Faith Over Fear

This is the second episode in a four-part discussion on standing strong amidst opposition. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery and guest Karen Whiting look at two biblical characters (Ezra and Nehemiah) called to a major restoration project, their miraculous beginnings, and how God prepared them for the opposition they'd later face. When we experience opposition, we might feel overwhelmed and unprepared, but often, when we look back, we'll see how God lovingly and faithfully prepared us for this particular season. We can quiet our fears and bolster our faith by reviewing ways we've witnessed His power and by reviewing the truths He's planted into our souls.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Connect with Karen Whiting: On her website On Facebook On Pinterest Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? Had you been in Nehemiah's position, while in Babylon, what might you have found most challenging about the Jerusalem rebuilding assignment? When has God called you to leave an area of comfort or prestige to embrace a challenging assignment? What truths emboldened you to obey? In this episode, Karen and Jennifer discuss Ezra's miraculous beginning (abundant provision from King Cyrus). When have you experienced a miraculous beginning on a project, and how did that affect your expectations? Jennifer and Karen also discussed ways in which Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer might have prepared him to lead the returned exiles during this pivotal time in their nation's history. When have you stepped into a new role for which God had uniquely prepared you? How might reflecting upon ways God has helped you in the past increase your strength, perseverance, and courage when facing challenges in the present? What is one action step God might be wanting you to take, having listened to this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when we step out in faith in a particular area and others respond to our obedience with open hostility? How can we persevere with courage and love when blindsided by other people's hurtful and unjust actions? In this episode Jennifer speaks with author, speaker, and soul care coach Diana Asaad, a woman who, along with her husband, accepted a pastorate over a church riddled with debt and infested with generational racism. As such, she understands the anxiety that can come when one feels under attack. She shares how to disarm our rising emotions and experience increased peace in Christ.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Find Diana Asaad: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? When have you encountered hostility toward your obedience in an area or situation? When have you encountered hostility due to generational sin? What fears and anxieties did that experience create? When you feel under attack, to whom do you tend to turn for support? What biblical truth has (or can) help to disarm your fears and increase your faith when you feel under attack? What is one action step God might be wanting you to take having listened to this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Faith Over Fear host Jennifer Slattery is also one of the hosts of the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. In that podcast, she often discusses passages of Scripture with truths she finds helpful in decreasing her fear and increasing her faith. In this episodes, she shares clips from four of those episodes and on the following chapters of the Bible: Exodus 17, 2 Chronicles 20, 2 Chronicles 32, and Joshua 1. *Please note, in the recording I refer to Joshua 1 as Joshua 9. This was spoken in error. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group Discussion/Reflective Questions; Which of the four Bible verses and passages discussed in this episode most encouraged you and why? Reflect upon the passage where God asked Moses to keep his arms raised while Israel engaged in battle and how God used that event to deepen the nation's trust. When have you experienced a time during which you had no choice but to rely upon God? How did this event impact your trust in and relationship with Him? Reflect upon the passage in 2 Chronicles 20, written about the time during which the nation of Israel found themselves under the attack of a fierce army. What did God's response reveal regarding His power and authority?  Continuing with 2 Chronicles 20, what did God's response to King Jehoshapat's prayer reveal regarding His heart? How often have you chosen to praise God while afraid, and how did this choice impact you and the intensity of your fears? Reflect upon 2 Chronicles 32. Why might Jennifer have chosen to emphasize King Hezekiah's poor mistake (using money from the temple to pay tribute to an enemy nation)? How does God's response to King Hezekiah's prayer–after his momentary poor decision–impact you? What resonated with you most in Jennifer's Discussion of Joshua 1? What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

For many of us, our greatest fears involve those we love. More specifically, many of us are afraid we will lose those we love. And because our relationships bring us such joy and fulfillment, we're often also afraid, should our worst fear occur, we'll never experience joy again. In this episode, guest Lauren Hostetler, owner of Moe Mountains, shares how the unexpected death of her mother led to deep grief, anger at God, fears related to others in her life, and how God met her in those dark places.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Find Lauren Hostetler: On Moe Mountain's Instagram On her personal Instagram page On the Moe Mountain website On Moe Mountain's Facebook page Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? What biblical truths did Lauren share that most encourage or comfort you? What character traits of God can you reflect upon, the next time you battle fear? How does or has time in nature impacted your sense of peace? How has or does time in nature deepen your sense of praise or intimacy with Christ? Can you think of an instance when you sensed God's comfort during a time of sorrow or fear? If so, when was that, and how did He comfort you? What is one action step God might be asking you to take based on having listened to this episode?   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

At some point, we've probably all worried, should we preemptively give God our unconditional yes, He'll ask us to do something terrifying. And with good reason. Jesus told us our obedience would come at a cost. But God has also promised to stay with us for every faith-filled step, to provide for all our needs, and to empower us to do all He asks. More than that, He's promised, one day, we'll look back upon our lives and all God has done and deem every sacrificial moment worth it.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Connect with Dan Emr: On the Worthwhile Wear Website On Instagram On Facebook Connect with Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram Connect with Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in today’s episode? What fear or fears most frequently challenge your obedience? When has God used one of your fears to lead you to His strength? In this episode, Dan Emr shared a statement a friend made that helped him make a major decision based on faith rather than fear. Who in your life most often encourages you in a similar manner? What is one problem/injustice/tragedy that most grieves your soul? In what ways might God be inviting you to bring life to that problem/injustice/tragedy? What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Scientists who study the brain have discovered mindfulness' powerful effects in calming fear and anxiety on a neurological level. By practicing staying present and learning to recognize and rest in God's presence, we can rewire our brains to feel calm. In this episode author and clinical psychologist Dr. Irene Kraegel discusses how mindfulness can increase our awareness and connection to God and our ability to manage our most intense emotions. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resource mentioned: The Mindful Christian: Cultivating a Life of Intentionality, Openness, and Faith by Dr. Irene Kraegel Find Dr. Irene Kraegel: On her website On Instagram On YouTube Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? When you think of Christian mindfulness, what comes to mind? What are some ways you practice remaining present in the present? What are some ways you orient yourself to God's presence? When you sense God's presence, how does this affect your emotions (if at all)? Why might it be helpful to understand that it takes time and consistency to experience the benefits of mindfulness? What is one action step God might be encouraging you to take, having listened to this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you have difficulty telling others no? Do you find yourself frequently pushing your needs and desires aside to meet the needs of everyone else? Do you ever struggle to know how to love others as Jesus desires while also setting healthy boundaries? In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook shares biblical wisdom on how we can discover the best of ourselves and how doing so leads to healthier and more fulfilling relationships. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resources mentioned: The Best of You: Break Free from Painful Patterns, Mend Your Past, and Discover Your True Self in God Boundaries for the Soul The Best of You Podcast episode: "Should I turn the Other Cheek? Why It's the Opposite of Being a Doormat" Find Dr. Allison Cook: On her website On Facebook On Instagram On Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon What resonated with you most in this episode? How might you answer Dr. Cook's question: What do you want? How reciprocal do your relationships tend to be? Where might you land on the selfless, self, selfish scale Dr. Cook mentioned? How comfortable are you with setting healthy boundaries? When do you find it most challenging to set healthy boundaries? How can strong, clear boundaries lead to relational health? What is one action step God might want you to take, having listened to this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life feels painful and uncertain, it can be hard to hold tight to our faith. Thankfully, God holds on to us. So long as we seek Him, He will build within us a faith that won't fail. In this episode, author, speaker, and cancer survivor shares insights she learned when her life felt upended. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Reference mentioned: A Faith That Won't Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart Find Michele Cushatt: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Discussion/reflective questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? Reflect upon a challenging season. What made that season most difficult? What doubts and fears tend to arise when you find yourself in a place of crisis or painful season? In this episode, Michele emphasized the importance of lamenting. What in your life might you need to lament? How might giving yourself permission to lament lead you to increased faith? What truth regarding God's character can you reflect upon to fortify your soul? What is one action step God might want you to take after having listened to this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We've all done and said things we wish we hadn't. Past poor decisions might even have caused people close to us to reject or abandon us. We might even expect God to do the same, or at the very least, to rescind our call. But as Max Lucado shares in this episode, God doesn't and won't give up on us. He sees us, our weakness and sin included, loves us, and showers us with His grace.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resource referenced: God Never Gives Up on You: What Jacob's Story Teaches Us About Grace, Mercy, and God's Relentless Love Kindle Edition Connect with Max Lucado: On his website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Discussion/reflective questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? When have (or do) you most struggled to accept God's grace? How can reflecting upon the grace God showed to biblical characters such as Jacob help us better understand or accept His grace for us? What thoughts came to mind when Max discussed Jacob's general lack of repentance? How can an accurate understanding of the gospel help us to more easily accept God's grace when we mess up? In what ways does Scripture reveal God's love to be relentless? How can the fact that God's love is relentless help you gain increased peace when you feel anxious and/or ashamed? What is one action step God might be asking you to take based on what you heard in this podcast episode?    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

According to Scripture, you and I have a real, relentless, and destructive spiritual enemy. The devil and his demons want to destroy us and every good thing in our lives that reveal God's goodness. But while the devil is fierce and conniving, our God is greater. He cannot and will not defeat us because in Christ, we have everything we need to stand firm against our enemies greatest attacks. We are far from helpless victims to the forces of darkness. We are called, loved, and empowered children of God, sheltered in His all-encompassing love.  (Scroll down for discussion reflective questions.) Find Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group Discussion/reflective questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? When have you most been aware of the existence of evil? What fears and anxieties come to mind when you consider the existence of evil? In this episode, Carol and Jennifer spoke of the seemingly unconquerable (from a human perspective) force controlling the demon possessed man. When have you felt your difficulties were "beyond hope"?  What thoughts and feelings arise when you consider the power and authority Jesus revealed over the "legion" of demons?  How can remembering the strength of the Holy Spirit within you help to bolster your faith and decrease your fears? How can remembering the power of God's love surrounding you help to bolster your faith and decrease your fears? What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this episode?  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.