Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

Our journey of faith can be a long, slow process, or one where a single life event can jar us into discovering our true relationship with God. Singer Gloria Gaynor, the voice behind one of the world’s most powerful anthems, “I Will Survive,” knows what it’s like to be moved into a space where she needed to know about “this Jesus” she had heard about all her life and if she really believed who He said He was. Former physician Jeff Huxford also knows, all too well, what it was like to have a “comfortable” faith, until a devastating accident turned his world upside down and caused him to reassess everything. Through both their stories, we’ll see how they arrived at a place of deep trust in Jesus—when everything else was going awry in their lives—and how God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness helped them survive their toughest moments.  Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling (Textured Gray Leathersoft): Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Full Scriptures) Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling interview with NFL Mark Herzlich and his wife Danielle Gloria Gaynor Gloria's new gospel album, "Testimony" Jason Crabb, Bart Millard, & Yolanda Adams “He Won’t Let Go” ft. Bart Millard    “I Will Survive” Video “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” by Frankie Lymon “Save Your Love For Me” by Nancy Wilson  Isaiah 7:14 on BibleGateway   Jeff Huxford Finding Normal: An Uninvited Change, An Unexpected Outcome “Traumatic Brain Injury” – The Mayo Clinic   Interview Quotes: “Children don't know they're poor, as long as they're loved. So we didn't know we were poor, because we were very much loved.” - Gloria Gaynor “I just wanted somebody to hear me sing. I didn't care about accolades or applause, I just wanted somebody to hear me sing.” - Gloria Gaynor “So I was just leaving [my problems] up to Him. I was fully assured that God would do something, I just didn't know what.” - Gloria Gaynor “I like songs that are meaningful, that have lyrics, that touch people's hearts, and that have good melodies.” - Gloria Gaynor  “My pastor AR Bernard says, ‘If you want to be successful in life, find out what God is doing and get in on it.’” - Gloria Gaynor “He is so faithful. It is incredible how He is always there for you.” - Gloria Gaynor “When God has a timetable, and you run out ahead of God, you end up out there by yourself.” - Gloria Gaynor “Hold on. Stay on the path. Keep the faith, and know that He won't let go.” - Gloria Gaynor “My head went through the open window, slammed against the concrete pole, and I suffered a traumatic brain injury.“ Jeff Huxford “After a brain injury, the [affected] person essentially becomes a new person. Who they were before is a thing of the past.” - Jeff Huxford “My faith was based more on the don'ts rather than the do's.” - Jeff Huxford “I like the way Jesus Calling seems to make you slow down, rest, and think about what Jesus is trying to tell you right now.” - Jeff Huxford “I grew up believing that it makes you uncomfortable, don't do it. But the truth is, there's a lot of things in the Bible that God calls us to do. And it's not always going to be comfortable, because He knows that when we do things that are uncomfortable, that's when we grow, and our faith gets stronger.” - Jeff Huxford ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0  Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O  ________________________  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.

Even after we know Jesus, many of us struggle with mistakes from our past. It seems like those memories will always haunt us and influence decisions we make. How do we learn to let go of the past and let God guide our future? This week’s guest, singer/songwriter Matt Maher, shares how we can use our experiences and the constant presence of a supporting, loving God to become a blessing to others, whether we’re sharing our resources or learning to forgive our parents (and ourselves). In this episode, we’re reminded that God believes in us and He can help us peel back the layers of our souls; using our present to heal our past.    Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling (Textured Gray Leathersoft): Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Full Scriptures) Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling interview with Jay DeMarcus & Kim Walker-Smith   Singer/Songwriter Matt Maher Echoes album Newfoundland St. Johns, Newfoundland Benedictine Order  Arizona State University   Interview Quotes: “One of the most important things that I learned in growing up in Newfoundland, you treat everyone as if you are encountering the face of God.” - Matt Maher “I think there were plenty of times when I didn't realize how much God believed in me.” - Matt Maher “When it comes to the psychology of faith and how faith develops, a lot of us end up having very stunted experiences of growth. And we don't even realize that subconsciously, we're still praying and talking with God the same way that we did when we were four or five years old.” - Matt Maher “There was just a lot of undoing that God needed to do. He needed to peel back a lot of layers, there was a lot of inner monologues where I was speaking for Him.” - Matt Maher “I've always said that songwriting comes out of the overflow of the human heart that [comes from] spending time with God. And that's how I express. That's how God made me, to express life and process the things that I see or the things that I'm going through.” - Matt Maher “For me, fatherhood has been one of the ways in which God has brought a lot of healing into my life, as I've been able to lean into faith and grace and extend that to my kids. God uses those moments in the present. He repairs the past.” - Matt Maher ______________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0  Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O  ________________________  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.

As people of faith, we can talk about some of life’s hardest moments openly, knowing when we share our struggles, our friends and family will rally around us. But what do we do when we have questions and doubts about our faith? Where will we find acceptance when we question the tenets of our faith or even the presence of God? God promises He is always near to us, no matter what—and that includes our questions and doubts. This week’s guests, pastors and writers Erwin McManus and Dominic Done, talk about the battles we fight to find hope and answers. And they remind us when we seek God, even in the midst of our hardest moments, we can find His peace, which passes all understanding.   Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call Jesus Calling interview with Bishop T. D. Jakes & worship leader Don Moen   Erwin McManus Mosaic Church (Los Angeles, CA) The Way of the Warrior: An Ancient Path to Inner Peace Boulevard of Broken Dreams   Dominic Done Westside: A Jesus Church When Faith Fails: Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt James K. A. Smith Doubting Thomas Bible Gateway C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed Friedrich Nietzsche Existential Nihilism vs. Atheism Worldviews   Interview Quotes: “The reason there are wars that rage all around us is that there are wars that rage within us.” Erwin McManus “The battle for peace is exactly that: it's a struggle, it's a battle, it's a daily engagement for peace within your soul.” - Erwin McManus ”For hope to exist, it has to be in the future. When our hope is placed in the past, it turns into regret.” - Erwin McManus “I'm convinced the reason we're created in the image of God is that we're imagined by God to create” - Erwin McManus “Anyone who ever aspires to do anything meaningful is going to have the loss of a dream. One huge challenge is to not put your identity in the dream, because if your value as a human being is based on the dream you're pursuing, then your value is really fragile.” - Erwin McManus “Many of us can identify and relate to a guy like Doubting Thomas. We want a deeper form of faith, but we also don't know what to do with our struggles and our questions.” - Dominic Done “I think it takes wisdom to learn how to live in the tension of an unresolved faith.” - Dominic Done “I would actually argue that God designed [us] in such a way that questions are born and that questions can lead us into a deeper, richer, more meaningful relationship with God.” - Dominic Done “I would argue that the mystery in a relationship is actually what makes a relationship beautiful.” - Dominic Done “We get so obsessed with wanting all the answers. But it's not about having every single answer. It's about the wrestle. It's about the struggle. It's about intimacy with God.” - Dominic Done “I'm learning that God is speaking, but I'm not always listening.” - Dominic Done ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0  Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O  ________________________  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.

Some moments feel like you’re playing in a big game. It’s the 4th quarter, your team is down by 6, and you’re the quarterback—the outcome rests on your shoulders. You’ve spent hours watching your opponent on film, and you’ve played against them for nearly 60 minutes. You’ve been watching their patterns and strategies, and you come up with a play you’re certain will outsmart them and lead you to victory—but your Coach doesn’t agree. He gives you another play to run, one you don’t quite understand. So you’re faced with a dilemma: should you run your own play, the one you understand? Or do you trust your Coach’s wisdom and run with His strategy, leaving the game in His hands? Our guests this week, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner and CBS Sports broadcaster James Brown, decided to live according to God’s playbook. And each of their journeys is a testament to the amazing things that happen when we lean on God’s wisdom and trust His timing.   Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call Jesus Calling interview with Mark Herzlich Jesus Calling interview with Erwin McManus Kurt Warner, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback TreasureHouse Organization  James Brown, Sportscaster 60 Minutes CBS Sports Fox NFL Sunday Fox Sports NFL Network NFL Today Thursday Night Football DeMatha Catholic High School Bill Bradley The Cove (Billy Graham Training Center)   Interview Quotes: "When I finally did get to the NFL, it was so much bigger than [people wearing my jersey]. It was, 'How can I use this to inspire and impact other people?'" - Kurt Warner “[I have] this unique story that has a chance to impact more people because of the journey [itself] than anything accomplished on the field.” - Kurt Warner “Every time something goes against us, the first thing we want to do is scream out to God, or blame God, or blame someone else. And [now I] have that constant reminder: Hold on, we've been here before. And you've seen how God has taken something that you think is horrific and [He has] made it into something unique, special, and impactful.” - Kurt Warner  "My [high school basketball coach] stressed those of us playing for him had to have four priorities in place: God had to be first. Family second. Then school, then your sport." - James Brown “Many things that are very simple are really profound and leave an indelible impression, a life-changing influence.” - James Brown “So even though in the work environment, you may not find me running around beating people over the head with the Bible, I pray that I am modeling God's word with all the characteristics being displayed in what I do.” - James Brown “God has got each of us right where He wants us, so let's maximize that lean, that sphere of influence where we are.” - James Brown ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0  Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O  ________________________    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.

In our world, it’s easy to let others define our worth. After all, we interact with people and get feedback on our performance all day long at work, at school, in communities online and off. We feel great when other people compliment us or “like” our posts—but what happens when people don’t like what we’re doing? What happens when we try to chase that affirmation from people and fail to live up to their ever-changing standards? This week, we talk with two actors in the spotlight—Priscilla Shirer and Jeremy Ray Taylor—who try diligently to remember God defines their worth, not the world, and that our days are so much better when we live for His glory and not our own.   Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling weekly Prayer CallJesus Calling Interview with Tony Evans Jesus Calling Interview with country singer Josh Turner and NASCAR driver Michael McDowell   Priscilla Shirer Going Beyond Ministries Overcomer Movie (official website) Overcomer Movie  (IMDB) Overcomer Movie trailer (YouTube) Alex Kendrick  Kendrick Brothers I Can Only Imagine movie Jeremy Ray Taylor Harrison Ford NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner   Interview Quotes: “Sometimes we are wishing away the very things about our uniqueness that are designed to be used for a purpose we can't even comprehend.” - Priscilla Shirer “Each and every one of us have to decide who or what we're gonna give permission to identify us, to label us, to name us.” - Priscilla Shirer “Who you are in God can still anchor you even when there is chaos swirling around you.” - Priscilla Shirer  “What [defines] you? Who have you given that authority to? And in the end, it better be God, because everything else is up one day and gone tomorrow. But what God says about you remains, no matter what happens in this life.” - Priscilla Shirer “I've just enjoyed the creative outlet of doing something different, and yet the same, in the sense that it's an opportunity to still share the love of Jesus just in a different way.” - Priscilla Shirer  “That's what overcoming is. It's having a peace that literally passes your understanding. You literally don't understand how you have peace in the midst of the storm that you are suffering and struggling through.” - Priscilla Shirer “Life on a farm definitely has prepared me for acting. It definitely built a work ethic, I’d say.” - Jeremy Ray Taylor “I recognized [him] and I was like, “Oh gosh, that’s Harrison Ford,” and he's just a normal guy, too. That was one crazy thing that I realized is that everybody [in Hollywood] is just normal.” - Jeremy Ray Taylor  “The more we're around people [in the film industry], the more we love it, and the more we're just able to love on people.” - Tracy Taylor “For us, staying connected to God, that’s important as a conversation. And it’s just trying to keep that focus, to keep that the center of what you do and where you are.” - Tracy Taylor ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0  Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O  ________________________    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 that’s more connected than ever but, ironically, more isolated. We disappear into our smartphones and tablets, ignoring the the people God placed us with right in our own living rooms, schools, workplaces and out in the world. Perhaps it’s easier to tap “like” on a screen than ask someone about their day or how we can help them—but that’s not the kind of relationship God called us to have with others. Today we talk with four women—Laurie Crouch, Victoria Osteen, and Dr. DeeDee Freeman of TBN’s Better Together, and novelist Rachel Hauck—to learn how they’re intentionally cultivating their relationships with others, especially their friendships, and how taking time to nurture those relationships with love reaps lasting rewards for everyone.   Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call Jesus Calling Interview Candace Cameron Buré  BetterTogether.tv Laurie Crouch Trinity Broadcasting Network Victoria Osteen Lakewood Church Dr. DeeDee Freeman Spirit of Faith Christian Center Rachel Hauck The Memory House book Asbury Seminary Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House” book series Once Upon a Prince (Hallmark Channel) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Interview Quotes: “One of the biggest lies that the enemy put in the church is what we have taken from the world to say, ‘Women can’t get along.’ But we can get along. We can be here for one another. We can encourage each other” - Dr. DeeDee Freeman “When you hear someone's story, their challenge, what they've been through, it causes you to understand that person better.” - Victoria Osteen “I believe the diversity of how we are is a representation of what Christ is. And so we have to learn how to come together, bring our differences together, and really share and look like what God intended for us to look like.” - Dr. DeeDee Freeman  “It's so important to find people you can pray with, and that can agree with you to lift each other up.” - Laurie Crouch “If women knew their worth, if they really understood their value in the eyes of God—and that's where it starts. It's not in the eyes of man, but it's in the eyes of God—I believe we tap into a superpower.” - Victoria Osteen “You know, you can hear scriptures all your life. You can read a scripture a hundred times, but sometimes a friend or someone close to you can read it to you and bring out something that you have never, never thought of.” - Laurie Crouch “I believe God is so awesome with the creativity of how He made us so unique, if you will, to bring our strengths and our talents together to make the whole picture of what God truly looks like.” - Dr. DeeDee Freeman “Love is in everything. Is there any story where there's not a love angle, be it parental or sibling or friendship?” - Rachel Hauck “About the time I started going into full-time writing, I was also on this journey of understanding this amazing love story in scripture.” - Rachel Hauck “When you're confident you're doing the thing that God designed you to do, then you can endure the hard times, or the disappointments, or the ups and the downs.” - Rachel Hauck ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0  Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O  ________________________    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.

Every one of us is fighting a hard battle. Day in and day out, we try our best to care for loved ones and spread a little of God’s goodness in the world—and sometimes that load feels heavier than others. But as we stumble around with the weight of our burdens, we forget we don’t have to carry them alone. Our guests this week, author and speaker Matthew Kelly and nonprofit leader Tammy Bullock, remind us that despite the burdens on our backs, we can choose to view our world through the lens of joy. And that joy helps us remember no matter what we’re carrying, God is always by our side, helping to lighten the load.    Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call Jesus Calling Interview Candace Payne Matthew Kelly Dynamic Catholic Rediscover the Saints: Twenty-Five Questions That Will Change Your Life book   Tammy Bullock Nashville Rescue Mission Bible Gateway – Philippians 4:13 Marian Love artist Sony Records Brentwood Baptist Church Preston Taylor Ministries   Interview Quotes: “Humanity is broken and messy.” - Matthew Kelly   “I still believe the gospel of Jesus Christ is the best way to live." - Matthew Kelly    “I think it's very important that we monitor our joy, that we stay attentive to our joy.” - Matthew Kelly   “If we're mindful that everyone we meet is carrying a heavy burden, we treat people with a different gentleness or with a different respect.” - Matthew Kelly   “We talk about having a personal relationship with God, but it's hard to connect to that sometimes, and I think [Jesus Calling] effortlessly creates that connection and creates a bridge.” - Matthew Kelly    “In any situation we turn to God and say, ‘God, what do you want me to do right now?’ And if we just set aside self-interest, what we feel like doing, what we want to do, and we just do what we feel God is calling us to do in that moment, we've created a holy moment.” - Matthew Kelly   “The saints didn't live holy lives. They lived holy moments, and between the holy moments.” - Matthew Kelly   “But we all are called to be saints in the way Paul envisioned in his letters. I think that’s a concept that needs to be rediscovered, because it leads us to understand that we have a part to play in the revitalization of our society and the renewal of our world.” - Matthew Kelly    “As Christians and as a society, we need to give our leaders permission to be human, because we'll see an astounding new authenticity if we do.” - Matthew Kelly    “The spirit of God's relationship with [humanity] throughout the Judeo-Christian tradition has always been one of collaboration.” - Matthew Kelly   “At nine years old, I understood [the meaning of] faith: a hope for something I cannot see, but I can believe it.” - Tammy Bullock    “If You will save me, I will use this voice You have given me. I will use my voice, my speaking voice, all that I am to bring You glory." - Tammy Bullock   “Some of her last words I can remember [my mom] saying to me are, ‘Tammy, don't scratch with the chickens. You were made to soar.’” - Tammy Bullock   “I have seen so many women feel loved, feel embraced, and feel as if Jesus is talking to them. [Jesus Calling] is very personal, and they need to feel loved because perhaps each woman, depending upon her life story, has never felt loved unconditionally.” - Tammy Bullock ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0  Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O  ________________________    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.

When God created our world, the first thing He said was, “Let there be light.” And since then, the people of God have been beating back the darkness by shining His glorious light. This week, three music artists—Anthony Evans and duo Jenny & Tyler—tell us how they came to the realization of their calling, and why it’s so meaningful to them to spread Christ’s light to others.   Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Always Prayer Calendar Anthony Evans Dr. Tony Evans Dr. Lois Evans NBC’s The Voice  Unexpected Places book Press Release:  Anthony Evans as ‘Beast’ in Beauty & the Beast Live Tour   Promise Keepers International Justice Mission Bible Gateway JC Interview with Another Artist Spreading God’s Light: Ellie Holcomb   Jenny and Tyler  Official Music Video:  Waters Roll Interview Quotes: “I have never tried to take on the identity of my parents or siblings, because I know that God has created me with a very unique build, and [it’s] the same thing with you.” - Anthony Evans   “I believe that my faith and my abilities were not just built for inside of the four walls of a church.” - Anthony Evans   “I'm always challenged to make sure I'm not compromising my faith in order to connect.” - Anthony Evans   “I define success by, Am I at peace internally? Because you can't go out and write a check for peace after you do the biggest thing in the world.” - Anthony Evans   “I have people in my life here in LA, in Hollywood who don't know church, but [Jesus Calling] has impacted their life.” - Anthony Evans    “When you step boldly into the unknown, God is always faithful to light up the next step.” - Anthony Evans    “When we know that we have been crucified with Christ and it's no longer us who live but Him who lives in us, it's a lot easier to live beyond our circumstances and live in hope and in victory.” - Tyler Summers     “I think we'll never get past that message of ‘Abide in Me.’” - Tyler Summers    “It's so easy to hide behind the artist facade, or to look at ourselves as artists instead of as children of God who are loved deeply.” - Tyler Summers ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0  Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O  ________________________    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.

The farther we get into our faith journeys, the more difficult and complex they seem to be. Obstacles block our paths, daylight dims and the road grows hard to see. But after a while in the dark, the light of dawns breaks through the night, warming the world and showing the way forward. God’s love is that light for our paths, and our guests this week—adventurer Bear Grylls and musician Rhonda Vincent—remind us that even when challenges barrage our faith, we can choose to stay on the road and follow the path He laid for us.   Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books   CMAfest   Bear Grylls Man vs Wild TV Show Running Wild TV Show Soul Fuel daily devotional   Rhonda Vincent Live at the Ryman with Bluegrass Legends Ryman Auditorium “Where I Come From” song   Interview Quotes: “But the great message of grace is that through all of that, somehow despite ourselves, despite our fallenness, we're actually still held, and we're still forgiven.” - Bear Grylls   “If I ever sense the presence of God, it’s actually in relationships,” - Bear Grylls   “The journey of faith can be sort of a difficult one to navigate.” - Bear Grylls   “The moments you think would be the greatest triumphs have often been in my place of real doubt and struggle.” - Bear Grylls    “Somehow through the fog of being a human being, I choose to trust in this message of grace and this message of love.” - Bear Grylls   “I have seen so many blessings and miracles that God has given us.” - Rhonda Vincent   “I am so thankful that I have that faith, and I got to have the Bible as a guide and as a road map of life.” - Rhonda Vincent   “I love the connections that that music brings.” - Rhonda Vincent   “[When you’re an artist] there becomes a responsibility and expectation to make sure, number one, that you are representing yourself [well. I think], How does God perceive me? “ - Rhonda Vincent  ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0  Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O  ________________________    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.

When life brings us to our knees, it’s nearly impossible to remember that one day the pain won’t feel as sharp, and somehow we’ll find new life beyond the sorrow. In fact, God can redeem our darkest moments by bringing love and joy and newfound purpose to our days. That’s what He’s done for our guests this week: pastor and author Jonathan Pitts, who recently lost his 38-year-old wife author Wynter Evans Pitts, and entrepreneur John Hill, who struggled to find his way in life until He trusted God for each moment.    Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Always    CMAfest   Jonathan Pitts  Church of the City, Franklin TN Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage Book For Girls Like You organization Anthony Evans, Jr. singer & artist Mitral Valve Prolapse (Mayo Clinic) Factor V Lieden (Mayo Clinic) Urban Alternative (Tony Evans)   John Hill The Good Contractors List C12 Group   Interview Quotes: “Our identity, although it included our race, had nothing to do with our race. Our identity was much deeper than that.” - Jonathan Pitts   “It would take me years to discover just the level of woman that I married.” - Jonathan Pitts   “The beautiful thing of our marriage wasn't that it was perfect, but it was progressional.” - Jonathan Pitts     “Wynter accomplished her mission and God called her home.” - Jonathan Pitts    “[Slowing down] allows my girls to grieve even better, because with me being present, that allows me to be there for them.” - Jonathan Pitts    “As hard as it's been [to lose a wife and mother], there's been a lot of sorrow, but there's been a ton of joy coupled with it.” - Jonathan Pitts     “As a teenager, I started falling away from God, realizing, If it's black or white, there's no way I'm ever gonna make it to heaven.” - John Hill   “I just want to love You like I loved You when I was a kid, before I knew what sin was, before I knew what all this stuff was.” - John Hill   “I want to live every day--not just be alive.” - John Hill   “We get way too involved in trying to help God. God doesn't need our help. He needs our obedience.” - John Hill ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0  Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O  ________________________    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.