Start Small, Stay Faithful: How Everyday Obedience Builds a Lifetime of Impact

In this special bonus episode of How to Study the Bible, author and podcaster Carol McLeod joins Nicole to talk about falling in love with Scripture, walking with the Holy Spirit, and staying faithful in every season. From early-morning verse memory at her kitchen table, to decades of quiet service before writing her twentieth book, Carol reminds us that small beginnings matter. “His presence is all the preparation you need.” She shares a striking insight from Mark 5/Luke 8—linking a 12-year illness and a 12-year-old girl—and offers a tender word for anyone hurting this Christmas: Jesus came to carry your griefs.

"Christmas is especially for you if you’re hurting; Jesus came to carry your griefs.”

What We Discuss:

Model > mandate: Carol fell in love with Scripture because her dad lived it and invited her into his early-morning Bible time with intentional verse memory.

Start small & be faithful: Ministry often begins with a handful of people—dorm devos, a living-room group—long before books and microphones.

His presence prepares us: You can plan, but ultimately “His presence is all the preparation you need” when you teach or serve.

A double 12: A fresh reading of Mark 5/Luke 8 (woman hemorrhaging 12 years; Jairus’ daughter aged 12) calls us to care for both women with wounds and the next generation of girls who need Jesus.

Christmas is for the brokenhearted: Christ came not only to bear our sins but also to carry our griefs—especially good news for a hard holiday season.

Bible Verse References (linked)

• Lamentations 3:22–23 — His mercies are new every morning.

• Mark 5:21–43 / Luke 8:40–56 — Jairus’ daughter & the woman with the issue of blood (“Talitha koum”).

• Isaiah 53:4 — He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.

Want More?

• Subscribe to How to Study the Bible and leave a rating/review to help others find the show.

• Connect with Carol: resources, books, and devotionals at CarolMcLeodMinistries.com.

• Discover Carol’s YouVersion plans: search “Carol McLeod” in the YouVersion Bible app.

• Holiday help: check out Carol’s Christmas devotional, Let There Be Joy.

• Check Out Carol's Podcast: The Significant Woman
• Download Nicole’s free Christmas Eve Family Liturgy: nicoleunice.com/christmas

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