Faith Over Fear

There's often a difference between receiving the all-sufficient grace granted to us through faith in Christ and living fully, deeply immersed in that grace. Sadly, many of us live consumed with guilt. And, because we live in a punitive culture where we're accustomed to getting called out and punished for our mistakes–and, potentially, seeing them blasted across social media–we can approach our relationship with God with that same mindset. That is why practicing confession can be so freeing. In naming our sins, big and small, and asking for forgiveness (which we've already received), we are also learning to practice what Jennifer refers to as a perpetual "clean-slate" existence. In this episode, hosts Jennifer Slattery and Carol McCracken launch a 5-part series on bold prayers with a discussion of words uttered by ancient Isreal's 2nd king, a man God referred to as someone after His own heart. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) (Bible passage discussed: Psalm 19) Find Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Discussion/reflective questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? Why might it be helpful to begin one's prayers proclaiming the power, vastness, and goodness of God? What thoughts or emotions typical arise when you think of the spiritual practice of confession? Why is it important to remain cognizant of God's abundant grace while practicing confession? How can practicing confession help us experience God's grace on a deeper level? (Not earn it, but experience what He's already given us.) How might practicing confession help one live with more self-awareness? What is one action step God might be inviting 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.

This episode is for everyone who feels the ache of longing for a loving and nurturing mother but, for your mental health and healing, have had to create firm boundaries with your mother, potentially even eliminating contact with her entirely. No one makes this decision lightly or without pain. Bonnie Gray understands this grief, and all of the confusing emotions that can surface around Mother's Day. In this episode, she shares how God brought her from grief, to healing, and now, to celebration–not for the pain she experienced, but for what He is building and has built in her life today.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resource Mentioned: "the Soul Care Quiz" Connect with Bonnie Gray: On her website Facebook Instagram YouTube Her podcast: Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Discussion/reflective questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? What emotions tend to arise for you around Mother's Day? How would you describe your relationship with you mom? How difficult is it for you to view your mother and your relationship with her "honestly"?  What are some ways you do or have allowed yourself to grieve the mother you don't have? How is God rewriting your story and breaking dysfunctional patterns? What is one thing God might be asking you to do having listened to this podcast?            Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We all have seasons of our lives where we wonder if we have purpose and fear we're aimlessly roaming about without clear direction. In those periods, God may seem silent or His direction unclear. This can create intense anxiety and discouragement. But God always has a plan, is always leading us toward His very best, and is always equipping us for the journey that's still ahead. Listen to hear how He did this in King David's life, and in host Carol McCracken's as well.  (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 Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? How would you describe a wilderness season? What do you feel makes wilderness seasons so challenging? How can wilderness seasons deepen our faith? How might reflecting upon God's heart, power, character and promises help us endure wilderness seasons? Why is it important to live with integrity in every season? What is one action step God might be askign 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.

We all have emotional baggage clogging the suitcases in our souls. Unprocessed pain from childhood and past relationships distorts our perceptions, weakens our trust, and often leads to out-of-proportion reactions. In this episode, relationship coach Dana Che Williams joins Jennifer Slattery to discuss common signs of emotional baggage and ways we can begin to unpack those things that aren't serving us or our relationships.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resources mentioned:  The Best of You by Dr. Allison Cook  (Here Jennifer's discussion with Allison here.) Relationship Connection Quiz (on Dana's Website) Find Dana Che Williams at: Her website Instagram Facebook YouTube Rebuilding Us Podcast Find Jennifer Slattery at: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Discussion/reflective questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? What relational patterns have you noticed in your life? What relational patterns have you noticed in your family of origin? How challenging do you find it to trust others? When do you most tend to react strongly? Do you notice a pattern that might point to unprocessed pain? When navigating relational challenges might it be helpful to get help from someone with relationship training? Why is it important to seek God's wisdom and perspective regarding our behavior and relationships? What is one 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.

It's often easiest to recognize God's faithfulness when life seems to go well or He answers our prayers as we hope. But what about when we endure challenging or frightening seasons? Is He still faithful then? And how can our recognition of His faithfulness quiet our fears and strengthen our faith when we feel anxious or afraid? In this episode, author and speaker Erin H. Warren shares how she's experienced God's faithfulness amidst life's difficulties. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions) Resources referenced: Everyday Prayers for FaithFinding Confidence in God No Matter What by Erin H. Warren Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity by Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith Biblical reference (the Israelites at the Red Sea): Exodus 14 How to have a relationship with God Find Erin H. Warren at: Her Website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Discussion/reflective questions: What most resonated with you in this episode? What is the most recent "no matter what" situations you've experienced? How, if at all, did that time affect your view of God's faithfulness? Why is it important to learn and know God's promises recorded in Scripture? Consider a time when you felt disillusioned in your faith. How, if at all, did your understanding (or lack) of God's faithfulness affect your emotions? What are some of God's promises in which you find the most comfort? 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.

Most often, it’s not the challenges we face external that most hold us back from living out our call. It’s the battle that rages in that has the greatest capacity to derail and defeat us. Our fears, if left unchecked, hinder us from becoming all God created us to be and living the life He died to give us. We all have a God-honoring, life-changing call, one we are uniquely created to fulfill. God will give us all we need to do all He asks and assigns. The question is, will we humbly and courageously accept that assignment? Will we courageously surrender to His plans? Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Resources mentioned:Courage and Calling by Gordon T. SmithUnshakeable Unbreakable Joy, a Bible study by Wholly Loved MinistriesDiscussion/Reflective Questions:1. Have you considered how God might want to use you, in your current season?2. What is a unique passion you hold that God might want to use to bring light and life to our world?3. What are some fears that tend to hold you back from trying new things or stepping out in faith?4. Is there an area that God might be calling you to surrender in order to make you freer to serve Him?5. Consider your current fears. How many of them stem from focusing on your limitations rather than God’s power and provision?6. Consider your fears in light of the parable Jennifer shared and the “lazy” servant’s perspective—Have you, perhaps unknowingly, assigned false character traits to God? Are you behaving as if He’s distant, uninvolved, or perhaps not powerful enough to save?7. What is one “next right step” God is calling you to take? Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God sees our pain, our fear, and every difficult moment that brought us to this place. More than that, He sees who we're becoming and the beauty and courage He will build deep into our souls. As guest Toni Collier promises, we can trust that, once in our Father's hands, our pain will never be wasted. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resource Mentioned: Unshakable Moxie: Growing a Resilient Faith Connect with Toni Collier on: Her website Instagram Facebook YouTube Amazon Her podcast Find Jennifer Slattery on: Her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Discussion/reflective questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? In what ways and areas did you feel like you carried an unhealthy amount of pressure as a child? How were you received when you expressed your emotions as a child? How have you, now, in your adult past, or as a child, sought validation in self-defeating ways? How comfortable do you feel expressing your needs? In what ways do you, or are you tempted to, numb your emotions? When has using your past pain to help someone else helped increase your healing? How did you feel hearing Toni say that God won't waste our pain? What is one 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.

While one can experience anxiety from numerous causes, not all of them spiritual, there are spiritual practices we can engage in to experience increased peace. In this episode, author and pastor Alan Fadling shares how he once felt mastered by his anxiety but learned, with God's help, how to take steps toward increased and progress freedom.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resource mentioned: A Non-Anxious Life: Experiencing the Peace of God's Presence Connect with Alan Fadling at: the Unhurried Living Website Amazon His Ministry's Instagram Page His Instagram Page His Ministry's Facebook Page Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? When have you felt mastered by anxiety? What were your thoughts when Alan said the point of practicing spiritual disciplines wasn't necessarily to experience decreased anxiety? What is or has been your experience with spiritual disciplines? What are some ways you intentionally notice what you're feeling? What are some ways you invite God's perspective on your emotions? When have you experienced an experience similar to Alan's in the airport, when he felt his thinking brain going off line? 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.

Have you ever found yourself crumbling from overwhelming stress and the pressure of trying to manage all your responsibilities and other people's expectations? Do you find yourself feeling enslaved not just to your tumultuous emotions but also to ways you've attempted to cope? In this episode, author Angie Haskell encourages us to move past our unhealthy coping mechanisms to experience deep freedom.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions) Resource mentioned: Sugarcoated: Finding Sweet Release from Cravings that Control Us Connect with Angie at: Her website Facebook Instagram Amazon Find Carol McCracken at: Her website  Facebook Instagram Discussion/reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? When are you most tempted to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms? What are your "go-to" coping mechanisms when life feels stressed? Do those coping mechanisms help you experience true, long term peace, or do they leave you with shame or regret? What are some coping mechanisms you learned from your family of origin, and how have they shown up in your life? 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.

How often has anxiety or fear kept you from accepting a wonderful opportunity? Have you ever looked back on a situation with regret, wishing you'd responded with more courage? As Bible study writer Erica Wiggenhorn assures us in this episode, the good news is that that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can all live courageously unexplainable, and deeply fulfilling, lives. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resource mentioned: An Unexplainable Life: Recovering the Wonder & Devotion of the Early Church Connect with Erica Wiggenhorn on: Her website Instagram Facebook Connect with Jennifer Slattery on: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? How much had you thought about the Holy Spirit's involvement in your life prior to this episode? When has fear hindered you from accepting an opportunity?  When have you responded to an opportunity with faith, and what was the result? How might focusing on obediently stepping where God asks you to today help increase your peace as you wait for His guidance tomorrow? Who is one person with whom you can build a prayer-accountability relationship? 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.