Faith Over Fear

Feeling overwhelmed by stress? You're not alone. Studies show that many U.S. adults, across all age groups, are experiencing stress levels that make it hard to function. In this episode, we explore how to manage stress effectively using practical, science-backed strategies and timeless biblical wisdom. Learn what the Bible says about stress, peace, and hope, and discover how brain science supports healing and resiliency. Listen for practical tools to navigate stress with courage, grace, and faith—while living a more productive, peaceful, and fulfilling life. Resource discussed: Stress Less: 9 Habits from the Bible and Brain Science to Build Resilience and Reduce Anxiety by Dr. Charles Stone Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? How often do you "think about what you're thinking about" and how might developing this practice help decrease your anxiety and increase your peace? In this episode, Dr. Stone described various ways we might respond to stress, using an analogy of a rock, egg, and tennis ball. Which of those objects do you most often resemble, and which would you prefer to resemble? How can trust in Christ increase our certainty in uncertainty? If you've practiced creating a healthy distance from your emotions without suppressing or denying them, what have you found most helpful in that regard? If you haven't yet practiced this, what is one way you can do so in the future? What is one step God might be inviting 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 much loss and how many setbacks can one experience before they call it quits? Or, perhaps more importantly, how can one keep going when anxiety feels overwhelming, naysayers chip away at your confidence, and the road ahead feels vague and unclear? Chris Rohman from Sanctus Real and his band wrestled with these concerns and more when they found themselves at a Crossroads between calling it quits and trusting God to do a new thing, proving the truth in their song titled My God is Still the Same. In this episode, Chris shares how God led him through a season of panic attacks and intense anxiety, losing the band's lead singer and record label, to rising again with the strength, focus, and passion that can only come from the Holy Spirit at work within and through us.  Discussion/Reflective questions: What most resonated resonated with you in this episode? In this episode, Chris shared the numerous contributing factors to his season of intense anxiety and panic attacks. How might it be helpful, when experiencing anxiety, to consider the mental and emotional weight of all the various stressors, changes, and emotions we experience? Chris shared how some of his anxiety may have stemmed from the grief he experienced in losing the band's lead singer. If you experience anxiety, how might unresolved grief (over a person, relationship, dream, etc) be contributing to your inner turmoil? Chris also discussed how he had to ignore the voices of naysayers and tune in to the voice of Christ. What might this look like in your life? Chris shared how he found the words of a friend during a particularly difficult time encouraging. Who in your life speaks truth into your soul when you feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or discouraged? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this podcast episode? Find Sanctus Real: On their website On spotify On Instagram On Facebook Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful episode of Faith Over Fear, Justin and Trisha Davis share honest, hard-won wisdom from their book One Choice Away from Change. They open up about the relational cycles that nearly broke their marriage—and the one brave choice that helped transform everything. But this conversation isn’t just for couples. Whether you’re navigating friendships, family dynamics, dating, or your own emotional health, their story offers hope. If you’ve ever felt stuck in old patterns, held back by fear, or unsure how to heal from the past, this episode will help you take that next courageous step—one choice at a time.  Resource Mentioned: One Choice Away from Change: Break the Cycles That Hurt Your Relationships and Hold You Back Discussion/Reflective Questions: What’s one relational cycle in your life that you now recognize needs to be broken? How did the Davises' story challenge or encourage you in your own journey of change and healing? What "one choice" stood out to you from the interview as a powerful starting point for transformation? Did anything Justin or Trisha shared help you identify fear that’s been holding you back? How might you respond in faith instead? How have past wounds shaped the way you show up in relationships—and what might it look like to invite God into that healing process? After listening, what’s one step you're willing to take this week to move toward greater emotional and relational health? Connect with Justin David on Instagram Connect with Trisha Davis on Instagram Find their ministry online at Refineus.org Find Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) 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, but does that mean finding a sphere in which we consistently feel affirmed? We also all long, at some level, to be fully known, but does that mean we must unveil our deepest and most shameful secrets? In this episode, guest Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith discusses these issues along with uncomfortable but necessary set-up seasons, how our trust in God impacts our journeys, how that trust deepens over time, and the most important step we can take in our growth and confidence in ourselves and our calling. Resource referenced: Being Fully Known: The Joyful Satisfaction of Beholding, Becoming, and Belonging by Sandra Dalton-Smith Topics covered: The difference between being known and being exposed The best way to respond to long "set-up" seasons Biblical characters God intentionally trained for greatness How "Beholding" God leads to increased belonging Where in your life do you feel safe to be emotionally honest—and where do you feel the need to hide? Are there signs of emotional fatigue showing up in your body, relationships, or spiritual life? How might God be inviting you to rest? What fears or past experiences might be holding you back from letting others—or God—truly know you? Have you experienced a “set apart” season? Looking back, how did God use that time to shape or strengthen you? How does the idea of “belonging” resonate with you right now? Do you feel like you’re striving to fit in, or are you resting in God’s acceptance? What might it look like for you to intentionally behold God this week—and how could that impact how you see yourself and others? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith On her website Instagram YouTube Find her books on Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Does joy ever feel risky, like a lovely bonus to an otherwise painful reality, or like something only available when we experience something worth celebrating? What if we make joy not only a regular practice but a powerful weapon in our journey to increased wholeness and emotional freedom? In this episode, counselor, author, and Bible study writer Nicole Zasowski shares how joy impacts our brains, our sense of wellbeing and our trust in Christ.  Resource Referenced: Daring Joy - Bible Study Book with Video Access: What Six Women in the Bible Teach Us About the Power of Celebration When It Feels Risky, Complicated, and Even Impossible by Nicole Zasowski. Key topics covered: Choosing empowered boundaries Why it can be hard for certain identity truths to feel true How we can steward our pain well How to establish rhythms of joy that increase our resiliency, strength, and enhance our relationships. Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? When has it felt daring to choose or embrace joy?  How might setting "boundaries" in an attempt to change someone else's behavior relinquish your power? Consider one of your more challenging relationships. What might an empowered boundary look like in that situation? What might it look like in your life and season to institute a rhythm of joy? What are your thoughts regarding how Nicole defines joy? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Find Nicole Zasowski: On her website On Instagram On Facebook Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.)       Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We've all got an inner critic who, when listened to, can hinder, if not shatter, our confidence, increase our shame, and challenge our ability to accurately hear the voice of God. In this episode, author and speaker Will "Joy" Acuff shares some practical ways we can decrease our negative self-talk, increase our self-compassion, and learn to recognize when our loving Father is calling us out of shame and into a deeper experience of His grace.  Resource referenced: No Elevator to Everest: Shift from Survive to Thrive through Spirit-Led Self-Awareness by Will Acuff What part of today’s conversation resonated most deeply with where you are right now? What’s one small step you could take toward Spirit-led self-awareness this week? Are there any “old messages” from your inner critic you’ve been rehearsing? What might God want to speak over you instead? How might your imagination be part of your spiritual renewal? What would it look like to get curious instead of critical? Who in your life needs to hear this message today—and how can you share it with grace? How have stress and busyness shaped your view of God—and what might change if you gave yourself permission to slow down and simply be with Him? Find Will Acuff: On his website On Instagram Find Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One of the most encouraging truths in Scripture is God's promise to speak to and guide His children. But how can we know when whether or not the nudge we perceive truly comes from God, and how should we respond to periods of divine silence? Can we "miss" His will? In this episode, Reverend Jessica VanRoekel joins Jennifer Slattery to discuss these questions and more, speaking comfort and encouragement for those struggling to discern God's voice while offering suggestions as to how to increase one's spiritual sensitivity.  Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? How can maintaining a pure heart help one hear God more clearly? When have you heard God speak during a time of worship? Jessica emphasized the importance of practice in hearing God's voice. What are some ways you currently practice hearing from God? Jessica and Jennifer also suggested that God often repeats Himself to help us recognize His verse. When has this been true for you? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Find Jessica VanRoekel: On her website On Instagram On Facebook Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever feared your doubts, especially if they relate to your faith? How about a reassuring reminder that you aren’t alone. What if your doubt holds potential to create the faith you’re worried may be slipping away? Niki Hardy invites you to experience rest in the middle of your fear, doubt, anger, or confusion. Resource referenced: God, Can We Chat? A Daringly Honest Guide to Growing Closer to God, One Doubt at a Time Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonates with you most in this episode? When have you had a time when you have struggled with questions that were building up in a challenging time you were experiencing? Have you ever been ashamed of your doubts? Why? How do you personally know if you are hearing God’s voice?  Have you ever wallowed in doubt? Describe how it felt, if you have. When you think about bringing your doubts to God, what anxiety or fears do you struggle with?  What is what action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Find Niki Harding: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On her podcast Chemo Chair Prayers Find Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sometimes, when we look at our world, it seems as if evil is winning. Such thinking has the potential to sideline us and leave us feeling defeated. Scripture, however, assures us of three unshakable truths: All the forces of darkness combined will not and cannot extinguish God's light, His children bring His light with them into every encounter, and He will empower the willing heart to dramatically impact our world for generations to come. In this episode, join host Jennifer Slattery as she talks with Dr. Romney Ruder, president of Lifeline Global Ministries, who God is using, along with his ministry, to radically transform some of the "hardest" hearts in the United States while breaking generational patterns of trauma and incarceration that leave wounded children at significant risk for future incarceration. What if the next revival breaks out in our prisons? How might this change at risk families and youth, our communities, and our nation? (Scroll down for discussion questions.) Find out more about Lifeline Global Ministries, including how to get involved on their website. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? How familiar are you with prison ministries? Did anything Dr. Ruder shared surprise you, and if so, how? What does the impact the gospel is having in United States' prisons reveal regarding God's heart? How can engaging in ministry to the broken help increase one's sense of hope in today's challenging climate? How can engaging in ministry in such places increase one's intimacy with Christ? How might God be inviting you, your family, and/or your faith community to join Him in what He is doing to transform families broken by generational sin, dysfunction, and incarceration? What is one action step He might be inviting 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 we experience trauma, our world can feel shaky and our future uncertain. We might fear we'll never again experience joy and peace. But Jesus promised all of His followers thriving life, and has the power to heal the most wounded places in our soul. In this episode, join Jennifer Slattery as she speaks with guest, therapist, and sexual trauma survivor Lisa Saruga on how trauma effects the brain and steps survivors can take to not just survive their trauma, but experience more of the thriving life for which they were created. Resource referenced: The Trauma Tree by Lisa Saruga Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? Why might it be challenging to recognize and acknowledge when we've experienced trauma? How might it be helpful to recognize our emotional triggers as the result of trauma suffered? How has, or might, journaling help you process through challenging emotions and experiences? Why might it be helpful to journal your emotions AND biblical truth? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Lisa Saruga: On her website On Facebook On Instagram On Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.