Proverbs 31 Ministires

Do you ever find yourself short of words when your friend is navigating a difficult season? You want to be there for her, be a good listener, encourage and pray for her, but how can you know with confidence what she actually needs right now?During this conversation, Lysa TerKeurst and two of her friends Candace Salamone and Melanie Chitwood discuss the dynamics of walking with a friend through hard times. They also cover helpful and unhelpful things to say and questions to ask.We will all be more equipped to be a better friend after listening to this episode!Related Resources: The pain you're experiencing deserves a safe place to be processed. That's why Lysa TerKeurst created this FREE resource: "The 5 Healing Perspectives You Need for Your Hurt or Heartbreak." When you download today, Lysa will help you unpack the five crucial perspective shifts that will empower you to start changing the way you see the most difficult parts of your situation. We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this

Grief can spark the question: God, when will You see me?Our new friend and author Carole Holiday understands the heartbreaking loss that can make you think, I don't know who I am anymore. Through her divorce, job loss and heart surgery, she has learned that deep grief carves space for a deeper ability to love. Sometimes it's not always the big griefs that threaten to take us out; it's the little ones that we push aside and can go unnoticed that make us not OK. But she shows us how God can bring good back to life through faith, food and fellowship. We think you're going to love this episode!Related Resources: Order your copy of Carole’s book, I Don’t Know Who I Am Anymore: Restoring Your Identity Shattered by Grief and Loss. If you need a little self-assessment, download our free resource: “'Am I Okay?' A 10-Question Self-Guided Check-In.” Connect with Carole on her website: https://www.caroleholiday.com/. Follow Carole on Instagram: @caroleholiday. Pursue your writing dreams, like Carole did, by joining COM

Sometimes it feels safer to follow Jesus on our own.But some of Jesus' last words, recorded in John 17, encourage us to be one as the body of Christ. So what does it look like to make the intentional choice to belong to a community when it feels risky? Our friend and author Katy McCown sits down on this episode to encourage us to with Truth from God's Word on what it means to invest in one another. Katy shows us the power of pressing into the body of Christ instead of pulling away from it — especially when life falls apart. This is a great episode to share with a friend and discuss!Related Resources: Order a copy of Katy’s new Bible study, She Belongs: Finding Your Place in the Body of Christ, today! Download this free resource, "Does God Care?: 10 Promises From God To Remember When You Feel Forgotten," and know that you are completely seen and loved even when you feel most overlooked, and cling to specific truths you can memorize and write out today. If God said it, He meant it. The story of Jesus proves our

Sometimes courage can feel unattainable. But God's Word shows us that it's actually possible to find hope and encouragement in the midst of fear. On this episode, author, speaker, TV and ministry leader Ann White teaches us the seven steps to COURAGE. Grab a pen because you're not going to miss these steps — you'll learn the impact of God's Word and how to apply it so you can live more courageously when facing fear.Related Resources: Order a copy of the Courage for Life Study Bible today! Connect with Ann on Instagram @godgivescourage. We created a free resource for you to download, “3 Bible Study Basics You Must Know.”  Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here!We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

If life has suddenly stopped going the way you planned, this episode is for you.Author Sarah Frazer knows all to well what it's like to look around at your circumstances and wonder how you got there. When her story unexpectedly shifted, she wondered what it looked like to move forward and found herself asking God to show her His goodness. From there, she began to study Moses in the Bible and discovered how God uses the darkest circumstances to proclaim His sovereign goodness. It's possible to grow through whatever detour, setback, heartache or disappointment life has thrown at you. Listen to this episode to learn more!Related Resources: Order a copy of Sarah's book I Didn't Sign Up for This: How to Rest in God's Goodness When Your Story Shifts. Download our new, free resource: "God Will Get You Through This: 5 Devotions for When You Feel Overwhelmed." Connect with Sarah on Instagram @SarahEFrazer or on her website at SarahEFrazer.com.  Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear ho

One of the biggest misconceptions we can have about faith is believing that if we do this, God will do that.But our friend, author and pastor Max Lucado is here to help us see the ways we may have adopted a transactional theology with God. He will show us how to live when we are in the gap between what we want out of life and what we get in life. God has not left us here. Understanding how big God is helps us better know and trust His character. When we view Him rightly, we can truly experience the beauty and riches of being in a relationship with our Father.Related Resources: Make sure to order a copy of Max's new book, God Never Gives Up on You: What Jacob's Story Teaches Us About Grace, Mercy, and God's Relentless Love. Download our free resource with devotions from Lysa TerKeurst, “Chosen, Called & Confident: 5 Days of Believing God Can Use You.” To the woman constantly pouring out, we created a day where all you have to do is show up and be filled. Join us for Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul

It can feel frustrating when you've tried really hard to follow God and it's not working anymore. In fact, it hurts.But God isn't trying to hurt us; He's trying to help us. Often these frustrations happen because we've unknowingly adopted unhealthy thought patterns and ways of living. Like Jacob wrestled with God in the Bible, we, too, have to wrestle with the lies and false beliefs that have taken root in our lives in order to experience healing and freedom. On this episode, author and Proverbs 31 Ministries staff member Ashley Morgan Jackson shares her story of wrestling with God. She helps us identify the lies we are believing and shows us how to turn to God when nothing else we've tried is working. You won't want to miss this episode!Related Resources: Order a copy of Ashley’s new book, Tired of Trying: How to Hold On to God When You’re Frustrated, Fed Up, and Feeling Forgotten. Download Ashley’s free resource: “Disappointed with God” reflection guide. We created COMPEL Writers Training just for YOU! Stay

It's hard to pause and pray when we feel unsettled or anxious.The Bible is clear that prayer is the remedy for a lot of the anxiousness we feel. (Just look at Philippians 4.) But what does that look like daily, especially when we are so overwhelmed that we don't know what to do? On today's episode, our friend and author Wendy Blight shares her story of struggling with anxiety and the unlikely tools she found in Scripture that helped her overcome it. She gets practical on what happens when we remain still and shows us what to do when we pause and slow down. It's in those moments, we will find God's nearness that leads to the peace we are really longing for.This episode is Part 4 of a four-part series; make sure you go back and listen to the other episodes!Related Resources: Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn h

When God doesn’t answer our prayers, it's easy to feel grief.If you have been walking with Him for a long time, it's tempting to want to numb out or give up. But what happens when neither of those options works?If you are exhausted repeating the same prayers and getting less hopeful, or wrestling knowing God can change your circumstances and being heartbroken that He isn't, this episode is for you. Our friend Shae Hill talks about how we can find a gift in prayer, even while we are feeling frustrated and forgotten. Be encouraged that it is possible to hold disappointment and a desire to pray at the same time.This episode is Part 3 of a four-part series; make sure you subscribe so you don't miss what's next!Related Resources: Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn how to in our next Online Bible Study, Rest for Yo

We can pray about anything and everything as often as possible.If God's Word tells us we can ask Him for anything, how do we cultivate lives where we pray bold prayers? What does that look like? And how do we do this? On this episode, Ashley Morgan Jackson sits down with Meghan Ryan and Shae Hill for a conversation on why we can approach God with our needs and how to keep our faith when we get weary waiting for His reply. Make sure you find something to take notes with because this one has lots of practical ideas you won't want to forget!This episode is Part 2 of a four-part series; make sure you subscribe so you don't miss what's next!Related Resources: If you long for deeper connection to God but aren't sure where to start, our new study guide is for you ... Praying Through the Psalms: 30 Days To Uncomplicate How You Talk to God, starting August 7 in the free First 5 mobile app! Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the H

The Bible has a lot to say about prayer.But what does "prayer" really mean? And what does it look like in our everyday lives? On this episode, our host Kaley Olson sits down with Shae Hill, Ashley Morgan Jackson and Meghan Ryan for a conversation about what it looks like to talk to God. We'll open our Bibles, trade some embarrassing stories, and take an honest look at what it means to communicate our desires, fears, worries and praises to our Creator. It's possible that prayer might not be quite as complicated as we make it.This episode is Part 1 of a four-part series; make sure you subscribe so you don't miss what's next!Related Resources: If you long for deeper connection to God but aren't sure where to start, our new study guide is for you ... Praying Through the Psalms: 30 Days To Uncomplicate How You Talk to God, starting August 7 in the free First 5 mobile app! Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments.

We live in a world full of anxiety, and often it can feel overwhelming to try to navigate it.On today's episode, our friend and author Rebekah Lyons gives us practical and scriptural ways to walk through a difficult season of feeling overwhelmed with the chaos of life. She will teach us physical steps and rhythms to try when our minds are running out of control and point us back to God's Word for what is true and lasting. Grab a pen and paper because you'll want to take notes on this one! Related Resources: Order a copy of Rebekah’s book Building a Resilient Life: How Adversity Awakens Strength, Hope, and Meaning. We would love to hear from you! Leave us a review, and let us know how this show has impacted you. As promised, Rebekah shared her Paleo Banana Bread recipe with us! Join our next Online Bible Study, Your New Now: 30 Days To Make Sense of Where You Are and Where You're Going with Nicki Koziarz July 17-August 15, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is

It's OK to want to be seen.Like someone notices you. Like someone cares. Actually, this desire is not just a good thing, it's a God-given longing. Our new friend, author and COMPEL Writers Training member Whitney Akin teaches us how the human need for attention and approval is God’s intentional design and encourages us to live seen by the God who loves us. She will show us a lifestyle of living seen — characterized by confidence, meekness, obedience and a gospel perspective. Don't miss this episode, friends, and be sure to share it with a friend!Related Resources: Pursue your writing dreams, like Whitney did, by joining COMPEL Writers Training! Order a copy of Whitney’s book Overlooked: Finding Your Worth When You Feel All Alone today! Download our free resource, “Overwhelmed, Overlooked and Over It: Five Devotions for the Girl Who Feels Tempted To Quit.” Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Have you ever found yourself asking these questions: What do I have to do in order for God to give me what I want? Why do bad things happen to good people? Did I do something to deserve this?Those questions you’ve been wrestling with come from a belief system theologians call “retribution theology.” That’s a big term, but understanding this belief system can clear up a lot of confusion and pain that you may have been carrying in your relationship with God and your understanding of how He works. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify how this displays itself in your life and how to see God rightly. All of this will show you how to let go of the need for control or to earn His love and favor.Related Resources: Ready to process all of Joel's teaching points? We've got you! Download our brand-new free resource called "Consider This: Why Do Bad Things Happen to God’s People?" to unpack how this belief system may be impacting your relationship with the Lord. We hope these verses to study and reflection quest

It's easy to get skeptical when our life doesn't look the way we expected it to.Especially in seasons of transition, when what used to be is gone and you're not where you want to be yet, you can start to question what God is doing. Nicki Koziarz is no stranger to the podcast, but for those who don't know her, she is an author, a podcaster, a Bible teacher, and a dear friend to us at Proverbs 31 Ministries. Through the life of Moses, Nicki will teach us how to navigate the moments in life when we feel stuck in the "in between."Related Resources: Make sure to order a copy of Nicki’s book Your New Now today. Join Circle 31: a community of monthly donors doing ministry together. Take Nicki's quiz "What season of transition are you in?" Join our next Online Bible Study, Your New Now: 30 Days To Make Sense of Where You Are and Where You're Going with Nicki Koziarz July 17-August 15, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story wit

One in four women experience some kind of hurt from their fathers.If you have been hurt, neglected, rejected or abandoned by your father, it may feel like every aspect of life is affected by that broken trust. On this episode, we welcome back our friend and author Kia Stephens as she teaches us about how to overcome our father wounds through the story of Leah in the Bible. While no dad is perfect, we do have a perfect Father in God, and He can heal every hurt we've experienced. It's possible to overcome insecurity, low self-esteem and perfectionism that comes from our past. And you can connect with God as your loving heavenly Father today.Related Resources: Order Kia’s book, Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God's Perfect Love. If you need encouragement in the middle of what you are facing, download our free resource: “3 Truths You Need To Process Your Pain.” She Speaks 2023 is coming! You need to know how to take the next step; we've got the tools to help you actually do it. Join us online

It's time to let go of your past and move into your future.If you feel stuck in some area of your life or wish something were different, it may be because you keep looking back. On today's episode, our friend and bestselling author Christine Caine shows us how this way of living is hindering us from getting to where we want to go and what we need to do to keep moving forward into God's promises and purpose for our lives. Grab your Bible because you're going to want to follow along her teaching and take notes!Related Resources: Get a copy of Christine's book, Don't Look Back: Getting Unstuck and Moving Forward with Passion and Purpose.  Subscribe to our Podcast Insider newsletter for behind-the-scenes details on what's happening on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast Network, reflection questions for episodes, and more! Download our free resource, “Now What? A Biblical Guide To Process and Apply What You Are Learning." Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

If you long to change but feel like it's just not possible, this is for you.We all have habits that aren't super beneficial, but how do we form new ones when every time we try we seem to fail? On this episode, Lysa TerKeurst sits down with our friend and pastor Craig Groeschel and asks him all the questions about how to live the way you want to. Learn how to make changes when you feel stuck and prioritize when you've got a lot on your plate through simple adjustments that won't leave you feeling overwhelmed and defeated. Change is possible because of the gospel, so grab a pen and paper and join us!Related Resources: Order a copy of Craig's book The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most. Download our free resource "31 Days To Form a New Habit," and learn how to be faithful with what God has already given you so you can see His plan and purpose prevail in your life. Will you make a donation to Proverbs 31 Ministries today so we can continue to help you and other women just like you know and liv

Stepping out in faith is not always easy.But when we do, we get to join in God's mission for the world. For Foster Care Awareness Month, we invited our friend Jamie Finn to share how God changed her heart and opened her up to foster care. There are so many ways we can rally around the biblical mandate to take care of the vulnerable who are in need, and we want to invite you to consider what God may be calling you to personally. Let Jamie's story inspire you to say "yes" to the thing God has put on your heart today.Related Resources:- Learn more about how you get involved by visiting the Foster the Family website.- Maybe you can’t quite put into words what step of faith God wants you to take right now. Download our free resource, "A Guide to Stepping Out in Faith."- Will you make a donation to Proverbs 31 Ministries today so we can continue to help you and other women just like you know and live the Truth of God's Word? Click here to learn more. - Click here to download a transcript of this episode.We want to

As moms, we bear a lot of weight. There are so many different voices telling us what to do and how to parent, and it's easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to every other mom around us. Our desire to get it right is a good thing. Bad moms don't worry about whether or not they are bad moms. Good moms do that. But we don't have to constantly beat ourselves up when we feel like we fall short. Our friend, author and Licensed Counselor Rachael Elmore joins us on this episode to remind us of what is true for us as moms: Even in our mistakes, God is in control. Related Resources: Order Rachael’s book, A Mom Is Born: Biblical Wisdom and Practical Advice for Taking Care of Yourself and Your New Baby. Learn the practical side of motherhood by building your postpartum wellness plan. Download Chapter 3 of A Mom Is Born today for free, and see why “every new mom needs this.” Download our free resource, “What Nobody Talks About: When the Journey of Motherhood Involves Disappointment, Suffering & Loss.” Will y