371: [Formed.] Craig Cooney on Embracing the Tension of Transition, Stewarding Our Hearts After Betrayal, and Freedom from the Poison of Unforgiveness
Jan 3, 2024
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This week's guest, Craig Cooney, discusses embracing the tension of transition, stewarding our hearts after betrayal, and finding freedom from the poison of unforgiveness. They also explore the transformative power of forgiveness, strategies for overcoming bitterness and unforgiveness, and the importance of personal devotional time with Jesus.
Transition is an opportunity for growth and a deeper intimacy with God, despite its uncomfortable and disarming nature.
Embracing the tension of the unknown in transition allows for character refinement, deepened faith, and dependency on God.
Fruitfulness entails abiding in God, reflecting Christ's character, and prioritizing serving and blessing others.
Deep dives
The Importance of Transition and Wilderness
Transition is necessary in our lives because it allows us to grow and reach our full potential. God leads us into transition to expand our capacity and to fulfill our calling. It may be uncomfortable and disarming, but it is an opportunity for us to embrace change and experience growth. The wilderness seasons in our lives are where God works in us the most. He strips away everything that hinders us and teaches us to rely on Him alone. In the wilderness, our faith is tested, and we discover the depth of our relationship with God. It is a place of preparation and refinement, where we learn to trust and depend on Him fully. Although the wilderness may be challenging, it ultimately leads to transformation and a deeper intimacy with God.
Living in the Tension of Transition
Transition often brings uncertainty and ambiguity, and our natural inclination is to seek resolution and stability quickly. However, God calls us to embrace the tension of the unknown and to trust His timing. Rushing the transition or trying to resolve it prematurely can lead to unfulfilling outcomes. God uses the tension of transition to refine our character, deepen our faith, and cultivate dependency on Him. It is in the tension that we learn to lean into His presence, seek His guidance, and discern His leading. Instead of striving for answers and quick solutions, we are called to live in a posture of devotion and real-time revelation, listening to God's voice and following His direction.
The Call to Fruitfulness
God's desire for His people is to live fruitful lives, where we bear spiritual, relational, and emotional fruit. True fruitfulness goes beyond surface-level activity and busyness. It is about producing lasting impact and bringing life to others. God calls us to be fruitful by abiding in Him, staying connected to the source of life. In our pursuit of fruitfulness, we need to prioritize clean hands and a pure heart, forsaking what is false and living with integrity. Fruitfulness requires a shift in focus from self-centered striving to a genuine desire to serve and bless others. It is not about seeking personal success or recognition, but about reflecting the character and love of Christ to the world. Through a life of fruitfulness, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact for God's kingdom.
The Importance of Trusting God as Your Source
In this podcast episode, the speaker emphasizes the importance of realizing that God is our ultimate source of provision and security, surpassing any job, relationship, or status. By trusting in God's faithfulness and letting go of worries about money, affirmation, or position, we can experience a level of freedom and trust that allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence. The speaker encourages listeners to prioritize their relationship with Jesus and spend intentional time in the secret place, seeking His guidance and hearing His voice.
Navigating Transition with Character and Integrity
The podcast also touches on the topic of navigating transition with character and integrity. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights on how to steward your heart during times of transition, leaving one season behind, and entering a new one. The importance of forgiveness and releasing bitterness and unforgiveness is highlighted, with the speaker offering practical steps like making a list of specific offenses, forgiving each one individually, and intentionally blessing those who have hurt us. Additionally, the podcast emphasizes the value of stepping out of isolation and seeking meaningful relationships, trusting that God will work all things out for our good as we stay faithful to Him.
[Formed.] is back to start a brand new year here on the podcast. Joining us in the series are Father Ronald Rolheiser, Dr. Craig Keener, Jamie Winship, Havilah Cunnington, Ian Simkins, and this week, Craig Cooney. Today, we're talking about how to embrace the tension of transition, how to steward our hearts after betrayal, and how to find freedom from the poison of unforgiveness.
