Faith Over Fear

God understands that we live in a world that often feels frightening and overwhelming, but He doesn't want us to become enslaved by fear. But neither does He expect us to simply will ourselves into a state of peace and inner calm. Instead, He with each verse in which He says, "Do not be afraid", He provides important truths that enable us to live with the courage and confidence of a well-cared for...

How can we maintain faith when our economy always seems so unstable? How can we hold tight to God's promises when enduring long seasons of unemployment or when our financial situation feels outside of our control? Join hosts Carol McCracken and Jennifer Slattery as they discuss a passage in Scripture that demonstrates God's ability to provide and how He uses our needs to deepen our faith and relat...

Maybe you sensed God calling you to pursue a dream and you began with passion and focus. But then you experienced numerous difficulties and setbacks and started to doubt if you heard God correctly or He ever plans to bring fruit to your obedience. If so, you'll relate to Kristi Wood's story and will gain encouragement through how God met her in her disappointment and doubt.  Grab Kristi Wood'...

Most, if not all, of us recognize, at a soul-level, that we need deep and lasting companionship. When we're weathering difficult relationships, longing for a relationship we haven't yet experienced, or have experienced developmental trauma, our pain and insecurities can make us fear we'll end up alone and lonely. In this episode, singer/songwriter and actress Rebecca St. James and her film produce...

Have you ever thought of yourself as a hope- giver, commissioned to tell God’s story? Do you ever feel weary, defeated or terrified? How do we arise in hope and awaken hope in others? (Scripture referenced: Judges 4:4-9, Judges 5: 6-7) Discussion/Reflective Questions: What  resonates with you most in this episode? How has a time when hope faded motivated you or someone you know into act...

How has insecurity impacted your dreams and your calling? Do you ever feel like a fraud, you don't deserve your position or role, or compelled to prove your competency? These are signs of "imposter syndrome", a common struggle with the power to sabotage our lives and relationships. (Scripture referenced: Exodus 2-4 , 32-33 ; Deuteronomy 34:10-12 ; 1 Samuel 9-10 , 13 , 18 ; Isaiah 41:10 .) Discussi...

The church is supposed to be a safe place where we can experience healing, grow, and encounter God. Sadly, for many people, this hasn't been the case. Unfortunately, they've experienced deep soul-wounds in a religious environment. Join host Jennifer Slattery as she talks with author, speaker and pastor Sam Ranier on the impact of church hurt, how to bring our hurts to God, and ways to tell if an e...

Almost exactly twenty years ago, today’s guest, popular international speaker Carol Kent was thrust into a situation that made her feel as if her world was unraveling. Her son was arrested for murder, revealing just how little control we parents often have over our children’s lives. Though her life felt out of control, she found peace and security through surrender. She discovered God...

Often, the greatest hindrance to living out our calling comes from internal, rather than external, influences. When our insecurities dominate our lives, we become our biggest limiting factor. If you’re familiar with the Bible, you may recognize, intellectually, that you are a radiant, redeemed, chosen, called and empowered child of God. The question is, how do we let this truth define us and...

Do you feel stuck in your pain or like you keep falling into the same relational or emotional pits? When your circumstances triggers certain intense emotions, do you find yourself behaving more like a child rather than the Spirit-led adult you know you are? Or do you simply long for increased joy, peace and freedom in your life and interactions? If so, you'll gain encouragement from Jennifer Slatt...

Do you feel anxious when people suggest that we're living in the end times? Do you find verses related to this biblical period confusing? In this episode beloved pastor Max Lucado shares his views and insights regarding God's unfolding, eternal story and our ultimate destination.  Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? How might knowing what Scripture t...

One of my favorite names for Christ, especially during the often chaotic holiday season, is Prince of Peace. It reminds us that our peace is found not in our circumstances or the absence of conflict but instead through our relationship with Him. Advent provides a wonderful opportunity to evaluate our schedules, slow down, and connect in a special way with our Savior.  Discussion/Reflective Questio...

Many of us tend to judge our most intense or unpleasant emotional responses which only increases their intensity by piling on shame. In this episode, Dr. Allison Cook talks with host Carol McCracken about her latest book, I'm Not Supposed to Feel This Way, how we can gain healthy emotional distance when we feel overwhelmed, and options for dealing with toxic people.  (Check out Faith Over Fear's G...

If you experience chronic pain or chronic illness, you understand how impossible it can feel, at times, to hold tight to hope. On our darkest, most painful nights, we can easily feel alone and abandoned by God. Singer/songwriter Katy Nichole understands. In fact, there was a time when she wasn't sure she wanted to hold on and contemplated taking her life. But God met her in that place with a truth...

The stress of the holidays become amplified when we know we'll spend time among dysfunctional people. As Christ-followers, this can elicit questions and confusion. How can we share the light of Christ in a way that feels emotionally safe? Is there a way to reduce the chaos? Carol's guest Pam Farrel believes, often, there is. In this episode, she shares some strategies she's developed in dealing wi...

The grace of God and the unwavering love of a praying mom pulled Chad Mattson out of addiction and transformed him into a dad, husband, and musician who now lives to proclaim all the Lord has done. His story speaks hope to those who feel they've fallen too far to start again, those who remain chained to their past mistakes, and who, like Mattson, are learning, perhaps for the first time, to become...

Do you find yourself battling loneliness and long for deeper connections? Do you struggle going deeper in your current relationships and wonder why tension often invades certain interactions? In this episode, host Carol McCracken talks with author and Bible teacher Becky Harling about our longing to connect, things that can hinder our connections, and practical ways we can build deeper relationshi...

How do we navigate the loss of those we love and the evil we encounter in this world? How can we choose faith when our hearts ache and we don't have all the answers? In this episode, Brandon Heath shares how he answered those questions after the loss of his parents and a school shooting that hit much too close to home.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflection questions.) Resources referenced: Raisi...

Fear and anxiety will come. We'll all face challenges that leave us feeling unsettled and unsure. How can we prepare ourselves to face those challenges well? In this episode, host Carol McCracken talks with Bible teacher Kathy Howard on the benefits available to us in Christ. (Scroll down for discussion questions.) Find Kathy Howard: On her website On Facebook On Instagram On Amazon Find Carol McC...

If you've ever watched a loved one endure the pain of depression, you can understand the anxiety, fear and heartache author and comedian Kristina Kuzmic experienced when her son developed depression. Eventually, his mental health deteriorated to the point that she felt compelled to have her son committed to inpatient care. In her recent book, "I Can Fix This" she shares their journey with transpar...

We all have a God-given need to live a life of purpose. While we can engage in numerous honorable tasks, nothing will fulfill us quite like living authentically as God created us, expressing the gifts He's given us, and pursuing the passions He implanted in our souls. In this episode, host Carol McCracken talks with South African writer and pastor Trevor Hudson on how we can discern God's will for...

Regardless of how out-of-control our world appears, God still sits on the throne and is working out His life-giving plan. What's more, He wants to use us to bring hope and light to others. Join host Carol McCracken and guest Robert J. Morgan as they discuss principles and truths that enabled first century evangelist Paul to live with bold faith, joy amid painful circumstances and eternal impact an...

Bonus content! When life feels challenging, or our dreams or something we love feels threatened, our anxiety often tempts us to cling all the more tightly to whatever we fear losing. But after courageously stepping back from music for four years, Mike Donehey, lead singer for 10th Avenue North, discovered the difference between clinging, figuratively, to sifting sand and receiving all God has with...

Every election season seems to grow more unsettling than the previous. This is especially true in a world where AI can create such realistic appearing yet false content. But we can rest in this truth: God retains full control, regardless of who occupies the Oval Office, gets voted into Senate, or sits on the bench of the Supreme Court. As we deepen our knowledge and trust in His unchanging nature,...

We all have those certain relationships that create more tension and anxiety than joy. Sometimes, this occurs with individuals we can't avoid; other times we're prayerfully trying to figure out how to heal relational tension and experience deeper and more fulfilling connections with those who mean a great deal to us but with whom, for various reasons, we experience ongoing conflict. In this episod...