him in the delay, trust His timing, and rest in the certainty of His promises.   Support the work of Rejoice Marriage Ministries     Download the episode transcription here   Follow on Instagram - @rejoicemarriageministries   Follow on Facebook - @rejoicemarriageministries   Every day, you can receive encouragement straight to your inbox through our Fight for Your Marriage Devotional and find free resources and prayers to pray over your marriage. To take advantage of these resources and others, visit https://rejoiceministries.org   We appreciate your feedback. If this episode touches you, please leave us a five-star rating and review, helping us reach new listeners with hope for their marriage. You can also subscribe to our show on YouTube, Spotify or iTunes.

In this episode, Niki Hardy shares her journey through doubt, faith, and trusting God's timing, especially during life's uncertainties and suffering. She discusses her new book 'God Can We Chat?' and offers insights on how to grow closer to God amid doubt and disappointment. Keywords:faith, doubt, trusting God, spiritual journey, God's character, suffering, hope, prayer, Christian life, spiritual growthKey Topics:Journey with doubt and faithTrusting God's character and sovereigntyPractical ways to stay connected with God during doubtReflections on God's unchanging natureThe importance of honesty in prayer and relationship with God00:00 Introduction to Radical Radiance Podcast09:52 The Journey of Doubt and Faith16:27 Trusting God in Uncertain Times22:13 The Crossroads of Faith and Doubt28:23 The Role of Suffering in Transformation34:07 Closing Thoughts and Reflections36:52 OutroSponsors:Ever AJ: If your quiet time often feels rushed or scattered, Ever AJ might be just what you need. They design beautiful, functional pieces, like thoughtfully made Bible cases that hold everything in one place, so you can sit down, open up, and actually be present. Check out Ever AJ here!Christian Standard Bible: With Father's Day coming up, I've been thinking about the men who've shaped me, leading with quiet faith, steady presence, and wisdom. If you're looking for a meaningful gift that points him back to truth, I love the Father's Day Gift Guide from Christian Standard Bible. Whether it's a Bible he'll read every morning or something to deepen his study, these are gifts that go beyond the moment and anchor his faith for the long haul. Check out the CSB Father's Day Gift Guide here!Live Oak Integrative Health: If you've been quietly carrying the weight of wanting to grow your family, you're not alone. Rebecca Belch at Live Oak Integrative Health walks alongside women through fertility challenges with a root-cause approach, looking at gut health, nutrition, and overall wellness to help your body support a healthy pregnancy. She's seen so many encouraging stories, including women who've gotten pregnant after finally getting the right support. If you've been looking for answers or just a place to start, this could be a beautiful next step. Learn more at liveoakintegrativehealth.com/radianceLinks:Speaking: https://www.radicalradiance.live/speaking Creative Business Coaching: https://www.radicalradiance.live/coaching Camp for Creatives: https://www.radicalradiance.live/campforcreatives Listen to Radical Radiance on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/radical-radiance/id1484726102?uo=4 Listen to Radical Radiance on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55N56VtU6q33ztgJNw7oTX?si=29648982bc91475f Take the FREE Waiting Personality Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/676d5c2884dd1e00159563f6 Take the Why Are You Stuck in Your Calling? Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/657326e6544f610014b40b67 Books:You're Not Too Late: Trusting God's Timing in a Hurry-Up World: https://amzn.to/44omO3kDo the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl: https://amzn.to/43IaFpMBefore Dawn: Knowing God's Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life: https://amzn.to/4pdsZjv 

Psalm 37:7 calls believers into a posture of stillness and trust when circumstances feel unjust or when others seem to undermine our plans. In this devotional, Jennifer Slattery reflects on the emotional turmoil that arises when people act against us—intentionally or otherwise—and how easily fear, anxiety, and anger can take over. Through the life of David, we see a powerful example of someone who endured prolonged opposition yet learned to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than react out of panic or revenge. Highlights Psalm 37:7 encourages stillness and patient trust in God’s timing. Opposition from others can trigger fear, anxiety, or anger if left unchecked. Emotional reactions often intensify situations rather than resolve them. David’s life shows both suffering and unwavering trust in God’s promises. God’s plans are not derailed by human sabotage or resistance. Waiting on God develops patience, perseverance, and spiritual maturity. God often works behind the scenes before His promises are visible. Believers are called to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than react in fear. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Trusting God's Plans to Prevail When Others Come Against Us By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. - Psalm 37:7 How do you typically respond when someone does something to sabotage your plans or goals, or in some way makes your life difficult? What if they do this intentionally? Do you feel vulnerable and like they hold power over some aspect of your life? Do you find your anxiety spiking? And if so, does your fear ever present as anger and hostility? Sadly, I’ve reacted to such situations in each of those ways, especially when I felt the other person held power over something I considered important. This never yielded the results I’d hoped for. Most often, in fact, my reactions only made things worse. In some instances, my dysregulated emotions and the behaviors they triggered hurt me more than the “offense.” Although I still have much room for growth, I’m learning to follow David’s example, not just in today’s verse, but throughout his life. (His near homicidal rage in 1 Samuel 24 and his treatment of Bathsheba, which many scholars call rape, notwithstanding.) If you’re familiar with Old Testament history, you may recognize his long, fearful, and discouraging journey to the throne. The most prominent prophet of his day anointed him as ancient Israel’s future king when David was a teenager. But he didn’t step into his calling for another decade and a half. He spent much of the time in between living as a fugitive, hiding in caves and enemy territory in fear for his life. He knew God had glorious plans for him. Although he wrote psalms in which he seemed to express some degree of doubt, he trusted the Lord to do for him all that He’d promised. This trust, and the relational intimacy that supported it, allowed him to remain his godly, spiritually mature self, even when experiencing relentless attack. This amazes me when I consider the emotional weight he carried. When we first meet him, he stepped into a heroic role that gained him access to Saul, the then-reigning king. Soon after, the young warrior moved into the palace, where he faithfully served. He also led the nation of Israel into numerous victories, including against one of their fiercest enemies, the Philistines. One might expect Saul to respond with gratitude. Instead, he became jealous. Feeling threatened, he spent the remainder of his life pursuing David in order to kill him. As a result, David found himself forced from his home and his wife when Saul sent men to stake out his house, again, to kill him. During his flight, he sought help from a priest, who gave him bread and a highly symbolic sword for self-defense. He soon learned, however, that Saul found out and sent one of his men to kill all the priests serving at that particular temple—and their families. Women and children were massacred because one man offered David aid. Understandably, he blamed himself for their deaths. Can you imagine how that must’ve felt? Around age 30, David became king and brought peace to His people. He likely wrote Psalm 37 sometime during this time. Reflecting on his life, his suffering, and how God remained faithful through it all, David confidently proclaimed, in essence, to whoever might listen, “Don’t stress about the actions of evil men. God’s got you. Relax and wait for Him to lead you to your best life.” Intersecting Life & Faith: When we feel under attack and tempted to immediately jump into “fix it” mode, may we instead intentionally still ourselves before the Lord, which implies being still in His presence. That’s where we’re most apt to receive His comfort and strength and hear His perfect wisdom regarding how to respond to our circumstances. Entrusting our situation to God can feel incredibly uncomfortable. It becomes easier, however, when we remember His heart toward us, His power consistently employed on our behalf, and His faithfulness. We can choose to quietly wait on Him to reveal our best path forward, knowing He’s never wrong or ill-informed. He's also never late, although in my experience, his interventions rarely arrive early. It certainly didn’t for David! Although the Lord remained with him at every step and often worked behind the scenes on the warrior’s behalf, it took Him years to fulfill the promise He made to youthful David. That long, painful delay required significant patience and perseverance through a rather exhausting delay. David understood how difficult it can feel to wait, which is why, years later, he could advise his people, us, and countless others besides, to patiently wait on God—trusting Him to make our circumstances right. Friend, wicked people might make your present situation more painful and difficult than it needs to be. But they cannot thwart God’s very good, hope-filled plans for you. Remember that the next time someone does something that leaves you feeling vulnerable and threatened. Remember that Christ Himself guards your path and invites you to follow His guidance as He leads you to the glorious destination He determined just for you. Further Reading:2 Samuel 22:3Psalm 18:1-6 Psalm 54:4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you have a Christian role model? Someone you can turn to for guidance and motivation? Well, Hebrews 11 contains a collection of godly people we learn from, and Pastor Mike Fabarez explains what Abel can teach us about living a life of Ambitious Faith.

Have you heard, “it’s not the gift, but the thought that counts”? Well, when it comes to giving to God, there’s a lot of truth to that saying! Pastor Mike Fabarez provides a biblical model of giving our best to God and how to do it.

"Those who have a why to live can bear almost any how." Acts 27 demonstrates this truth through Paul's shipwreck experience. Facing certain death, Paul didn't just survive, he led others through the crisis with supernatural calm. The difference? He knew he belonged to God. Challenges will either reveal the emptiness of self-reliance or deepen our trust in Christ's sufficiency.

Romans Vol. 1 - Coming Under Grace Abraham's faith grew as he came to know God more deeply throughout his life, learning that God cannot lie, remains perfectly faithful, and possesses the power to fulfill every promise He makes. The path to stronger faith is the same for us: fixing our eyes on God through His Word and His people, allowing our confidence in Him to grow as we remember who He is and what He has done. Sermon Preached by Chris Lewis on June 14, 2026 Foothill Church exists to glorify God by living as disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus. https://foothill.church  Learn about our For the Sake of His Name 2-Year Discipleship Journey: https://foothill.church/FTSOHN

Do you ever feel tired and empty, going through the motions but not really connecting? Are you waiting on God and not seeing his goodness?Pastor Barbie's teaching resonates with people who find it hard to stay motivated and those who feel like they are just going through the motions of their faith. Maybe there are some days, you don't want to be open or take a step forward. Sometimes, you can't see God's goodness in your life.Instead of pretending or hiding, think about Jesus. Pay attention to what he has done instead of what distracts or pulls you down. You're surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and a family by your side, ready to pray, support, and walk with you during tough times.Scriptures ReferencedMatthew 7:7-8, 23:37; Hebrews 10:35-39, 12:1-3Key InsightsWe don't have to see what's next. We have to fix our eyes on Him and know that He has it.Focus on Jesus. Set aside distractions and consider His faithfulness.Perseverance is proven not in easy times but when you want to give up; God never wastes your steps.Running your race is not about perfection but about showing up, trusting, and not shrinking back.Key Sections00:00:00 - Seeing and Trusting God's GoodnessWhen you can't easily see God's goodness, remember his faithfulness. Trust that he is working, even if you can't see it right now.00:04:29 - Running With PerseverancePut away distractions, focus on Jesus, and keep running your own race with strength by thinking about who he is and what he has done.00:08:19 - Actively Focusing and TrustingActive faith means focusing on Jesus and ignoring distractions, even when you're unsure of what to do next. Trust that a good God knows your struggles and is not caught off guard by them.00:10:44 - Adding Weight To God's WorkThink about what God is doing and notice his faithfulness compared to everything else. This way, you won't get tired or lose hope. Remember, this "considering" is something you need to do regularly and on purpose.00:12:49 - Running Your Race By FaithPastor Barbie reminds us that we live our lives for God, not for others. We're never really alone—sticking with it is important, even if no one notices us.00:15:00 - Not Shrinking BackDon't pull back or lose your confidence. Trust God, even when you can't see the end, remembering you were meant to be strong and brave.https://springhouse.captivate.fm/episode/arise-consider-himSubscribe & Follow the PodcastDownload our appOur WebsiteOnline Tithes & OfferingsJoin our LivestreamGathering TimesSundays, 9:00 AMSundays, 11:00 AMThursdays, 6:00 PMContact InfoSpringhouse Church14119 Old Nashville HighwaySmyrna TN 37167615-459-3421CCLI License 2070006

When Stu was learning to hunt with his friend Kyle, he had to do something hard — sit quietly and trust someone who knew what they were doing, even when he didn't understand what was happening or why.Stu unpacks Habakkuk 1:12–2:1, his next round of complaint to God. How can a holy God use an evil nation like Babylon to bring justice? God doesn't give Habakkuk a neat answer. He gives him something harder: faith. And Stu traces that same pattern all the way to the cross, where the worst evil in human history became the means of the world's salvation.Part of the Living by Faith series through the book of Habakkuk.

John 16:33 reminds believers that hardship is not an exception to the Christian life but an expected part of living in a fallen world. In this devotional, Deidre Braley explores the tension many Christians feel between wanting to avoid suffering and God's invitation to trust Him through it. While our natural instinct is often to run from pain, Scripture teaches that trials can become powerful tools God uses to shape our faith, deepen our dependence on Him, and strengthen our character. Highlights Jesus promised believers would face trouble in this world. Many people spend significant energy trying to avoid suffering and discomfort. God uses trials to develop perseverance, character, and hope. Christian growth often happens through difficulties rather than ease. Suffering does not mean God has abandoned His people. The Holy Spirit strengthens believers through seasons of hardship. Trusting God in adversity helps replace fear with faith. Christ's victory over the world gives believers lasting hope in every circumstance. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Learning to Glory in Our Sufferings (When We’d Rather Run from Them)By Deidre Braley Bible Reading:“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 NIV Poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote to his young protege, “People have… oriented all their solutions toward the easy and toward the easiest side of the easy; but it is clear that we must hold to what is difficult; everything that is alive holds to it” (Letters to a Young Poet, W.W. Norton & Company, 1934, pg. 41). And earlier this week, over morning coffee and as simply as could be, my husband said, “Good things happen every day, and bad things happen every day. That’s just the way it goes.” So I took a long walk, mulling those thoughts over, both Rilke’s and my husband’s. I have spent most of my life crouching on its rim and hoping nothing bad will happen. That I will be able to get through each day and sigh and say, “Another day has passed. All is well. Thank God.” But of course, all is not well. All is never well. My soul knows it. We all know it. But we pretend, and I cannot help but wonder why, because Jesus told us very plainly, “In this world you will have trouble.” We still seem to want to believe that if we can produce the right prayers and structure our lives just so, we can be the ones to escape trouble. We hope that Jesus’ words are for everyone except us. We try to safeguard our lives from pain. We want to be exempt from suffering. I, for one, take no pleasure in hardship. Just like everyone else, I still have an ember of Eden burning in my spirit. I long for a place that, though I’ve never been, I have somehow always known, a place where there is nothing to fear in the first place. But at the same time, I am starting to consider a strange and liberating thought: What if I can accept that trouble will happen, and frequently? If I let go of my great efforts to circumnavigate hard things, will that actually free me up for… more life? Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul writes a challenging word to the Romans, but it is one that confirms my suspicion: There is a way to embrace all that comes along in life, whether it is the joy we hope for or the suffering that we have formerly feared. He says: We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5 NIV). When we are afraid to suffer, we expend all of our energies trying to avoid the inevitable. It makes us small, hardened, and anxious people. But, fascinatingly, it seems that difficulty can expand and strengthen us in ways that nothing else can. God, in his infinite goodness, takes the trouble of this world and, if we are willing and open to it, weaves the colors of perseverance, character, and hope into our spirits. We grow. We transform. We are filled with his Spirit, which has overcome the world. In this way, we come to accept all things and fear no things. In this way, we become truly free to live. Of course, we cannot simply will our own fearlessness into being. But we can surrender our need for control and fear of hardship over to God, and we can ask him, in prayer, to make us more alive, no matter what comes our way today. Here is a prayer to carry with you whenever you begin to feel that old aversion to suffering rising in your chest. Oh Lord, we were not made for suffering. And this world can be so very hard. But you have told us to take heart. You have told us that you have overcome the world, and it seems that this is the key to facing all sorts of trouble. God, when trouble comes my way, today or in the future, teach me how to move through it rather than run away from it. Use it to strengthen my character. Use it to make me more alive. Let me see your glory all throughout it, so that I will not be afraid. Amen. Further Reading:James 1:2-16Romans 5:1-5Romans 8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

പരീക്ഷണങ്ങളിലും ദൈവത്തിൽ ആശ്രയിക്കുക | Trusting God Through Every Trial | Malayalam Christian Message | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory 1944 | 13 June 2026ജീവിതത്തിലെ വലിയ ഭാരങ്ങളും പ്രതിസന്ധികളും നിങ്ങളെ തകർക്കാനല്ല, മറിച്ച് തീയിൽ ശുദ്ധീകരിച്ച സ്വർണ്ണം പോലെ നിങ്ങളെ മാറ്റിയെടുക്കാനുള്ള ദൈവത്തിന്റെ പരീക്ഷണശാലയാണത്.When intense life pressures hit, many believers mistake the testing of faith as a sign of God's abandonment. This powerful Malayalam Christian message deeply breaks down the theological truth behind spiritual trials and endurance based on James 1:3. There is an absolute difference between temptation from the devil and spiritual testing from Almighty God. Satan tempts you to destroy your destiny, plunge your soul into sin, and cause spiritual backsliding. However, God tests you to refine your character, expose hidden inner weaknesses, and promote your spirit to the next level of anointing and spiritual authority.ദൈവവചനത്തിൻ്റെ അനുഗ്രഹങ്ങൾക്കായി Blessing Today ചാനൽ ഇപ്പോൾ തന്നെ Subscribe ചെയ്യൂ! ✨പുതിയ വീഡിയോകൾക്കായി Bell Icon അമർത്തുക.

The beauty of growth is not perfection, but partnering with God. 

A breathtaking monastery perched on a cliff in Portugal offers a stunning view—but reaching it requires being hoisted in a wicker basket by an aged monk. When a nervous visitor asked how often the rope was replaced, the monk replied, “Each time the old rope breaks.” That answer captures the dread many people live with every day: the fear that everything could collapse at any moment. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef confronts that kind of anxiety—fear, doubt, and worry that can paralyze even believers. The liberating Truth is this: God holds the rope of your life. His protection is not flimsy, and His care is not distracted. Nothing is strong enough to pull you out of His shelter. Dr. Youssef anchors this encouragement in Scripture: nothing—trouble, hardship, persecution, danger—can separate you from the love of Christ, and in Him you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:35, 37). Jesus also assures us that the Father's care is so detailed that even the hairs on our head are numbered—and we are worth far more than sparrows (Matthew 10:30–31). When anxiety rises, pause and remember: God is aware of you, He loves you, and He has purpose for your days. Seek first His Kingdom, trust Him fully, and ask Him to teach you to number your days with wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have a wonderful plan for all my days. I lay my fear and anxiety down before You and receive Your peace today. May I serve Your Kingdom purposes with my every breath and know the joy of living for You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “[D]o not worry about your life, . . . Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Psalms of Deliverance: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Have you ever felt forgotten, delayed, falsely accused, or stuck in a season that doesn't make sense? In Genesis Session 21, we continue the story of Joseph and discover how God uses adversity as preparation for promotion. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph could have given up. Instead, he remained faithful because he knew that God was with him. This powerful study reveals how Joseph's life points directly to Jesus Christ and teaches believers how to trust God's timing, stand firm during trials, and refuse to let circumstances determine their faith. If you've ever wondered why God allows delays, setbacks, or difficult seasons, this message will encourage you to keep your eyes on Him and trust that His plan is greater than anything you can see right now.

My Sheep Know My Voice: The Good Shepherd Continued – John 10:22–42 In Episode 140 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane continue their journey through John 10 as Jesus boldly reveals His identity during the Feast of Dedication. In John 10:22–42, Jesus declares that His sheep hear His voice, He knows them, and no one can snatch them from His hand. As opposition intensifies, Jesus continues to point people to the evidence of His works and His unity with the Father. This passage is a powerful reminder of the security, assurance, and intimacy believers have in Christ. Together, Jamie and Jane explore what it means to recognize the Shepherd's voice, trust His leadership, and rest in the confidence that we belong to Him. Whether you're struggling with doubt, seeking direction, or longing for deeper intimacy with God, this conversation will encourage you to listen closely to the voice of the One who calls you by name. Am I listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd—or allowing other voices to shape my identity and direction? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

If we need real-life examples of how to live the Christian life, the Bible is full of men and women we can look to for inspiration. Pastor Mike Fabarez highlights a particular hero of the faith, who shows us how to Trust God Enough to Give Him Our Best.

Sadie is joined by 3 generations of wives and mothers as they answer listener questions about disciplining kids without losing your mind, moving on after being ghosted, hearing God in the gray areas, and sharing your faith when you feel shy or awkward. Mamaw Jo brings the best perspective on raising adults, Korie gets real about consistency and motherhood, and 2Mama reminds us that God is kind, patient, and faithful in every season. This one is for every listener who needs a little encouragement, a lot of wisdom, and a reminder that you're not the only one figuring it out as you go. This Episode of WHOA That's Good is Sponsored By: https://go.goodranchers.com/WHOA — Get FREE Wagyu Burgers for Dad to enjoy when you purchase any Father's Day Gift Box from Good Ranchers! https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/whoa — Get $10 off and free shipping on your first order when you enter your email! https://drinklmnt.com/whoa — Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prioritizing the Kingdom of God: Day 3 of 52 Days of PrayerIn this devotional, Pastor Phil explores the importance of daily spiritual discipline and aligning our priorities with God's kingdom. Drawing from Matthew 6 and other scriptures, he emphasizes seeking God's rule and righteousness as central to our lives amidst life's distractions.Key Topics Covered:The significance of consistency in spiritual growth and prayer (Day 3 focus)Matthew 6:33 as a guide to prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousnessChristian discipline: fasting, prayer, and seeking God's counsel dailyThe dangers of external validation and heart alignment (motives in worship and service)Trusting God's provision through faith, illustrated by Matthew 6 teachingsThe importance of community, especially men's groups like Refinery MenPractical steps for daily alignment: prayer, Scripture, fasting, and intentional seekingThe relationship between our heart posture and God's promise to provideHebrews 12:2 – Keep your focus on JesusRomans 12:2 – Transformation through renewalMatthew 6 – Prioritizing God's kingdomProverbs 4:18 – Walking in the path of lightFacebook Group: Refinery MenStay updated and join the community for ongoing encouragement and prayer.

This Sunday at Resonate, Pastor Jeff Sparkman wraps up our journey through the book of Ruth! To conclude this series over life seasons, Pastor shares how to trust God with the outcome of a decision after you've stepped out in faith. It's often difficult to release control and surrender our expectations to God's plan, right? But His faithfulness extends far beyond what we can see, and His plans are always greater than our own.

The 12 verses on the heart are the following: Psalm 9:1, 138:1, 111:1 about praising the Lord with a whole heart; Psalm 119:145, 119:2, 119:10 about seeing the Lord with a whole heart; Psalm 119:34, 119:69 about the Word of God in the heart; Isaiah 1:5, Jeremiah 3:10 about a false heart; Jeremiah 24:7, 32:41 about the future.

Have you ever felt exhausted from constantly thinking about how you're doing, how you're perceived, what you're accomplishing, or whether you're enough? If we're honest, most of us live there more often than we'd like to admit. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I sat down with author Morgan Krueger to talk about her new book, Made to Magnify: Choosing to Live for Jesus When Everything Tells You to Live for Yourself. Together, we explored a truth that feels both challenging and freeing: the more focused we become on ourselves, the more anxious, insecure, and unsatisfied we often feel. In a culture that constantly tells us to build our own platform, protect our image, and chase self-fulfillment, Morgan offers a refreshing invitation to lift our eyes and fix them on Jesus instead. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why self-focus often leads to anxiety, comparison, and striving• The three struggles that commonly keep us stuck: pride, fear, and doubt• How confession, community, and God's Word help us break free from isolation• Simple ways to magnify Jesus in everyday life• Why the small, unseen acts of faithfulness matter more than we realize• How Mary's words, "My soul magnifies the Lord," can become our daily prayer If you've been feeling weary from carrying the weight of proving yourself, performing for others, or trying to control every outcome, I believe this conversation will encourage your heart. Friend, you were never created to make your own name great. You were created to magnify His. And as you do, you'll discover the joy, peace, and purpose your heart has been longing for all along. Connect with Us Listen to this episode of The Love Offering Podcast wherever you enjoy podcasts. Connect with Morgan Krueger:www.morgankrueger.comInstagram: @morgankrueger Connect with Rachael Adams:www.rachaelkadams.comInstagram: @rachaeladamsauthorThe Love Offering PodcastSupport the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Nate sits down with his dad, Rev. David Warren Preisinger, for a conversation about church history, family, faith, and why people keep showing up even when church gets messy. Dave shares what it was like to be part of Seminex, the Seminary in Exile, and how that experience shaped his understanding of leadership, community, and trusting God in uncertain moments.At the heart of this episode is a simple but honest question: why does church still matter? Together, Nate and Dave talk about relationships, service, worship, justice, and the grace that keeps calling us back into community.What You'll Learn:Why the Seminex walkout mattered in Lutheran historyHow church conflict can still reveal God's presenceWhy relationships are central to healthy church communityHow churches can serve their neighborhoods with care and dignityWhy worship, ritual, and belonging still matter todayChapters:00:00 Coming up on Together 4 Good01:00 Meet Rev. David Warren Preisinger02:35 What was Seminex?07:20 Trusting God during the seminary walkout12:20 How Seminex shaped church leadership20:00 A heart for urban ministry27:00 How do we proclaim Jesus today?31:00 Serving the neighborhood with dignity34:00 What is the church's role now?38:00 Why are people leaving church?41:30 Why Dave still goes to church45:00 Trusting the gift of the church47:00 Forgiveness, justice, and Amos51:20 God is in the middle of it allIf this conversation helped you think differently about faith, church, or why community still matters, like this video, subscribe to Bethany, and share it with someone who is asking big questions about faith.Connect with Bethany:

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sad Boys For Real! Chicago super producer, Gold Haze, slides to PVTSTCK to discuss his journey from "Your Pain is Mine" to "When I had Nothing, I had Everything." Gold Haze reflects on the relationships he walked away from, past versions of himself he let go of, and leaning on God in times where he didn't have the answers. In the song, "When You Had Nothing," Gold Haze says, “Every season built a purpose / God'll show you if it's worth it / sometimes the pain resurface just to show you what your worth is." Gold Haze reflects on the times where he couldn't understand the reason behind certain things happening. We search for answers until we realize that God is doing it for a reason. Our path is unique to us, and each lesson was already written. Also discussed: car accident that rerouted life, realizing he had everything he ever wanted, and the significance of each chapter in book. "Gold Haze Interview: Overcoming Heartbreak, Trusting God & Finding True Happiness | Sad Boy Radio"

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As fathers, we spend years teaching, guiding, protecting, and preparing our children for life. But what happens when it's time to let go? In this episode of the Faithful Fathering Podcast, Rick Wertz sits down with Ian Moore of Living Word Church to discuss what it means to "pass the baton" to the next generation. From raising young children to mentoring adult sons and daughters, Ian shares powerful insights on the different seasons of fatherhood and the challenge of remaining available without becoming overbearing. Ian also shares his unforgettable "Kroger parking lot testimony", a moment when God reminded him that every child must ultimately have their own relationship with Christ. As fathers, we plant seeds, water faithfully, and trust God for the increase. Whether you're parenting toddlers, teenagers, or grown children, this conversation will encourage you to stay engaged, trust God's timing, and pass the baton well. - What it means to pass the baton to the next generation - The seasons of fatherhood: teacher, coach, and counselor - Learning to let go while staying available - Trusting God with your children's spiritual journey - Encouragement for dads during Father's Day Month Faithful Fathering exists to encourage and equip dads, in partnership with the Church, to be faithful fathers.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure exposes God's power, and we focused on 2 Corinthians 4:7–18. Rob West joined us to talk about financial pressure, trusting God as a provider, and practicing faithful stewardship when money feels tight. Host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith & Finance Live, is CEO of Kingdom Advisors, and wrote “Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.” Steve Norman joined us to help us understand when to carry our own load, when to ask for help, and how to support loved ones without trying to carry what only God can. Steve is a pastor, speaker, corporate wellness coach for Winning At Home, and the host of “The New Norm with Steve Norman.” He wrote the book called “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “What is the great stuff in your life you have not thanked God for, but you would like to now?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Rob West [ 22:45 ]Steve Norman [ 37:37 ]Caller Question [ 17:21 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every life transition brings a choice: will we trust our own plans or follow God's direction?In this encouraging episode of Her God Story, Jodie Chiricosta sits down with writer, editor, and author Abby Trivett to explore what it looks like to follow God through the pivotal transitions of adulthood. From choosing a college and career path to building new friendships, discovering your purpose, and learning to trust God with an uncertain future, Abby shares how the Lord faithfully guided her every step.Through honest stories of overcoming comparison, anxiety, and self-doubt, Abby reflects on the lessons she learned about finding her identity in Christ rather than in achievements, expectations, or the opinions of others. She also shares how simple acts of obedience opened doors to God's greater purpose and helped shape her calling and career.You'll how to: • Find confidence in your identity in Christ • Trust God's direction during major life decisions • Discern His voice in seasons of change and uncertainty • Overcome comparison and performance-driven thinking • Build friendships that strengthen your faith • Hold on to hope while waiting for God's timingWhether you're graduating, starting a new career, stepping into adulthood, or navigating a season of transition, this conversation will encourage you to trust God's leading and embrace the purpose He has for your life. Because the moments that shape our future often begin with a simple act of obedience—and sometimes God can suddenly do more than we ever imagined.Click here for SHOW NOTES!Start a Her God Story Podcast Club! Learn more here!Share this message with a friend and subscribe for weekly encouragement and inspiration! Check out HerGodStory.org for a FREE 6-WEEK DEVOTIONAL and to see upcoming guests. Want to help Widows and Orphans? Join our growing company of women meeting special needs of parentless children and nurturing their unique gifts so they can be ALL God has in mind for them! And help meet real needs of women who have given a lifetime of service to God! Support the Somebody Cares Widows and Orphan fund today! Learn more about the ministry at SomebodyCares.org,

What does it look like to follow the Holy Spirit in the middle of your normal, everyday routine? In this message from the series "Everyday Presence: Life with the Holy Spirit," we walk through Acts chapter 3 and discover that the most powerful moments with God often start in the most ordinary circumstances. Peter and John weren't chasing a dramatic experience; they were simply walking to prayer. But when the Holy Spirit nudged them to stop, notice, and act, an ordinary day became the setting for an extraordinary miracle. This message explores how we can learn to recognize the Holy Spirit's nudges in our daily lives at work, at home, and in our relationships, and what it means to move from noticing to obeying with courage, even when the outcome is uncertain.0:00 Introduction to the Everyday Presence Series2:05 Peter and John's Ordinary Routine6:04 Recognizing the Holy Spirit in Ordinary Moments11:45 From Noticing to Obedience18:02 Trusting God with the Outcomes22:47 Practical Ways to Follow the Nudge This Week25:00 Closing PrayerSupport the showMade a decision to follow Jesus? We want to know about it! Fill out our connect card here: https://local.churchcenter.com/people/forms/115766Thank you for your generosity. For information on how to give, visit https://localvineyard.church/give.

What if every hard season you've walked through was actually preparing you for the next one? In Deuteronomy 11, Pastor Joel Hastings brings the final message of Grace Point's Deuteronomy series — and the question Moses puts before Israel is the same one we face today: will you trust God's way, or take your own? Drawing from Israel's journey out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, Pastor Joel unpacks why God led his people into a land dependent on rain — not rivers — and what that has to do with your life right now. From the discipline of the wilderness to the picture of Joshua (whose name is the same as Jesus), this message lands on a simple but powerful truth: you never graduate from trusting God. You graduate into greater trust. Here's a couple key takeaways - Tomorrow's blessings are shaped by today's obedience — the choices you make now determine the fruit you see later. - You don't outgrow the wilderness, you grow through it — each season of hardship builds the faith muscles you'll need for the next. - It was never about what you could do — Moses couldn't get Israel into the Promised Land, and the law can't get you to God. Only Jesus (the greater Joshua) can lead you across. SUBSCRIBE for weekly sermons, stories, and other resources: https://www.youtube.com/@GracePointNWA?sub_confirmation=1 ============================= Connect with Grace Point Church: ============================= Instagram: https://instagram.com/gracepointnwa Facebook: https://facebook.com/gracepointnwa Website: https://gracepointchurch.net #Sermon #GracePointChurch #NorthwestArkansas

Faith is more than intellectual agreement. It's a trust that moves through our mind, heart and ultimately our actions. The "shield of faith" from Ephesians 6 represents God's own faithfulness. It's our protection against temptation, accusation, and doubt. Careers, finances, and institutions will shake, but only God's faithfulness holds firm. We take up this shield by preaching the gospel to ourselves daily, pursuing deeper knowledge of God, and living vulnerably in community, where collective faith strengthens us. Listen now and be inspired to move faith from your mind to your everyday life.

Can God still guide your life when your dreams seem to be on hold?In this week's episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Darla sit down with author and Storymakers Winner, JoLynne Lyon, who shares how a lifelong passion for creativity and writing often took a backseat to raising children, building a career, and caring for her aging parents. As she navigated the demands of family life, the loss of a sister, and years of caregiving, JoLynne wrestled with the tension between pursuing personal dreams and showing up for the people who needed her most.Through it all, she learned to trust that Heavenly Father's timing was different from her own. JoLynne reflects on the unexpected doors that opened when she chose family over career advancement, the lessons she learned about success beyond money and recognition, and how her dream of becoming a published author ultimately came true in a season she never could have planned. She also shares the story behind her novel, The Madres Deal, and the real-life experiences that inspired its unique premise.Her story is a heartfelt reminder that God's plans are often still unfolding, even when our own seem delayed.*** Please SHARE JoLynne's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/flzGRCZy52w-----To READ JoLynne's book, “The Madres Deal,” visit: https://a.co/d/0710IFqq-----To READ Scott's new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/-----Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylightsAlso, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

Elisha's servant was in a panic, Elisha prayed that his servant could see God's forces all around them that were on their side. Sometimes God only shows us part of the picture. We need to trust Him with the Big Picture.

Trusting God is absolutely essential to live the Christian life.

What do you do when God feels silent, prayers feel unanswered, and everyone else seems to be receiving the blessing you've been waiting for? In this deeply honest episode, Bekah and Pastor Lisa unpack what it truly means to trust God in seasons of disappointment, waiting, grief, and uncertainty. From miscarriages and delayed prayers to surrendering control and learning how to celebrate others while still hurting yourself, this conversation is raw, vulnerable, healing, and full of hope. If you've ever asked God,"Why not me?", this episode is for you. In this new six-week series, Bekah and Pastor Lisa dive into the difficult yet transformative journey of trusting God, especially when life doesn't make sense. Together, they share personal stories about strained relationships, waiting seasons, miscarriage, emotional healing, and learning how to surrender control to God. Through stories of Hannah, Hagar, and Job, they remind listeners that trusting God isn't always pretty; sometimes it looks like crying in your closet, wrestling with disappointment, and choosing faith even when your heart is hurting. Pastor Lisa reflects on waiting 9 years to conceive, while Bekah opens up about miscarriage, delayed prayers, and how God taught her to celebrate others while still waiting for her own miracle. This episode is a reminder that: Trust isn't transactional. Waiting seasons can grow your faith the deepest. God sees you in your pain. Peace comes from returning to Him again and again. Whether you're waiting for healing, restoration, a breakthrough, provision, or a promise, this conversation will encourage you to keep trusting God, even when you don't understand the process. 00:00 – Introduction Bekah introduces the new six-week series Conversations With My Mother and today's topic: trusting God even when you don't understand it. 01:00 – Trusting God Through Relationships & Family Pastor Lisa shares how trust impacts parenting, marriage, friendships, and relationships through every season of life. 02:50 – Growing Into Mature Conversations Bekah reflects on how her relationship with her mother evolved over time and the importance of maturity in communication. 04:40 – What Trusting God Really Looks Like Pastor Lisa explains that trusting God means stepping into the unknown without knowing the outcome. 07:30 – Trusting God During Waiting Seasons Discussion about unanswered prayers, disappointment, confusion, and learning to trust God when life feels uncertain. 13:50 – Pastor Lisa's 9-Year Waiting Season Pastor Lisa vulnerably shares her infertility journey and how God strengthened her during the wait. 18:46 – Pretending to Trust vs Actually Surrendering Bekah opens up about struggling privately while publicly saying she trusted God. 30:00 – Miscarriage, Grief & Choosing Celebration Bekah shares her miscarriage story and how God challenged her to celebrate other women's pregnancies despite her pain. 38:52 – "One Day You Will Understand. " Pastor Lisa encourages listeners that delayed blessings often deepen gratitude and appreciation once they arrive. 41:18 – Prayer for Those in the Waiting Pastor Lisa prays over everyone currently waiting for healing, breakthrough, restoration, or answered prayers. 43:07 – ClosingBekah closes the episode and encourages listeners to like, share, subscribe, and continue following the series. ________________________

https://youtu.be/k_iB97pDFGA https://www.uncommen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/June-5th.mp3   There is a silent but devastating crisis actively destroying men from the inside out, and it has absolutely nothing to do with external circumstances. It has nothing to do with a bad economy, a failed business, an unexpected diagnosis, or a job that evaporated overnight. The crisis is happening inside the chest of men who did everything right — who worked hard, sacrificed, prayed, and planned — and still watched it fall apart. We hear the same exhausted, confused sentiment from men all over the country: "I did everything right, Lord. Where are you in this?" They built a plan. They believed in the plan. And then the plan got wrecked. What follows that wreckage — the bitterness, the identity collapse, the spiritual paralysis — is where the real damage is done. Letting go of control and trusting God is the most counterintuitive thing a driven man will ever be asked to do. The modern definition of success has completely sold men on the idea that the right plan plus the right effort equals the right outcome. We have been handed a transactional faith — pray, work, sacrifice, and God owes you the life you drew up. But that is not the deal. Proverbs 16:9 cuts through that illusion with brutal clarity: "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." That verse is not a comfort card. It is a direct challenge to every man who has mistaken his roadmap for God's will. This article is about what letting go of control and trusting God actually looks like in the middle of the wreckage — not on the other side of it. Quick Answers What does letting go of control and trusting God mean for men? Letting go of control and trusting God means releasing your grip on outcomes you were never designed to manage and actively choosing faith over the illusion of control. It does not mean abandoning planning or effort. It means holding your plans loosely enough that when God redirects, you move rather than dig in. It is an act of aggressive, daily surrender — not passive resignation. How do you trust God when your plans fall apart? You start by separating your identity from your circumstances. A failed plan is not a failed man, and a closed door is not God's rejection of you — it is often His protection of you. Practically, trusting God in uncertainty means staying in Scripture, staying connected to your church, and taking the one next step He is showing you rather than demanding the full blueprint before you move. The Identity Crash: When Your Plan Becomes Who You Are Men do not just build plans. They build their identity into those plans. The business was not just a business — it was proof of competence, proof of provision, proof of worth. The job title was not just a paycheck — it was the answer to the question "Who are you?" So when the plan collapses, it does not feel like a setback. It feels like a death. And that is exactly where the enemy wants to keep you — convinced that a failed plan means a failed man. Letting go of control and trusting God begins with a brutal, necessary truth: you were never the one in control. You believed you were. The calendar, the five-year plan, the savings account — all of it created the comfortable illusion that you were piloting this thing. But God establishes your steps, not your spreadsheet. The illusion of control is not a harmless personality trait. It is a form of functional idolatry, and when the plan fails, that idol gets exposed. The crash is not God punishing you. The crash is God removing a false foundation so He can build something that will actually hold. Look at Joseph. He had a dream — God-given, not self-generated — and instead of a straight line to the throne, he got a pit, a slave market, and a prison cell. None of that was his plan. All of it was God's sovereign plan. The same thread runs through Moses, through Paul, through every man in Scripture who was used significantly by God. The path went through suffering and disorientation before it arrived at purpose. That pattern is not a bug in the system. It is the design. The Bitterness Trap: Processing Disappointment Without Poisoning Your Soul Disappointment is not the problem. Unprocessed disappointment becomes the problem. When a man grips a failed plan long enough — refusing to release it, rehearsing what should have been, nursing the wound — it calcifies into bitterness. And bitterness is one of the most spiritually devastating forces in a man's life because it is almost entirely invisible until it has already done catastrophic damage. You are not angry, you tell yourself. You are just realistic. You are just protecting yourself from more of the same. Letting go of control and trusting God requires you to actually feel the loss. Not perform gratitude over it. Not spiritually bypass it with a verse and a smile. Acknowledge it directly: "This hurt. This was not what I wanted. I am disappointed." That is honest, and God can work with honest. What He cannot easily reach is the man who has quietly decided that God let him down and built a wall around that conviction, because that wall does not just keep out pain — it keeps out everything. Every future move God tries to make runs directly into that wall. The Psalms are full of this kind of raw, unfiltered prayer. David did not politely thank God while running for his life from Saul. He poured it out. He asked the hard questions. He let the grief be real. And then — not immediately, but eventually — he came back to "Nevertheless, You are God, and I trust You." That is the model. Trusting God in uncertainty does not mean pretending the uncertainty does not hurt. It means walking through the hurt without letting it become the final verdict on God's character or yours. Control Versus Surrender: Who Is Actually Driving There are two postures a man can take when his plans get wrecked. The first is to white-knuckle it — rework the plan, adjust the variables, push harder, sleep less, and refuse to release the steering wheel. This is incredibly common among high-functioning men who have conditioned themselves to believe that the right response to any setback is more effort, more control, more planning. The second posture is surrender — not the passive, give-up-and-quit kind, but the deliberate, costly decision to hand the wheel to God and trust that He actually knows where you are going. Letting go of control and trusting God is not the same as letting go of effort or responsibility. You still work. You still plan. But you hold the plan loosely — in pencil, not in stone. The distinction is entirely internal. It is the difference between a man who prays "Lord, bless my plan" and a man who prays "Lord, what is Your plan?" One of those prayers is asking God to rubber-stamp what you already decided. The other is genuinely open to a different answer. God's sovereign plan and your preferred plan are often two completely different routes to the same destination — and His route will take you through terrain you never would have chosen, but absolutely needed. David modeled this repeatedly. When he was on the run, outmanned, and making military decisions that could get people killed, he constantly asked God whether to advance against an enemy. He did not assume. He did not execute his tactical plan and ask God to cover it after the fact. He sought direction at every step. That kind of trusting God in uncertainty is not weakness. It is the most masculine form of wisdom available to you. Sovereign Redirection: Closed Doors Are Not Punishments The hardest part of letting go of control and trusting God is accepting that a closed door can be an act of protection. When you are standing in front of a door that just got slammed in your face, it does not feel protective. It feels devastating. It feels like rejection. It feels, in the worst moments, like God simply does not care. But the closed door between you and the wrong outcome is one of the most merciful things God can do for a man. Consider what a hurricane wrecked in a family's life and what it ultimately built. Displacement. Evacuation. A year and a half in a city that never felt like home. A long road back to something that looked nothing like the original plan. And at the end of that road: new community, new purpose, new work that would not have existed without the forced detour. That is God's sovereign plan in action — not a comfortable cruise toward a preset destination, but a radical redirection that could not have happened any other way. You would not have chosen the path. You would have argued with it. But you cannot see the whole route. That is the point. Jonah is the most clarifying picture of what happens when a man tries to outrun God's sovereign plan. He did not like his assignment and ran from it. God redirected him anyway. The destination did not change. Only the amount of misery Jonah accumulated on the way there. That is still one of the truest portraits in Scripture of what resistance to God's redirection actually costs — and why letting go of control and trusting God, painful as it is, is always the better path. Trusting God in Uncertainty: The Discipline That Holds You You cannot hear God's voice in a crisis if you have not been building the habit of listening before the crisis. This is the thing most men miss. They want divine clarity in the moment of maximum pressure, but they have not been cultivating a relationship with God in the quiet moments that makes that kind of directional trust possible. Trusting God in uncertainty is not a crisis skill — it is a daily discipline that either exists before the storm or does not exist at all. That means the Word, consistently. Prayer that is honest, not performative. Accountability with other men who will tell you the truth when your bitterness is showing. Research from the Barna Group consistently shows that men engaged in

Trusting God is absolutely essential to live the Christian life.

In this episode of Pray the Word on Joshua 16:1, David Platt highlights how God works in our lives even when we might not be aware of it.Explore more content from Radical.

The Good Shepherd: Known, Called, and Protected – John 10:1–21 In Episode 139 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane explore one of the most beloved passages in the Gospel of John: Jesus, the Good Shepherd. In John 10:1–21, Jesus reveals His heart for His people, declaring that He knows His sheep by name, leads them with care, and lays down His life for them. Together, Jamie and Jane unpack what it means to recognize the voice of the Shepherd in a world full of competing voices, how Jesus offers abundant life beyond mere survival, and why His sacrificial love sets Him apart from every other leader. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that you are not forgotten, overlooked, or wandering alone—you are known, pursued, and deeply loved by the Good Shepherd. Whose voice am I listening to most—and how is it shaping the direction of my life? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

Episode Summary: What if the reactions you’ve judged yourself for—your hypervigilance, emotional numbness, sudden panic, or exhaustion—aren’t signs of spiritual weakness or personal failure, but evidence of a brain that has been doing everything it can to keep you alive? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, especially within faith communities. Today on Your Hope-Filled Perspective, we are going to gently untangle what PTSD truly is, what it is not, and how God meets us not just in the trauma itself—but in the long, tender aftermath that follows. Today, in honor of PTSD Awareness Month, we’re going to talk about Understanding PTSD: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How God Meets Us in the Aftermath of Trauma. Quotables from the episode: PTSD is not a failure of faith. It is the result of a nervous system that adapted to survive overwhelming circumstances." Your trauma responses are not moral failures. They are survival responses. The body remembers what the mind would rather forget. The same brain that learned to protect you can also learn safety again. God does not rush the healing He Himself designed to unfold gently. God is not disappointed by your symptoms. He is present in your healing. Scripture never teaches that faith erases biology. Your faith resides in your heart and mind, but trauma often lives in the body. And God cares about both. Healing from PTSD does not mean erasing your story. It means integrating it. Your trauma may have changed you, but it does not disqualify you. Scripture References: Lamentations 3:31–32 “For the Lord will not cast off forever… He will show compassion.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Recommended Resources: Free Stress-Response Personality Assessment Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Ashton Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds believers that God’s plans are far greater than anything we can imagine, even during seasons of grief, loss, and uncertainty. In this heartfelt devotional, Vivian Bricker reflects on the pain of losing her mother and the struggle of complex grief while pointing readers back to the hope found in God’s promises. Through Scripture and personal testimony, this Christian encouragement reminds us that God is still working even when life feels heavy and painful. Highlights God’s plans are greater than anything we can fully imagine. Grief and loss do not cancel God’s purpose for your life. 1 Corinthians 2:9 offers hope during painful seasons. God welcomes us to bring our sorrow and pain to Him. Complex grief can feel overwhelming, but God remains near. Romans 8:28 reminds believers that God works through suffering. Pain can become part of a testimony that encourages others. Trusting God allows hope to grow even in heartbreak. Join the Conversation How has God carried you through seasons of grief or disappointment? What helps you continue trusting His plans even when life feels uncertain? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God Has Wonderful Plans in Store for YouBy: Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’— the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Over the past year, I have come across many social media posts noting that 2016 was 10 years ago. My friends have shared posts reflecting upon their lives a decade ago; how much they have changed, what they have accomplished, and how much happier they are now. While it is great to see my friends flourishing in life, my heart breaks every time I am reminded of 2016. 2016 was the year my mom passed away. Every time I see the “decade challenge” or “decade glow-up,” I am once again crushed with the reality that my mom has been gone for ten years. Some days, it feels like she has been gone for only a few weeks, and other days, it feels like she has been gone for a century. The pain of her absence has only increased over the years. Upon restarting therapy, I discovered I have complex grief. Complex grief is different from regular grief because the latter does not endure for years; instead, there is an ending point, and you are able to make peace with the death of your loved one. However, with complex grief, it is impossible for you to move forward; you are paralyzed by their death, and you feel like your life has ended. Complex grief is remarkably common if you were dependent on the person who passed away. Perhaps you are walking through a similar season; a loved one passed away, and you are overcome with dread, grief, and pain. Rest at the foot of the cross and find solace in the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30). He will never make you feel guilty for mourning the loss of your loved one. Whether it's been a few days or a few decades, God understands the pain you are experiencing today. Intersecting Faith & Life: During these times, it is important to reflect upon our future with Christ. Paul tells us, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Although we may be struggling now, this darkness will not endure forever. God has wonderful plans for our lives – plans that we may not even know about yet. Rather than fearing the worst, trust God. No mind in all history has articulated the plans God has for those who love Him. As His followers, we can surrender our pain, grief, and agony to Him. God will bring light back into our lives, surround us with His love, and show us the plans He has for our lives. Lean into God’s amazing work today and trust Him with the process (Proverbs 3:5-6). Your grief may continue for the rest of your life, but this does not mean you cannot enjoy the wonderful plans God has for you. He may even use this present pain to encourage you to help others, such as supporting those who have also lost loved ones, building up the family of God, or praying for those who are in end-of-life care. The plans He has for you are amazing; do not give up now, your life has just begun. Are you ready to take hold of the wonderful plans God has for your life? What do you think God has in store for you? Further Reading: Jeremiah 29:11 Proverbs 16:9 Romans 8:28 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Should you pause your debt payoff plan when a baby is on the way? How do you trust God when money is tight? What are Trump Accounts, and what do parents need to know? Plus, Art makes his Stanley Cup prediction. This episode is packed with practical financial guidance, biblical wisdom, and answers to listener questions. Don't miss it!Resources:8 Money MilestonesAsk a Money Question!

AI, Spiritual Deception & Learning to Ask God the Right Questions | KIB 533 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description Are we asking God the wrong questions in this generation? In Episode 533 of the Kingdom Intelligence Briefing, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake examine the growing spiritual deception surrounding AI, data centers, propaganda, counterfeit spirituality, and the coming pressures of Mystery Babylon. This powerful briefing challenges believers to move beyond shallow Christianity and learn how to seek the Kingdom of God with discernment, covenant faithfulness, and spiritual maturity. Dr. Lake explores how believers have often been trained to pursue comfort, prosperity, and escape rather than asking God how to walk in Kingdom purpose, holiness, discernment, and spiritual authority in the last days. Mary Lou shares urgent insights regarding spiritual warfare, mind control technologies, AI systems, occult influences, and the need for believers to trust fully in God's protection and covenant promises. This episode is a wake-up call for the Remnant: • Learn to discern truth in an age of deception • Understand the spiritual dangers behind counterfeit systems • Discover the power of asking God the right questions • Learn how the Holy Spirit develops true Kingdom maturity • Be encouraged that God's power has not diminished The days ahead will require discernment, covenant fidelity, spiritual endurance, and unwavering trust in the Most High God. "Teach me what to ask, Lord." ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Are anxious thoughts stealing your peace? Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of worry, perfectionism, or rigid control—sometimes without even realizing it? You're not alone, and you don't have to face this struggle in silence. In this episode, the conversation dives deep into the pervasive reality of anxiety—what it feels like, why so many of us miss the signs, and how faith intersects with mental health. Nichole Suvar shares her own journey, from childhood panic attacks no one could name, to adulthood struggles with shame, perfectionism, and even suicidal thoughts. Hear how finally receiving a diagnosis for anxiety and depression brought relief, clarity, and a path to healing—and how opening up about her struggles helped others around her do the same. A key theme that emerged was how many in our generation grew up lacking language for anxiety ("just calm down" or "don't worry" was the advice), while younger generations often recognize these feelings sooner. The discussion explores practical steps for those overwhelmed by worry—from identifying anxious patterns hiding in everyday life, to learning how to relinquish false control and invite God into the struggle. One concept discussed is the illusion that peace can be earned through achieving the "perfect" body, success, or image. Instead, lasting peace is something we cultivate—not manufacture—by returning to God's original design and practicing true stewardship, not unhealthy control (18:48). If you've ever felt ashamed of your anxiety, doubted your faith because of your mental health battles, or wondered when worry crosses the line into something more serious, this episode will meet you with wisdom, compassion, and hope. You'll come away with fresh insight, tangible tools for daily surrender, and the freeing reminder: You don’t have to hold it all together. Listen in to discover: How to spot hidden anxiety—even if you think it’s “just your personality” The practical differences between worry, concern, and clinical anxiety Why control feels soothing, but never truly delivers peace What “cultivating Eden” looks like in a modern world Why God’s peace isn’t achieved, but received—and how to start seeking it today Connect with Nichole Suvar: Website: livewithintent.org Instagram: @nicolejsuvar Book: I Don’t Have to Hold It All Together: Cultivating the Peace of Eden When Feeling Overwhelmed (Amazon affiliate link: Tiny portion of your purchase goes to support Compared to Who? ministry.) If you are ready to release shame, deepen your faith, and discover a new way to walk through anxiety, hit play now. Ready to feel less anxiety around your body image and food issues? Join the next 40-Day Journey which starts June 3rd. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.