Faith Over Fear

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:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. How much had you thought about the Holy Spirit's involvement in your life prior to this episode?
3. When has fear hindered you from accepting an opportunity? 
4. When have you responded to an opportunity with faith, and what was the result?
5. How might focusing on obediently stepping where God asks you to today help increase your peace as you wait for His guidance tomorrow?
6. Who is one person with whom you can build a prayer-accountability relationship?
7. 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 said to yourself, "My life wasn't supposed to turn out like this"? Have you ever felt similar regarding a relationship or a career? What do we do when it feels as if our circumstances have shattered our dreams and we're not sure what lies ahead? How can we hold tight to faith when our fears tell us that our God's abandoned us on a never-ending painful road? In this episode, Carol McCracken talks with Sarah Frazer, author of "I Didn't Sign up for This" about a time when that was precisely how she felt, and how God met her in that painful place.

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Find Sarah Frazer at/on:

Her website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Find Carol McCracken at/on:

On her website 

On Facebook

On Instagram

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Discussion/reflective questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. Have you ever expected blessings or life to feel easy because of your past obedience?
3. When you go through challenging seasons, what do you most often tend to fear?
4. When has God used a difficult season to deepen your understanding of His heart or character?
5. When has God used a difficult season to deepen your faith?
6. What Scripture(s) do you reflect upon in times of discouragement or fear?
7. 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.

Christian musician, worship leader, songwriter, and painter Jon Reddick is the guest on this special episode from LifeAudio's "The Walk". What may seem like a random start to his story about his lawn lands home with a message that is always relevant. Our Father in heaven loves us so much that his light, beauty, and glory can literally cover over any of the “spots” we’ve allowed to develop.

"The Walk: Devotionals for Worshippers" invites listeners to travel along and learn how God uses the practice of worship to develop in all of us a deep faith with an overflow of joy.

Please follow "The Walk: Devotionals for Worshippers" on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more inspiring conversations and Christian devotionals!

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever wondered, if the Holy Spirit lives within me, why do I feel so defeated or overwhelmed? If so, host Jennifer Slattery can relate. This is something she's spent much time contemplating and researching, and in her journey toward increased peace, God has revealed to her some helpful truths, which she longs to share with you. She's invited Bible teacher and international speaker Becky Harling back to help finish part two of the discussion they began last episode on learning to live more deeply in resurrection power. 

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Find Becky Harling at:

her website

Instagram

Facebook

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:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. Why is it important to maintain pure hearts focused on elevating Jesus?
3. Why might God "oppose" the proud?
4. Why might God "give grace" to the humble?
5. When have you witnessed someone attempting to use their God-given gifts for personal gain, and what was the result?
6. How might our increasing awareness of God's love help us to live increasingly filled.
7. What is one action 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.

When hardship hits or we find ourselves facing challenging circumstances, we might feel as if we're ill-prepared for whatever lies ahead. Those struggling with depression or anxiety might worry they'll never experience increased joy and peace. But God doesn't want us to live as if we're defeated because, through Christ, we've been given resurrection power. 

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Resource mentioned: Our Father: A Study of the Lord's Prayer (A 6-Week Bible Study)

Find Becky Harling at:

her website

Instagram

Facebook

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:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. How might you describe living in resurrection power?
3. What most hinders you from living more consistently in that power?
4. How might recognizing the power you have in Christ help decrease your anxiety and increase your confidence when facing challenges.
5. What might it look like to "let the devil set the agenda" in a particular situation?
6. How might recognizing and reflecting upon the perfect plans of God, and His power to bring them to pass, increase your peace when you feel under attack? 
7. When has your will overshadowed or confused God's will in your life, and what was the result?
8. What is one action 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.

The most daunting circumstances feel even darker when we feel as if we've lost hope. Conversely, when we hope through our connection with the God of hope and holding tight to His promises, our faith and strength grows and our faith to endure increases. 

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Find Rachel Wojo:

On her website

On Instagram

On Facebook

Find her books on 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:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. How would you define biblical hope?
3. What are some ways you've intentionally cultivated hope during challenging seasons?
4. How can hope help increase our resiliency and decrease our anxiety and fear?
5. How do you feel regarding "wrestling" with God?
6. What is one truth God has given you over the past year that can help increase your hope during painful circumstances?
7. 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.

We all have false securities, modern idols, we turn to when life seems uncertain and we feel anxious and afraid. But while these idols might bring comfort in the moment, they only increase our anxiety and fear because because they hinder our ability to rely fully upon the only One, God, with the power to provide, protect, and care for us. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Find Stephanie Rousselle:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. As you were listening, did any false securities (idols) come to mind?
3. Who or what do you tend to turn to during waiting seasons?
4. What truths regarding God's power, character, and promises can provide a more secure foundation than those false securities and false "saviors"?
5. How can reflecting upon His heart for you help you find the courage to relinquish your false securities?
6. What thoughts or concerns came to mind when Stephanie discussed staying in the wilderness where one feel comfortable verses stepping into the Promised Land, where they feared giants lurked?
7. 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.

If you experience depression, your world might, at times, feel so dark, it seems no amount of light, love, or logic can break through. And if you've ever heard bad advice, or misquoted Scripture from non-understanding friends, you might also be carrying a heavy burden of shame. But depression isn't sin, laziness, nor something one can simply pray away or "positive think" their way out of. That doesn't mean, however, that the depressed individual is without hope. God wants to bring each of us to a place of increased joy, peace, and freedom. In this episode, Wholly Loved's Teresa Baumbach and Kelly Campbell discuss what depression has looked like for them and the steps God led each of them to take in their recovery journey.

Find Wholly Loved (and Teresa and Kelly):

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions)

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. Do you or someone you love suffer from depression? If so, how can you get help and/or provide support?
3. What are your lifelines or anchors you can hold tight to when you are struggling?
4. When you are feeling down, what are some verses from scripture that bring you comfort?
5. Do you have people in your life that you trust and with whom you can share your struggles? If not, what are some other alternatives for you (i.e. pastoral counselor, professional counselor, support group?)
6. Depression, anxiety, and suicide are at an all-time high in our society. How might we share our story of what Jesus has done for us in our lives to offer hope to a hurting world?
7. 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 might you respond if you sensed God asking you to leave a successful and fulfilling career or role to embrace something new, not knowing what that might look like or where He might take you? If you would find yourself wrestling with fear of failure, my conversation with singer/song writer Mack Brock will resonate with you. 

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions)

Find Mack Brock:

On his website

Spotify

Apple Music

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. When have you sensed God calling you to leave something fulfilling or in which you experienced success? What made that challenging?
3. When you feel fear of failure rising up, what other fears are tied up in that? (Ex: fear of financial loss, fear of losing someone's respect, etc.)
4. How can developing a more secure identity in Christ help decrease one's fear of failure?
5. How can deepening our sense of security in Christ, rather than our careers or skills, decrease one's fear of failure?
6. In this episode, Mack talked about how God led him to unexpected blessings through simple steps of obedience. When has God done something similar in your life?
7. 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.

We all have a God-given need to belong. To experience connection and acceptance. To know that we are fully known–at our worst and best–and fully loved. And while this is true for each of us, past wounds and present inner lies can make it hard to fully believe and grasp Christ's unconditional, perfect, all-encompassing and never-ending love. In this episode, Stephanie Rousselle, host of the Gospel Spice podcast, shares how childhood experiences created a fear of not belonging and a distrust toward God. Combined, this made her feel alone and as if she needed to be her own savior. But God patiently, lovingly and gently pursued her and began a deep healing work. 

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Find Stephanie Rousselle:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. How often or consistently do you feel as if you belong?
3. When do you most struggle to feel like you belong?
4. How has or might wounds you experienced in the past impact your ability for fully receive God's love and the resultant sense of belonging?
5. How has or does a fear of not belonging impact how you relate to others?
6. In this episode, Stephanie talked about how she asks God to help her trust Him and grow in faith. How often do you or have you done this?
7. How might seeking God's help in growing our faith or trust increase your healing?
8. 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.

We've probably all has seasons that left us fighting to catch our breath–and hold tight to our hope. During those painful periods, we might begin to doubt the heart, power, and goodness of God. In this episode, Susie Larson, childhood trauma survivor, chronic Lyme fighter, and biblically anchored writer answers the question she herself wrestled with: Is God still good when life hurts?

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions)

Resource references: Waking Up to the Goodness of God: 40 Days Toward Healing and Wholeness

Find Susie Larson:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

Discussion/reflective questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. What lie does the devil most often use to discourage or intimidate you?
3. What truth or truths do, or can, you reflect upon and recite when you feel under attack?
4. In this episode, Susie discussed challenging our insecurities. What might this look like for you?
5. Susie also talked about how the words we speak physically alter our brain. How can you utilize this information to bolster your faith and decrease your fear?
6. Why is it important to contend for God's promises? 
7. 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.

We have had an amazing year with powerful fear-calming insights from wise and experienced guests. In this episode, we share power clips from five of our most popular episodes: In "Finding God Faithful in Hard seasons" with Kelly Minter, we discussed the call to break patterns of generational dysfunction. Next, we heard from singer and songwriter Colton Dixon on viewing disappointments as divine set-ups, taken from the episode titled "Fighting Fear by Holding onto God's Light". Next, Bonnie Gray, host of the Breathe: Stress Less podcast provided insight on how to recognize and change our automatic response to stress. That episode was titled, "Break the Grip of Anxiety and Worry: What You Can Do to Step Stress".

We then heard Pastor John Meader share about a time when he felt angry and bitter toward God, and how God brought him to a place of trust. That clip came from the episode titled "God's Not Done With you".  Last, we heard from one of the most prolific and powerful writers in our time, Max Lucado, on the story of Jacob, known as the deceiver, and how Max relates to this Old Testament biblical character. That episode was titled God Won't Give Up on You". We hope these clips encourage you as you launch into 2024 with godly confidence and hope-filled anticipation. 

(Scroll down for discussion questions/reflective questions.)

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in Kelly Minter's discussion regarding patterns of dysfunction?
2. How has God changed some of your learned unhealthy patterns and/or attitudes?
3. Why is it important to recognize and acknowledge unhealthy patterns learned from our family of origin. 
4. How can we recognize these patterns through a lens of grace?
5. Why it it important to take ownership for our learned behavior?
6. How might God be calling you to increased health?
7. What resonated with you most in Colton Dixon's discussion regarding "flipping the switch" in how we view setbacks? 
8. What is one setback or disappointment you can reframe through the lens of God's love, power, and grace? And what does that reframe look like?
9. What resonated with you most in Max Lucado's discussion of Jacob, the "weasel"? 
10. What is one truth you can hold tight to and reflect upon in the year ahead? 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Throughout Scripture, we see numerous verses telling us not to fear. Most of these encouragements are followed by a powerful why: because our God is with us, always, and all of His power and goodness accompanies His presence. In this episode we talk about plunging our roots deep into His love, practicing resting in His presence, and gaining strength from that ongoing connection–or as Ephesians 3:19 states, that we "may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions)

Find Ava Pennington:

On her website

On Facebook

On Instagram

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When we land in new roles or take on new opportunities, it's normal to feel insecure and ill-prepared. Focusing upon our limitations can cause fear of failure to rise paralyze us. But in those moments, and every moment thereafter, our faithful and all-powerful God invites us to trust in Him to provide all we need to do all He's asked. 

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. When a new opportunity arises, what are some ways you discern whether or not that opportunity is God-given?
3. How might maintaining a practice of worship help increase one's sensitivity to God's voice or "nudges" of His will?
4. How do you tend to respond when you find yourself in a new and potentially challenging situations?
5. What fears most often arise when you embrace new and difficult assignments or take on unfamiliar roles?
6. Consider a past assignment you took on. In what ways did God provide what you need for that role?
7. Consider the example of Moses Jennifer and Teresa discussed. How do you feel knowing Moses began afraid and ended well? 
8. 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.

We can't fully embrace all God has for us today or confidently step into the opportunities He's crafting for our future when we cling to the past. Yet, how can we stand strong and confident in that transitional season when we know what God has called us from but don't yet know where our obedience might lead? Those waiting, unknown periods can leave us feeling anxious and insecure, fearing, if we relinquish that thing, we'll lose an important part of who we are. But this is also why transitional seasons can be so healing and faith-building. 

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions)

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. Think about a time when God asked you to relinquish a major role or activity. What emotions did you wrestle with during that time?
3. When has God used a transitional season to reveal that you were clinging to a false identity?
4. When has God used a transitional season to deepen your relationship with and trust in Him?
5. When thinking about transitional seasons, what aspects of God's character most encourage?
6. In this episode, Teresa talked about how God knows us and His plans for us. How does this encourage or comfort you when you consider major transitions?
7. 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.

Our world provides numerous reasons for us to feel uncertain and afraid. But Scripture tells us we have an even greater reason to live courageously. We have an all-powerful, loving, faithful God who watches over us, wants the best for us, and has the power to bring that best to pass. In this episode, Bible teacher Mary DeMuth shares a unique approach to Scripture that has greatly helped her experience decreased fear and increased peace. 

(Scroll down for discussion/contemplative questions)

Recommended Resource: 90-Day Bible Reading Challenge: Read the Whole Bible, Change Your Whole Life

Connect with Mary DeMuth:

On her website

On Instagram

On Facebook

On her Amazon Author Page

Connect with Jennifer Slattery:

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

Discussion/reflective questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. What most challenges your Bible reading time?
3. When you do read Scripture, how does this impact your understanding of God's nature, heart, and plans?
4. How can knowing God better help decrease our fears?
5. In this episode, Mary DeMuth encourages readers to read Scripture looking for common threads (such as boldness versus fear). What thread might you find most helpful to look for?
6. What anxiety-increasing activity could you replace with Bible reading or listening to Scripture through a podcast?
7. 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.

Do all the parties, cookie exchanges, and holiday meals this time of year prick your insecurities and create anxiety? Do you find yourself simultaneously enjoying home-baked treats and calculating how many hours at the gym each bite will cost? More importantly, do you ever long for the day when you don't stress about your body? In our photo-shopped, filtered, social media culture, is that even possible? Faith Over Fear guest Rachael Gilbert, author of Image Restored, says yes and shares her inside out approach to learning to feel comfortable in our skin, whatever shape it encompasses. 

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Resource Mentioned: Image Restored: Tear Down Shame and Insecurity to Experience a Body Image Renovation. 

Connect with Rachael Gilbert:

On her website

On Instagram

On Facebook

On her Amazon Author Page

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. What body image messages have you absorbed from your social circle?
3. What body image messages have you received from generations before you?
4. How often do you put your thoughts "on trial"?
5. How often do you check your negative thinking against the truth of Scripture?
6. In what ways might a negative body image be impacting your relationships
7. How might your life change were you to feel confident in your skin?
8. 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.

Imagine sitting in a job interview and your prospective boss tells you two things. First, he says the position he wants to hire you for will be challenging and filled with constant opposition. But, second, you will find the assignment incredibly fulfilling–and through it, you'll experience an intimacy with Christ you hadn't prior. Would you take it? As you consider this role, which part of the man's conversation will you reflect on most? As Christ-followers, we're faced with this question daily. Which will we give greatest emphasis–the opposition we'll inevitably face, or the God who stands with us, refines and strengthens us, and makes Himself known to us through it all? In this episode, host Jennifer Slattery speaks with Bible study writer Kathy Howard on the beauty that can come through opposition. 

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Resources mentioned: the Deep Rooted Devotional Series

Find Kathy Howard:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

1. What resonated with you most in today's episode?
2. What Bible passages do you turn to when you feel overwhelmed?
3. How do you tend to interpret opposition: as a sign you are doing something wrong and God is displeased with you, OR, as a normal part of living for Jesus?
4. How might viewing opposition as an opportunity to experience Jesus on a deeper level impact your journey? 
5. What steps might you take to experience God's presence in difficult seasons?
6. What can you learn from Paul's response in Acts 16?
7. What does it mean to have an eternal focus?
8. How can maintaining an eternal focus during seasons of opposition strengthen your soul to remain faithful?
9. Pause to image standing before Jesus and hearing Him say, "Well done, My good and faithful servant. You completed all that I assigned to you." (Engage all of your senses for this exercise.) 
10. 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 we respond to opposition today greatly impacts how we’ll respond to the opposition we’ll face tomorrow. Will we become adept at quitting or stronger in perseverance? And when, in a season of weakness and fatigue, we quit—for a time, Scripture assures us it’s never too late to begin again.

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Resource mentioned: Growing a Joyful Heart: Devotions of Accepting God's Gifts for Abundant Living from Joy Givers Past, Present and Future by Karen Whiting and Pam Farrel

Connect with Karen Whiting:

On her website

On Facebook

On Pinterest

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in today's episode?
2. What are some truths you can hold on to when facing opposition?
3. How are you intentionally increasing your perseverance?
4. How might how you have (or have not) processed past "failures" impact your response to today or future opposition?
5. Why might it be important to remain anchored in grace (rather than becoming consumed with guilt) when in the rebuilding phase?
6. When have you witnessed God rebuilding something that you or others had thought was beyond repair?
7. What did that experience reveal regarding God's heart?
8. What is one action step God might be encouraging 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 is the second episode in a four-part discussion on standing strong amidst opposition. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery and guest Karen Whiting look at two biblical characters (Ezra and Nehemiah) called to a major restoration project, their miraculous beginnings, and how God prepared them for the opposition they'd later face. When we experience opposition, we might feel overwhelmed and unprepared, but often, when we look back, we'll see how God lovingly and faithfully prepared us for this particular season. We can quiet our fears and bolster our faith by reviewing ways we've witnessed His power and by reviewing the truths He's planted into our souls. 

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Connect with Karen Whiting:

On her website

On Facebook

On Pinterest

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Find Wholly Loved:

On their website

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group 

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. Had you been in Nehemiah's position, while in Babylon, what might you have found most challenging about the Jerusalem rebuilding assignment?
3. When has God called you to leave an area of comfort or prestige to embrace a challenging assignment? What truths emboldened you to obey?
4. In this episode, Karen and Jennifer discuss Ezra's miraculous beginning (abundant provision from King Cyrus). When have you experienced a miraculous beginning on a project, and how did that affect your expectations?
5. Jennifer and Karen also discussed ways in which Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer might have prepared him to lead the returned exiles during this pivotal time in their nation's history. When have you stepped into a new role for which God had uniquely prepared you?
6. How might reflecting upon ways God has helped you in the past increase your strength, perseverance, and courage when facing challenges in the present?
7. What is one action step God might be wanting 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.