The Thorn in Your Flesh Is Not an Accident

You’re Not in Control… And That Might Save You

This episode is real. No script. No filter. Just truth. In this conversation, we open up about: * what life looked like before Christ * the pride, control, and identity we thought we had * nearly losing our marriage * the moment everything shifted * how we learned to hear God’s voice * and why surrender changed everything We also talk about: * being hit with sickness as a family and still choosing faith * what it actually feels like when God speaks to you * how to tell the difference between God’s voice and your own thoughts * finding peace when you finally let go of control This episode isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest. It’s about what happens when you stop running and start listening. If you’ve ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of your purpose… this is for you.

Stop Judging. Start Meeting People Where They’re At

Most people say they love others. But they're actually loving a version of people that doesn't exist yet. This episode hit different. Rick just got promoted at Amazon — and instead of celebrating, he's exposing the leadership trap that most people never escape: confusing control with influence. Meanwhile, Amanda gets brutally honest about what it feels like to want your spouse to be spiritually "further along" — and what God wrecked in her because of it. This isn't a feel-good episode. It's a mirror. Meeting people where they are — not where you want them, not where you need them, not where you prayed they'd be — is the most counter-cultural thing a Christian, leader, spouse, or parent can do. And almost nobody's doing it. In this episode:⚡ Why "servant leadership" is not the soft option — it's the hardest one⚡ The brutal difference between grace and enablement (this one stings)⚡ Why you literally cannot serve two masters — and what that means for ego⚡ How to call people HIGHER without condemning them⚡ Parenting without pride (Rick and Amanda get real)⚡ How to guard your heart without hardening it⚡ The spiritual impatience nobody talks about in marriage Jesus never watered down truth. But He never demanded people come to Him first. If you're frustrated with your spouse, burned out on church, struggling to lead at work, or exhausted by your own kids — this episode was built for you. Hit play. Let it wreck you a little. 🎙️ Faith & Figs — Real conversations about marriage, parenting, leadership, and faith. Everything in life, turned back to Christ. Subscribe. Share this with someone who needs it. Leave a review if this hit home. #FaithAndFigs #ChristianPodcast #ServantLeadership #MarriageAdvice #ChristianMarriage #FaithAndWork #ChristianLeadership #ParentingWithFaith #AmazonLeadership #ChristianMen #ChristianWomen #PodcastForChristians #BiblicalLeadership #MeetPeopleWhereTheyAre

The Thorn in Your Flesh Is Not an Accident

You are not broken. You are being refined. In this episode of Faith & Figs, we talk about the thorn in your flesh and why it is not random, not pointless, and not a mistake. God allows certain struggles to remain. Not to harm you. To humble you. To grow you. To draw you closer to Him. We unpack how pain produces humility, why weakness creates dependence on God, and how suffering becomes a tool for spiritual maturity. We share personal stories of loss, fear, pride, and starting over. We talk about careers stripped away, comfort removed, and control surrendered. We explain how God uses discomfort to correct us, realign us, and prepare us to bear fruit. This episode is for you if you feel stuck, humbled, frustrated, or confused about why God has not removed something you have prayed about. We discuss: * What the thorn in your flesh really means * Why God sometimes says no or wait * How suffering produces humility and growth * Why self reliance blocks spiritual fruit * Grace, faith, and why salvation is not earned * Why investing in your soul matters more than success * How weakness reveals God’s power Scripture referenced includes Romans 8:28, Hebrews 12, and Paul’s teaching on grace and weakness. If you are in a season where life feels heavy, this conversation will remind you that God is still working. The thorn is not punishment. It is purpose. Listen with an open heart. Reflect honestly. Return to God. We love you. God loves you more.

2026: The Year of Alignment

2026: The Year of Alignment What if the new year isn’t about becoming a new person — but about becoming aligned? In this first episode of 2026, Rick and Amanda return after a short sabbatical to reflect on a season of collapse, healing, and renewal. After walking through near divorce, separation, career upheaval, and total surrender, they share why they believe 2026 is a year of alignment — not just for them, but for many. This episode isn’t about “new year, new me.” It’s about new prayers, deeper surrender, and trusting God’s will even when it’s uncomfortable. We talk about: * Why God sometimes breaks things before He rebuilds them * How surrender brings clarity, peace, and direction * Why delays and “no’s” from God are not rejection * Learning to adapt when God redirects your plans * Finding gratitude and faith in seasons of discomfort * Aligning your marriage, career, and calling with Christ If you’re stepping into 2026 feeling uncertain, stretched, or called into something unfamiliar — this conversation is for you. “Growth only happens when you’re uncomfortable.” 🎧 Listen with an open heart. 🙏 Pray boldly. 🤍 Trust deeply. ✝️ Align fully.

Is Christmas Really Pagan?

Christmas isn’t about who used December 25th first… it’s about whose name is on the celebration now.In this Faith & Figs Christmas episode, Rick and Amanda unpack the viral question: “Is Christmas pagan?” Using a simple story about a little girl and a school bully, they point to a deeper truth—dates don’t own days, Jesus does. From there, they walk through Scripture, history, and modern traditions to refocus Christmas back on Christ.In this episode we talk about:The story of “Mary & the bully” and what it reveals about who truly “owns” December 25thWhether Christmas is really pagan—or if that claim is missing the whole pointOld Testament prophecies (Micah 5:2, Isaiah 7:14) and how Jesus fulfills themLuke 2 and the beauty of Jesus’ birth, shepherds, and “peace on earth”The true roots behind Santa Claus and the Christmas tree—and how they actually can point back to ChristWhy “Merry Christmas” matters more than “Happy Holidays” for believersKeeping Jesus at the center of our family, our traditions, and our celebrationsThis episode is for you if:You’ve heard “Christians shouldn’t celebrate Christmas” and feel conflictedYou want biblical clarity on the birth of Jesus and the meaning of ChristmasYou’re trying to raise your family to love Jesus more than gifts and hypeYou simply want to slow down, worship, and remember why we celebratePrayer at the end:Amanda prays over you, your home, and your Christmas season—asking God to re-center your heart on Jesus, His sacrificial love, and the gift of salvation.If this blessed you:Like / Follow the showComment and share this with someone who’s wrestling with “Is Christmas pagan?”Find all links and more at faithandfigs.com#FaithAndFigs #ChristianPodcast #Christmas #IsChristmasPagan #JesusIsTheReason #BiblicalChristmas