• Encouragement in the Midst of Struggle
    Dec 28 2024
    Episode 3: Encouragement in the Midst of StruggleTheme: Finding and Offering Encouragement During Difficult TimesIn Episode 3 of the Resilient Faith Podcast, hosts Michael D. Davis Thomas and Gabriella Mallory dive into the essential role of encouragement during life's most difficult moments. In this episode, we explore how encouragement can serve as a powerful reminder of hope, purpose, and resilience. From personal stories of receiving and giving encouragement to examining the role of faith in sustaining us, Michael and Gabriella discuss how to both seek and offer encouragement, especially during challenging times.Michael shares his experience in foster care and the life-changing impact of encouragement from his caseworker, while Gabriella recounts how her great-grandmother’s words helped her persevere through tough seasons. Together, they emphasize the importance of faith, supportive relationships, and intentional practices in finding and offering encouragement. This episode is about discovering how encouragement can help us face adversity and continue moving forward, even in moments of doubt or despair.Scripture References:1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”Discussion: How can we actively build each other up during hard times? What does it look like to encourage one another daily?Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Discussion: How does knowing God is with us provide comfort? How can this verse help us to encourage ourselves and others?2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”Discussion: How can experiencing God’s comfort help us become encouragers? Have you been able to use your own experiences to encourage others?Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”Discussion: Why is community important in finding and sharing encouragement? How can we prioritize lifting each other up?Psalm 31:24 – “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”Discussion: How can hope in God give us strength during challenging times? In what ways does focusing on hope encourage us?Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”Discussion: How does this verse remind us that our strength comes from God? In moments of discouragement, how can relying on God’s strength be an encouragement?Romans 15:4 – “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”Discussion: How do the stories and promises in scripture give us encouragement today? What Bible stories or verses bring you hope?Episode 3: Encouragement in the Midst of StruggleTheme: Finding and Offering Encouragement During Difficult TimesIn Episode 3 of the Resilient Faith Podcast, hosts Michael D. Davis Thomas and Gabriella Mallory dive into the essential role of encouragement during life's most difficult moments. In this episode, we explore how encouragement can serve as a powerful reminder of hope, purpose, and resilience. From personal stories of receiving and giving encouragement to examining the role of faith in sustaining us, Michael and Gabriella discuss how to both seek and offer encouragement, especially during challenging times.Michael shares his experience in foster care and the life-changing impact of encouragement from his caseworker, while Gabriella recounts how her great-grandmother’s words helped her persevere through tough seasons. Together, they emphasize the importance of faith, supportive relationships, and intentional practices in finding and offering encouragement. This episode is about discovering how encouragement can help us face adversity and continue moving forward, even in moments of doubt or despair.Scripture References:1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”Discussion: How can we actively build each other up during hard times? What does it look like to encourage one another daily?Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Discussion: How does knowing God is with us provide comfort? How can this verse help us to encourage ourselves and others?2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the...
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Finding Light in Despair
    Dec 28 2024
    Episode 2: Finding Light in Despair

    Theme: Navigating Despair and Discovering Hope Through Faith

    In Episode 2 of the Resilient Faith Podcast, we explore one of life's toughest challenges—despair—and how faith can help us find a way forward. Join hosts Michael Davis Thomas and his sister Carrie as they share their personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed by despair and discovering the light of hope through their faith in God. Michael opens up about his struggle with situational depression and financial instability, while Carrie reflects on the uncertainty and fear she faced during her pregnancy. Together, they discuss the importance of community support, intentionality in building a relationship with God, and practical steps to rediscover hope in the darkest times.Through honest conversation, Michael and Carrie remind listeners that while despair can feel all-consuming, it doesn't have to define us. They explore how God’s presence, prayer, and faith in His plan can bring comfort, strength, and the hope we need to keep going. This episode emphasizes that even in our lowest moments, hope is still within reach—and it's often through our faith and the support of others that we find the strength to rise.

    Scripture References:
    • Psalm 34:18 – "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
      • Discussion: How does knowing that God is near to us in our brokenness bring comfort? Have you felt His presence when you were struggling?
    • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
      • Discussion: How has God’s comfort helped you in times of despair? In what ways can we share that same comfort with others?
    • Isaiah 41:10 – "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
      • Discussion: How does this promise of God’s presence and support impact your perspective in tough times?
    • Psalm 23:4 – "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
      • Discussion: How does the image of God as our shepherd provide hope when we’re in our darkest valleys? What does it mean for Him to walk with us?
    • Matthew 11:28 – "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
      • Discussion: In times of despair, what does it look like to “come to” Jesus? How can resting in God give us strength to keep going?
    • Romans 8:18 – "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
      • Discussion: How can focusing on the bigger picture of God’s promises help us endure difficult seasons? Have you experienced times when your perspective on suffering shifted?
    • Psalm 40:1-3 – "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."
      • Discussion: How does this verse resonate with experiences of being lifted out of despair? How has God set your feet on solid ground after a tough season?
    Conversation Highlights:
    • Personal stories of despair and how faith helped overcome them.
    • The importance of building a relationship with God and finding support from community.
    • Practical steps for finding hope and strength in the midst of hardship.
    • Encouragement to start small and stay consistent in your faith journey.
    Action Items:
    • Spend time in personal conversation with God and reflect on how your dialogue changes over time.
    • Research and find a church community that aligns with your needs and offers support.
    • Maintain consistency in your journey toward healing, restoration, and trust in God's plan.
    Prayer:

    Join us as we close with a prayer for strength and resilience, asking God to help us find the light in our darkest moments and trust in His plan for our lives.
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Finding Hope in the Darkness
    Nov 30 2024
    Episode 1: Finding Hope in the Darkness

    Theme: Cultivating Hope During Life’s Toughest Moments

    In the debut episode of the Resilient Faith Podcast, hosts Michael and Carrie dive deep into the powerful theme of finding hope in life’s darkest moments. Together, they share personal stories of overcoming overwhelming challenges and how their faith has been the guiding light in those times of adversity. Michael reflects on a period of deep despair, contemplating suicide, and how divine intervention and community support helped him find the strength to keep going. Carrie shares her own journey of idolizing a relationship and learning to rely on God for her true sense of worth and purpose.

    Throughout the episode, Michael and Carrie explore the connection between faith and hope, and how trusting in God can help us navigate even the hardest seasons of life. They also provide practical steps to cultivate hope in daily life, from turning to scripture for comfort to embracing community support. Whether you’re struggling to find hope or simply need a reminder that it’s always within reach, this episode offers encouragement and insight on how to stay hopeful and resilient in the face of adversity.

    Key Scriptures:
    • Romans 15:13 – Trusting in God to fill us with joy and hope
    • Psalm 42:11 – Finding hope in God even when we feel downcast
    • Jeremiah 29:11 – Embracing God's plan for hope and a future
    • Hebrews 11:1 – Faith as the foundation for hope
    • Isaiah 40:31 – Renewing strength through hope in the Lord
    • Lamentations 3:21-23 – Remembering God's faithfulness to reignite hope
    • Romans 5:3-5 – How perseverance through suffering leads to hope
    Conversation Highlights:
    • What does it mean to find hope in God rather than in circumstances?
    • How can faith and community help you rebuild hope when you feel distant from your faith?
    • Practical ways to stay hopeful, even when life seems overwhelming.
    • The connection between suffering, perseverance, and the hope that emerges from it.
    Prayer:
    Join Michael and Carrie as they dedicate this episode to God, praying for strength, resilience, and the unwavering hope that only He can provide. May this conversation remind you that hope is always within reach, even in life’s darkest moments.
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    58 mins
  • Resilient Faith Podcast Trailer
    Nov 30 2024
    Welcome to the Resilient Faith Podcast, a space for honest, heartfelt conversations about navigating life’s toughest challenges through faith, resilience, and personal growth. Each episode dives deep into real-life struggles and triumphs, exploring topics like hope, despair, forgiveness, trust, and the power of resilience in our everyday lives. Hosted by individuals who have walked their own journeys of faith and resilience, this podcast brings relatable stories, practical insights, and spiritual encouragement to listeners from all backgrounds—whether you’re a long-time believer, new to faith, or simply seeking strength and guidance. With a blend of personal reflections, faith-based wisdom, and open dialogue, we tackle questions about finding purpose, healing from pain, and building a resilient spirit in a world full of uncertainty. Join us as we uncover how faith can anchor us, how resilience can carry us through, and how we can find hope, joy, and peace even in life’s hardest moments. Whether you’re facing challenges or just looking to deepen your spiritual journey, the Resilient Faith Podcast is here to support you every step of the way. Tune in each real conversations that inspire real growth.nts.
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    26 mins