Faith Over Fear

• How to Trust God When You're Afraid to Let Go: Finding Freedom Through Surrender

  Faith Over Fear Episode Summary Guest: Mary DeMuth Topic: The Freedom of Surrender: 40 Devotions to Let Go and Live Free What if the peace you’re craving isn’t found in control, but in letting go? In this episode, Carol McCracken talks with author and speaker Mary DeMuth about her new devotional The Freedom of Surrender. Together, they explore what it means to release the hidden parts of our lives—our past, our relationships, our daily struggles, and our deepest worries—to a God who can handle them better than we can. Mary shares how surrender became a life-changing spiritual practice, one that moves us from striving and fear into trust and rest. She offers honest insights about how to identify areas of resistance, what healthy surrender looks like, and why God often meets us most powerfully when we finally stop trying to manage everything ourselves. Whether you’re carrying regret, trying to fix relationships, or simply exhausted from worry, this conversation reminds you that freedom begins where self-reliance ends. Resource Referenced: The Freedom of Surrender: Forty Devotions for a Joyful Life in Christ by Mary DeMuth Download your free faith-building resource for all November's Faith Over Fear episodes here Discussion/Reflection Questions: When you hear the word surrender, what emotions rise up first—fear, relief, resistance, or trust? Mary talks about surrendering our inner life—our thoughts, wounds, and private battles. Which part of your inner life might God be inviting you to release today? How can you tell when you’ve picked something back up that you once laid down before God? What’s one relationship where you sense God asking you to trust His timing and work rather than your own effort? Mary reminds us that surrender and freedom are connected. What would “living free” look like for you this week? Which Scripture verse helps anchor your heart when surrender feels scary or uncertain? Connect with Mary DeMuth: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Find her writing on Amazon 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.

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• How God Uses Long Waiting Seasons to Bless and Grow Us

  Do long waiting seasons leave you feeling anxious, disoriented and discouraged, particularly when they involve something for which you deeply long? Obviously, we can't "hurry" God along or "force His hand," but we can learn to wait in a way that strengthens our faith, deepens our relational intimacy with Christ, and prepares us for the very good plans He's forged uniquely for each of us. In this episode, Dove Award nominee, singer/songwriter Jamie Jangochian shares how God used her long battle with Lyme disease to bring about growth and reveal the new dreams He had for her. She also shares how to recognize the lies that hold us back, find inner healing through our interaction with Christ, and view our waiting seasons not as disappointments but divine appointments that prepare us for our next assignments. Resource Referenced: Sacred Surrender: The Practice of Waiting Well with God Reflective/Discussion Questions: What resonated with you most in this episodes? Why might God use waiting seasons to grow us, our faith, and our relationship with Him? What do you typically find most challenging when it comes to waiting well? When have you endured a waiting season that caused you to question God's goodness or His plans for you? How did God use that situation to deepen your faith, clarify or expand your calling, or bring soul-deep healing? Which of God's character traits can increase your faith during waiting seasons? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Jamie Jamgochian: On her website On Instagram On Facebook Follow her music on Spotify Follow her writing on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• God's Presence for Those Experiencing Depression and Despair

  When faith and mental health collide, many believers feel caught between shame and silence. In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol McCracken talks with Chris Morris, author of Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward. Chris shares his raw and redemptive story of battling depression, walking through a crisis of faith, and discovering that God’s grace meets us even in the darkest places. Together, they explore how to dismantle harmful theology, find freedom through honesty, and experience hope that outlasts despair. Resource Discussed: Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward Discussion/Reflective Questions: Chris talked about trying to “power through by sheer will” before realizing something had to change. When have you reached the end of your own strength and discovered the freedom of surrender? Many people tie their identity to productivity or performance. How has God been reshaping your understanding of worth apart from what you do? Chris described a “crisis of faith,” not a loss of faith. What’s the difference for you—and how have moments of doubt actually deepened your faith journey? What are some “theological traps” you’ve encountered—beliefs that sounded spiritual but actually created fear, guilt, or shame rather than freedom? Chris’s friends later asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?” Who in your life could you safely open up to about your struggles, and what would it take to start that conversation? Paul’s story of the “thorn in the flesh” reminded Chris that God’s grace is enough, even when healing looks different than we hoped. How does that truth speak to your current season of pain or waiting? What is one practical step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this podcast episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Engaging in Difficult Spiritual Conversations Without Losing Your Cool

  People often say, "Don't talk about religion and politics in polite company," and for good reason. These types of discussions tend to hit our deepest values. Yet, Jesus also told us to share the gospel to the ends of the earth. We want to live lives of impact, to obey Christ's command to bring His light to the darkest corners of the earth, and to see our family, friends and loved ones transformed by grace. But many of us have ample reasons to experience fear and anxiety when engaging in spiritual conversations. (Or any tense discussion with those who view the world, and issues, differently) As a result, we might find ourselves either shrinking back in self-protection or getting sucked into arguments that quickly devolve and turn ugly. Both responses challenge our ability to fulfill the greatest call Jesus gave us–to share the gospel with those who don’t yet know Christ. In this episode, host Jennifer Slattery speaks with apologist, pastor and church planter Dave Montoya on all the reasons these conversations feel so difficult and have the potential to turn so hostile, how to analyze our unique triggers, and create more fulfilling and fruitful discussions with those who hold a vastly different view of our world than we do. (While Jennifer and Dave's discussion center on the gospel, they believe you'll find the tips shared helpful in most challenging and uncomfortable conversations.) Discussion/Reflective Question: What resonated with you most in this episode? When it comes to discussing big truths with those with whom you disagree, do you most frequently tend to get sucked into a tense argument or try to avoid the discussion, and why do you think this might be? Consider a "truth discussion" when you became reactive or withdrawn. What factors might have impacted your reaction? How difficult do you find it to see commonalities between yourself and those with whom you disagree on issues about which you feel deeply passionate, and why do you think this is? According to Dave Montoya, we should approach anger with caution. Why did he suggest this, and how do you feel regarding his perspective? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Dave Montoya on his church's website Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Courage to Stop Running and Rest in Christ's Grace

  In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol talks with pastor and author Terry Crist about his new book, Now You Can Stop Running. Together, they unpack what it means to stop fleeing from pain, purpose, or even God—and instead face what’s been chasing us with courage and grace. Terry shares his own story of reaching a breaking point when he could no longer outrun what God wanted to heal, revealing that running often masks deeper fears of rejection, failure, or being truly known. Through candid conversation, Terry and Carol explore the connection between honesty, healing, and spiritual rootedness. They discuss how facing our inner struggles can restore connection with ourselves, others, and God—and how spiritual practices like solitude, Scripture reflection, and prayer can ground us when we feel the urge to escape. If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding hard conversations, hiding behind busyness, or believing you don’t deserve to rest, this episode will help you recognize the subtle ways you might be running—and offer practical tools to stop, stay, and be fully present to God’s transforming grace. Resource Referenced: Now You Can Stop Running: Finding the Rest Your Soul Desperately Needs What are some ways you might be running from pain, purpose, or vulnerability in your own life—perhaps without realizing it? When have you felt God gently calling you to stop running and face something hard? What happened when you did? What fear tends to drive your fleeing behaviors—fear of failure, rejection, being known, or something else? How might slowing down and telling yourself the truth—about your emotions, motives, or needs—open the door to healing? Which spiritual practices (solitude, journaling, Scripture, community) help you stay grounded when you want to escape? Do you believe you’re worthy of rest and belonging? What would change if you lived like that truth was real? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Find Terry Crist: On his website On Instagram Follow his work on Amazon 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.

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