Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

God has blessed each of us with a special gift, a talent, a unique way that we can spread His Word in the world. Our gifts are given to us for a reason—no one else can do what we do. It is the way we were formed, and it’s why it’s so crucial that we learn to hone into God’s voice and what He’s calling us to do, lest the world suffer from the lack of our obedience. Former Bachelor star and founder of Generous Coffee, Ben Higgins, had a moment in his childhood that made him realize that people’s stories are more complex than he ever thought possible, and that pain and suffering are interwoven with joy. After Ben’s following boomed from the publicity that being on national television brought, he realized he had an opportunity to use his platform for good, for change in the lives of those who desperately need it. That’s when he founded Generous Coffee, seeking to fulfill a purpose greater than himself and connecting with stories that truly mean something to us as humans. Author and speaker John Bevere had an encounter with God in 1991, when God told him to write. John laughed at God, thinking he was surely mistaken and calling on the wrong follower. After several nudgings, John gave in, and now his books are being used to build Christ’s kingdom worldwide. These two men show that when we harness our God-given abilities and surrender to His callings, lives and hearts can be changed, and we can have an impact greater than we ever thought possible.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling for Armed Forces edition JesusCalling.com Past interview: Cynthia Garrett Upcoming interview: Patrick and Ruth Schwenk   Ben Higgins ABC’s The Bachelor - 20th season Generous Coffee Alone in Plain Sight Humanity Hope United generousmovement.com   John Bevere Messenger International X: Multiply Your God Given Potential 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV COVID Colossians 3:23-24 NIV 1 Peter 4:10 NIV 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV messengerinternational.org   Interview Quotes: “I think the scariest thing that we could have in our life is experiencing pain and feeling alone in that pain. I don't know a scarier feeling than feeling alone.” - Ben Higgins “What if pain is the connector? What if pain is the thing that we can look at each other and feel less alone? And what if pain is the place that we not only grasp for God, but that God enters into our pain?” - Ben Higgins “I want to share empathy. I want to hear your story. I don't want to argue with you. I want to understand more than be understood.” - Ben Higgins “The more I become vulnerable, the more I let people understand who I am, the more that I also believe that I want to understand who others are.” - Ben Higgins “The callings on our lives are beyond our natural abilities.” - John Bevere “Being faithful means multiply, even if you're working for somebody else. If you're a line worker at the factory, if you're a janitor, you multiply where God has placed you. Be faithful, believe for the supernatural gifting to multiply, to shine as a light in that arena.” - John Bevere “God has called us to take what is uniquely gifted in us and multiply it to impact many. If you look at God's first commandment, it was be fruitful and multiply.” - John Bevere “That gift on your life is not for you. It's for the people that in your world of influence that God is sending you to. So if you don't operate in your gift, then the people in your world of influence don't get what God intended them to get.” - John Bevere Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God calls us to two highly important responsibilities: to love our Him with all of our being, and to treat our neighbors as we would want to be treated. By doing so, we can help turn our world into a better place, and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. Travel expert Rick Steves has seen, tasted, and experienced many different cultures, and of all the memories he’s made and souvenirs he’s collected, he believes none are as important as the broadened perspective his adventures have helped him gain. Rick’s faith has deepened after seeing how God works in various cultures of humanity, and worshipping with different people has helped him see the true value of different communities and faith traditions. Thomas Morstead, a punter for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, applied a mantra early on in life that no matter what, he would always give things his best shot, and leave the rest up to God. Following that principle has led Thomas to major success in the NFL, and has helped him use his influence to impact lives through his What You Give Will Grow Foundation.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Past interview: Joanne Rogers Upcoming interview: Ben Higgins   Rick Steves Rick's public television program San Juan Islands Guatemala RickSteves.com   Thomas Morstead What You Give Will Grow Foundation Super Bowl XLIV Coach Payton What You Give Will Grow American Cancer Society American Heart Association Good Friday The Middle School Rules of Thomas Morstead Interview Quotes: “I think it carbonates your whole world when you get out there and you realize, Wow, different people find different truths to be self-evident and God-given. It makes you less fearful. It's a beautiful thing. “ - Rick Steves “We're a great country, but we're four percent of this planet, and there's ninety-six percent of humanity out there. And it really makes sense to get to know the rest of the world.” - Rick Steves “I love to meet other people of faith. And I love to share my faith with people who have no faith. Very fundamentally, we are children trying to figure out our relationship with God and trying to get close to our Heavenly Father.” - Rick Steves “But once in a while, it's good for me to get out there and worship with people who don't have the same hymnal, who don't have the same accent, who don't have the same blonde hair. It's exciting. And it's a beautiful thing. It's a celebration. I would imagine God likes to see that, too.” - Rick Steves ”For me, the most beautiful souvenir is bringing home a broader perspective.” - Rick Steves  “Travel helps you appreciate how many people over how many centuries with how many styles of faith have praised God. We have a deep seated need to just to have quiet time to be with our creator, with our Heavenly Father.” - Rick Steves “I've always attacked things and tried to do the best I can at whatever I'm doing, and that's just opened up other opportunities that you didn't even know would be out there.” - Thomas Morstead “Accountability always, always rests on yourself and not on anybody else. And so I think when you start to live your life that way, it's a very quick way to get to some arbitrary thing called happiness when your life isn't dictated by others.” - Thomas Morstead “I just think if you're surrounded by negativity all the time, you're going to be negative. And if you're surrounded by positivity, you're going to be positive. And so I think everyone should guard their heart.” - Thomas Morstead ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________    Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever wished you’d made a different choice? Or imagined how different your life might have been if you’d taken a different path? No matter how bleak things might have been at one point, God can take your story and use it for good, and He can point you on the right path to healing. Nurse and author Tana Amen experienced more pain and chaos in her life than one person should ever have to face. She shoved all of the hurt deep down inside, building a façade to convince others she was okay, when she actually was about to crack. When she met her future husband, Dr. Daniel Amen, Tana learned some ways to heal herself and was loved so well by Daniel (and by God) that she began to find the restoration she so desperately needed. It was in that time that she realized God cares way more about where you’re going than where you’ve been. Cheryl Parks, Mila Brown, and Corday Rice join us from the Jobs Partnership organization in Peoria, Illinois, which seeks to help people transition from a life of incarceration back into society as healthy, healed individuals. These women share how they’ve seen the power of God operating in their lives, and how He rescued them from situations where they couldn’t escape of their own power. Now, they’re passionate about sharing about their pasts in hopes that they can change the lives of others the way they’ve been changed by God.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Sarah Young Jesus Always book Jesus Calling for First Responders editions Past interview: Dr. Daniel Amen Past interview: Rebecca Bender Upcoming interview: Rick Steves   Tana Amen Dr. Daniel Amen Amen Clinics Leave It to Beaver  Thyroid cancer 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 EMDR   Jobs Partnership organization Cheryl Parks Jobs Partnership Reentry   Interview Quotes: “If I only took fifty percent responsibility, it meant someone or something else had the other fifty percent. It meant I wasn't really in control. It wasn't me just relying on God. It was like me giving up control and being a victim.” - Tana Amen “What I learned is that when I put myself out there and helped when I didn't want to, I just had no idea how much the help was for them, but the healing was for me.” - Tana Amen “I think it's important to draw boundaries, but also understand when God's calling you to do something.” - Tana Amen “God cares less about where you've been than where you're going. And I'm so grateful for that grace and that mercy.” - Tana Amen “I feel like my life is so much better today not in spite of my struggles, but because of them.” - Tana Amen  “Meditation is when I listen to God and I listen for what He's saying to me. And prayer is when I'm talking to God and I tell Him my joy, my frustration, everything that there is, and I get it out of my head and it just really stills my soul and it's so helpful.” - Tana Amen “If my story can help anybody, one person, I've done what I needed to do.” - Mila Brown “The whole time that I was incarcerated, in my mind, I'm like, God, where am I going to go? I know no one. I have nobody. I have no family, no friends. No one has reached out to me for the four and a half years that I have been incarcerated. What am I going to do?” - Corday Rice “People say that change is scary, but change is good.” - Corday Rice “It was good to have women just look at me and just say that, “I love you.” And they didn't even know me. So I knew right then and there that that could only be the love of God that's working through them in the Jobs Partnership program.” - Corday Rice “I feel like God knew that I didn't have the strength to get out of the situation that I was in, so He forced my hand.” - Mila Brown ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________    Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We live in a world where achievement is largely used as a motivator, and much of our time is spent consumed, looking for the next win—whether it be personally or professionally. It would benefit each of us to remember that in the long term, the ultimate win for us is establishing a relationship with Christ. Tony Dungy, the first African-American head coach to win an NFL Super Bowl, learned from mentors early on in his career that football wasn’t all that mattered—what mattered was the kind of man he was and the kind of men he shaped. A trailblazer, Dungy found a way to coach that aligned with his Christian values, showing the world that you can hold strong to your beliefs and find value in who Christ says you are, rather than who the world wants you to be. NFL linebacker and author Sam Acho grew up in a faith-based home, forming a relationship with God early on. But as he got more integrated in his career, Sam began to separate from his foundational values, and he suffered an identity crisis—he looked happy on the outside, but he didn’t feel it on the inside. It wasn’t until he went through a reckoning of sorts that Sam realized God believed he was worth getting to know, and when he started placing value on what really matters, things started to turn around.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling  Jesus Calling Podcast Winter 2021 Jesus Calling Magazine JesusCalling.com/magazine Jesus Calling for First Responders editions Past interviews: Lolo Jones and Evander Holyfield Upcoming interview: Tana Amen   Coach Tony Dungy All Pro Dad National Football League NBC’s Football Night in America Sunday Night Football Matthew 16:26 University of Minnesota Steelers Chuck Noll Tampa Bay Buccaneers Spelman College Super Bowl LII   Sam Acho  Let the World See You Dallas Theological Seminary Living Hope Bible Fellowship Church Reggie Bush Matt Leinart Pete Carroll Rivals Brian Orakpo Chris Ogbonnaya Emmanuel Acho Hebrews 11:1   Interview Quotes: “Welcome to the National Football League. You're now getting paid to play football, so that makes it your profession. But please, please don't make football your whole life.” - Chuck Noll, to Tony Dungy “I made a decision I was going to be different. And not everybody was ready for that.” - Tony Dungy “You can honor the Lord and you can be openly expressive about your faith and still be excellent.” - Tony Dungy “God takes you through things and you grow from them and then you look back and say, ‘Oh, that wasn't that big a deal.’ But at the time, it was monumental. God is giving you little trials to get you through, but you're going to keep your focus on Him.” - Tony Dungy “Christ is so much a part of my life that if I can just help steer someone else, anyone towards Jesus, it's very important. Truth always wins. And we can't be afraid of sharing the truth.” - Tony Dungy “We were created for relationship, we were created to love.” - Sam Acho “You are worth getting to know. Your pains, your joys, your fears, your hurts, all of you. You're worth getting to know. Why? Because you're already fully seen, fully known and fully loved by Jesus.” - Sam Acho ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can you remember a moment when God washed your slate clean, and gave you the opportunity to start over? Think about the impact of second chances in your life—where would you be if it weren’t for His endless grace? South African farmer and evangelist Angus Buchan knows firsthand how much courage it takes to fall to your knees and say, “Help me, God.” Ever since he made the radical life change to Christianity, Angus has faced his fair share of heartache, including working himself to the bone on his farm, facing devastating fires, and coping with the tragic loss of his nephew. But even in hardship, Angus has experienced miracles that have infused him with a passion to share the Word of God all over Africa, lighting up the world with his energy and enthusiasm. Pie shop owner Tara Royer Steele grew up working hard in her family’s business, but all the focus on the business left her longing for affirmation of who she was—not just what she could do. After years in an abusive marriage, she was ready to give up, but felt God pushing her towards something better, assuring her that He would be enough for her. Tara found the courage to start over, ultimately leading her to reach her dream of creating a haven for people to connect at a warm, friendly place over slices of pie.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Jesus Calling for First Responders editions   Angus Buchan Faith Like Potatoes KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa 2 Corinthians 5:17 2 Corinthians 9:8 Shalom Ministries Mighty Men conferences Randy Travis   Tara Royer Steele Royer's Pie Haven Match.com Fruit of the Spirit Jesus Calling for Kids Eat. Pie. Love.   Interview Quotes: “I knew in my heart that Jesus Christ was now the general manager of my life, my farm, my family.” - Angus Buchan “Look, I've had some tragedies, as you probably know, like all of us, but miracles have taken place. Nobody will ever persuade me that Jesus Christ is not alive and the Son of God, never.” - Angus Buchan “I had joy, I had peace, and I was ready for whatever God told me to do.” - Angus Buchan “We are going to flood this beloved country of South Africa. We're going to preach the undiluted gospel of Jesus Christ, that that is what I'm praying for right at this very moment.” - Angus Buchan “The cafe became a relational restaurant, and people that walked to the door felt safe and welcomed and loved and seen.” - Tara Royer Steele “There is no way that I would be sitting here right now if God hadn't protected and provided through that whole season.” - Tara Royer Steele, on working in her family business “God had to grab me and say, “Listen, this is your last chance. I love you. I see you. I am enough for you.” - Tara Royer Steele “Someone asked me, ‘What's your business plan?’ I was like, ‘Well, God's my business plan.’” - Tara Royer Steele “It's so easy for us in a world now where we quickly react and we don't step back and truly savor the moments that we have and these opportunities that we have to meet people exactly where they are and be the hands and feet of Jesus.” - Tara Royer Steele  ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

No matter the trials that come your way, no matter how far gone you think you are, you are never alone in your suffering. God is beside you every step of the way, ready to rescue you when you reach for His hand. Professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler was thrust into fame at the tender age of thirteen. Caught up in his wild success and a partying lifestyle, by the time he was eighteen Ryan started spiraling hard into alcoholism. And years later, when he finally checked into rehab, Ryan finally learned God had a bigger purpose for his life. Growing up in the Netherlands, pastor Henriët Schapelhouman always had open conversations with God. And as an adult, she knew that He placed her adopted son, Harrison, into her life for a reason. But when Harrison began to suffer from a drug addiction, Henriet questioned why God would let her family go through such a difficult trial. Henriët continued to pray faithfully, believing that God would rescue her son from those deadly grips—and after Harrison had a brush with death, she cried tears of joy when she watched her son leave his dark days behind him.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Jesus Calling editions for First Responders ChristianBook.com Past interview: The Next Door addiction treatment center Upcoming interview: Angus Buchan   Ryan Sheckler The Life of Ryan Michael Phelps Make-A-Wish Foundation Sheckler Foundation    Henriët Schapelhouman True Hope Community Church Mennonite Brethren Church Free Methodist church The Story Lives: Leading a Missional Revolution henrietschapelhouman.com   Interview Quotes: “The huge step for me was admitting that I was powerless and I couldn't do it without Him. I could not do anything else without Him.” - Ryan Sheckler “It's not lame to be vulnerable. It's not bad to tell people how you're thinking or to really express emotion, or to cry. That's what we're supposed to do.” - Ryan Sheckler “None of us are alone in this world. We're not alone. And we're supposed to go through pain to be able to teach this lesson.” - Ryan Sheckler “Everyone's going to go through pain. We all go through pain. For me, pain is my teacher, my biggest teacher.” - Ryan Sheckler “I'm a firm believer that the road home needs to stay open, just like the father of the prodigal son stood waiting for his son to return.” - Henriët Schapelhouman “People thought it was enabling, but I was a firm believer that my job was to hang on to God and hang on to Harrison, that I basically was between them because Harrison wasn't connecting with God. So I felt like I was the conduit. And that was my job.” - Henriët Schapelhouman “Without Jesus, I would not be standing. I mean, first and foremost, you need Jesus. And if you don't know Jesus, it's a great time to reach out to Him or at least reach out to someone who knows Him.” - Henriët Schapelhouman ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, but there’s nothing greater than the gift of love, no matter its wrapping. As award-winning worship artist Chris Tomlin looked forward to welcoming his newest daughter in December, he was reminded of the miracle of Christ’s birth, and how Jesus was the greatest gift we could ever receive. Tom and Pam Banwart have been spreading love in a variety of ways in their Florida community since the start of COVID-19. Through acts of service and kindness like bagel deliveries, active prayer outside hospitals, and sharing worship music, the Banwarts are suiting up and showing up for our frontline responders and demonstrating a consistent, Christ-like love to those fighting every single day.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Always Jesus Calling Sarah Young Past interview: RaeLynn Upcoming interview: Ryan Sheckler   Chris Tomlin Scripture: Birth of Jesus Virtual Event - Christmas Songs of Worship:  ChrisTomlin.com New album: Miracle of Love: Christmas Songs of Worship    Tom & Pam Banwart COVID-19 Pandemic   Interview Quotes: “When I come to try to write songs, I'm always thinking, I want to write songs that bring worship to God, the reason that we have Christmas.” - Chris Tomlin “Can you imagine what Mary must have felt when the angels came to Joseph and Mary in the tree and said, ‘Oh, by the way, you're about to have a baby and it’s going to be the Son of God.’” - Chris Tomlin “I sat down and I thought, Here's a moment to write a song that's really personal to me, [because] my Christmas baby is coming, but [it] also has a parallel of Jesus coming at Christmas as well.” - Chris Tomlin “Jesus is the greatest miracle that's ever happened to the world.” - Chris Tomlin "When COVID-19 hit, we didn't know what to do, we were afraid. The thought that just kept coming to me was, What a wonderful opportunity for us as Christians, that God gave us this chance to fight the spiritual battle." - Tom Banwart “The best thing for me in my life has been the consistency of Christ. And He has consistently been there, no matter what I'd done, where I'd been or anything. He's been there, and they need to know that they had that, too.” - Tom Banwart, on praying for first responders and patients outside their local hospital ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trying to follow God’s direction for our lives can feel a little intimidating. Are we sure we’re doing what He wants us to do? Are we on the path He’s charted out for us? Carlos Whittaker had built a successful and passion-filled career as a worship leader, so when he felt God’s nudge to go in a different direction, he took the plunge—only to be met with confusion and a bank account that was rapidly draining. But Carlos didn’t waver from his calling, and he was given a huge opportunity that changed the trajectory of his entire life. Pastor Sheryl Brady serves at a campus of Potter’s House in Dallas, TX, sharing God’s hope and goodness with the community. But when Pastor Brady experienced a dark season of loss, she struggled to share the message that once came with ease, and began to grow distant from God. But as she held onto the truth she knew deep down—that God loved her and she loved Him—Pastor Brady found the strength to be open and honest about her pain, and it led her to immense healing.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Sarah Young Parable.com Recommended interview: John Maxwell Upcoming interview: Chris Tomlin Carlos Whittaker   New Book: Enter Wild Colón, Panama LAX  L.A. Community College Monterrey, Mexico First Bilingual Baptist Church Integrity Music Hillsong United John Mark McMillan  Jeremy Camp The Newsboys My Utmost for His Highest Elevation Church North Point Community Church Cross Point Church WhiteHouse.gov Song: ”What Can Wash Away My Sins? Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” John 10:10 Compassion International   Sheryl Brady New Book: Don't Miss the Moment Potter’s House Bishop T.D. Jakes Romans 8:38   Interview Quotes: “I prayed about it one day, and I felt very clearly the Lord telling me, ‘They're right, you are supposed to be a speaker and an author next. That is the next thing I have for you.’” - Carlos Whittaker “It doesn't matter how long you're in the wilderness. If the Lord has promised you something, He will come through with it.” - Carlos Whittaker “When the Lord tells you to do something scary, I promise you the risk is worth it.” - Carlos Whittaker “We're not called to become Christians and wait for heaven. We actually are called to become Christians and bring heaven. And that potential and opportunity with the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives is available to us.” - Carlos Whittaker “Life to the full has nothing to do with the abundance of things and everything to do with accessing the King.” - Carlos Whittaker “We've got the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith in the sword of the Spirit. And all of these things will allow us to be strong, not in our might, but in the strength of God.” - Carlos Whittaker “I feel like so many times we underestimate and we undervalue the moments that God has given us. Moments are small enough to be missed, and yet there they are big enough that one minute can change your life forever.” - Sheryl Brady “I realized that God is sovereign and I can't make Him do anything. But I also realized that if I would let Him, He would walk me through the decisions He makes that I don't understand.” - Sheryl Brady “If you're grieving and you feel isolated and you feel like it's easier to isolate yourself, it might be easier to isolate yourself, but don't do it because somebody around you has what you need to help you get through this moment.” - Sheryl Brady _______________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________    Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We all struggle with insecurities and feeling like we aren’t enough. But we serve a God who loves us regardless of how much we love ourselves. And He can still use us, even when we don’t feel equipped. Mike Weaver, lead singer of the Dove-Award winning group Big Daddy Weave, lived much of his life from a place of low self-esteem, always comparing himself to others and wishing he looked different. But he had a special and unexpected moment with God when he realized that God doesn’t just love him—He likes him, too. That realization helped Mike begin to appreciate himself and his own special gifts, refreshing his perspective and perception of God. Dr. James Merritt, pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Atlanta, knows that more than anything, our character counts, even more than what others might think about us. He shares how we can cultivate strong character, and why standing for what we believe in holds a greater reward than getting approval from someone else. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling iPhone app Jesus Calling book  Sarah Young Parable.com Past interview: Chelsea Crockett Upcoming interview: Sheryl Brady   Mike Weaver I Am Redeemed book by Mike Weaver Big Daddy Weave “Redeemed” song University of Mobile Jeremy Redmon COVID-19 James 4:8, Jeremiah 29:12    Dr. James Merritt Character Still Counts book by Dr. James Merritt Cross Pointe Church Touching Lives Dwight L. Moody Billy Graham   Interview Quotes: “I just never felt like I belonged in front of people. However, worship would give me an opportunity to disappear and still do what I love.” - Mike Weaver “The way I thought other people were accepting me is how I was able to accept me. The way I thought other people were liking me is how I gave myself permission to like me.” - Mike Weaver "I was telling God this long list of things that I hated about myself, and then that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit interrupted: 'Michael, why don't you let Me tell you what I think about you for once?'" – Mike Weaver “Jesus came in and He bailed me out again. He did it again. He broke through for me. And He always is the hero of my story. And so I was just like, ‘God, how amazing that You can bring this [song] out of self-hatred. That's how great of a Redeemer You are.’” - Mike Weaver, on the success of his song, “Redeemed” “We have experienced Him in such incredible ways in that place of need, realizing, Jesus, we need You.” - Mike Weaver “When God looks at us, He's not looking at our mistakes. He is looking at what Jesus has done on our behalf and our identity. Our entire identity is rooted not in our imperfection, but the perfection of Jesus Christ applied to our life.” - Mike Weaver “At the end of the day, at the end of your life, character is everything.” - James Merritt “Character is not taught, it's caught. And the best teachers of character are parents.” - James Merritt “I think it all begins with saying, ‘You know what? Character is more important to me than my reputation. It really is the essence of who I am.’” - James Merritt “At the end of your life, it really won't matter what anybody thought about you. The only thing that will matter is what God knew about you.” - James Merritt ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever experienced the pain of reaching the end of something you loved—a relationship, a job, a phase of life? Looking back, how was God able to lead you from that loss into a new chapter? Entrepreneur and author Zim Flores is familiar with the pain of letting go. A few years ago, she gave up her highly successful company, Travel Noire, because she felt God calling her to move to a new place. Looking back, Zim can see how God worked all things together for her good, which she talks about in her new book called Dare to Bloom. Mental health advocate Kayla Stoecklein experienced the tragic loss of her young husband to suicide, just as he was hitting his stride as the lead pastor of a large church in California. Reeling from her new life as a widow with three young boys, Kayla began to reexamine the way she thought about mental health, and God helped Kayla use her story to begin helpful and healing conversations around this issue.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Other Interview of Interest: Brett Swayn Upcoming interview: Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave   Zim Flores  New book: Dare to Bloom Travel Noire Biafran War Mayo Clinic Bangalore John 15   Kayla Stoecklein New book: Fear Gone Wild Vanguard University Inland Hills Church Godsgotthis.com National Suicide Prevention   Interview Quotes: “I don't think that it should be something that is a rarity for women and men of God to talk about God in a way that inspires people to think a little bit differently about God in their own lives.” - Zim Flores “I would say that my time in India being away from everything that I knew, everybody that I knew, speaking a different language completely, that was where my faith in God was strengthened.” - Zim Flores “Your sacrifice unto God is not for naught. He will honor that sacrifice, whether it is tomorrow, whether it's next month, whether it's five months or a year from now. God always makes good on His promises.” - Zim Flores “I am an open vessel. I think the best thing that we can be for God is available.” - Zim Flores “I believed with enough prayer that God would intervene, that God would save [Andrew]. I was willing to do whatever it took to beg God for that miracle, and we didn't get that miracle.” - Kayla Stoecklein  “Oftentimes there's so much shame and stigma with that word suicide. I think oftentimes the family that's left in the shrapnel is afraid to say that word, is afraid to admit that it was a suicide and tries to hide it up or tries to cover it or thinks it's their fault. And I knew right away that it wasn't anybody's fault.” - Kayla Stoecklein “God was on the move and He handed me this microphone, and I couldn't look away. And so I kept sharing and I really, truly felt the presence of God like I had never felt in my entire life.” - Kayla Stoecklein “We serve a God that can squeeze so much purpose out of our pain and that can turn really horrible, horrific, ugly things into beautiful redemption stories for others.” - Kayla Stoecklein ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.