Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

Choosing Victory Over Victimhood: John O’Leary & Athanase Kadita Tshibaka

This week, we’re joined by author and speaker John O’Leary [https://johnolearyinspires.com/johns-story/]. John shares the story of a joyful Midwestern childhood that was forever changed at age nine by a devastating house fire that doctors said he would not survive. Through the unwavering love of his parents, the kindness of unexpected heroes, and a hard-fought choice to live, John’s life became a testimony to hope rising from unimaginable pain.  Later in the episode, we’ll hear from finance executive and advisor Athanase Kadita Tshibaka [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadita-tshibaka-7b04aa13], known as A.T., who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A.T. shares a journey shaped by poverty, displacement, and profound loss, and the faith that sustained him through imprisonment, injustice, and life-threatening trials.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/] Past interview: Alice Marie Johnson [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/god-can-bring-hope-and-healing-to-anyone-alice-marie-johnson-christina-zorich/] Upcoming interview: Ed Newton [https://www.communitybible.com/pastor-ed]   John O’Leary [https://johnolearyinspires.com/johns-story/] Soul on Fire [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28078628/] Jack Buck [https://historicmissourians.shsmo.org/jack-buck/] www.johnolearyinspires.com [http://www.johnolearyinspires.com]   Athanase Kadita Tshibaka [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadita-tshibaka-7b04aa13] Son of the Congo [https://www.amazon.com/Son-Congo-Journey-Tragedy-Transformation/dp/163763479X]   This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt, call Trinity today. Trinity’s counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps! Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org [https://trinitycredit.org/] TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we’re helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org [https://trinitycredit.org/]   Interview Quotes: “The heroes show up, and none of them wear tights. None of them wear capes. They just look like ordinary friends who faithfully live out the message of Jesus in life.” - John O’Leary “I think when we get burned in life, whatever that looks like for all of us, we can become bitter about it and wonder where God is in our mess. Or you can recognize that God is all over this mess with you and that you can reveal that goodness and that grace and that mercy to others through your life.” - John O’Leary  “I think when you go through a [difficult] event, at any age, it’s easy to really quickly decide whether I will be a victim or a victor to this. Even if you feel like you have no talent, your life is a precious, priceless gift. You have one job, to say yes to being used for good.” - John O’Leary “Your life, in spite of what you’ve been through or done, can be used in mighty ways.” - John O’Leary  “Even though we were essentially living in poverty… [my mother] had to struggle, she had to really work hard. But even with her very meager means, my mom showed me the value of hospitality and the value of generosity. There was never an instant where some strangers came and she let them just go hungry. Above it all, God’s grace.” - Athanase Kadita Tshibaka  “When I decided to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, I had nobody pushing me, I had nobody influencing me except that very still voice, very gentle, saying that was my day of decision.” - Athanse Kadita Tshibaka “Like most people, I am a cracked pot, a leaking vessel, and I need to be refilled by His Holy Spirit daily. Reading the Bible and being attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit helps keep us growing.” - Athanase Kadita Tshibaka ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 [https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7]  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw [https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw]  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C [https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C]  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj [https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj]  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u [https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u]  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj [https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj]  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY [https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY]  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en] Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] How Do We Heal Past Wounds in Marriage? Part 1 with Dr. Dan Allender & Dr. Steve Call

What if the struggles in your marriage aren’t just about today, but about untold stories from long ago? In this episode of “Jesus Listens,” Dr. Dan Allender and Dr. Steve Call explore how past wounds, unspoken patterns, and even everyday tones of contempt shape our relationships more than we realize. The themes discussed are found in their new book “The Deep-Rooted Marriage.”  Guest’s Links YouTube: @AllenderCenter [https://www.youtube.com/@AllenderCenter]Facebook: @allendercenter [https://www.facebook.com/allendercenter] Instagram: @reconnectmarriage [https://www.instagram.com/reconnectmarriage] | @allendercenter [https://www.instagram.com/allendercenter]   Watch this interview on our YouTube channel! https://bit.ly/4pqVSZ4 [https://bit.ly/4pqVSZ4]  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Jesus Calling Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en]   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

When You Hit a Wall, Lean on God: Sarah Drew & Janine Turner

This week, we’re thrilled to be celebrating our 500th podcast episode with actor Sarah Drew [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0237711/], known for her roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Everwood. Sarah shares how her faith shaped her career from a pastor’s kid who found joy in acting to eventually navigating the pressures of Hollywood. She discusses the rewarding challenge of developing her Grey’s Anatomy character, April Kepner, into an honest portrayal of a person of faith, including the storyline of April’s crisis of faith and her eventual return. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from actor Janine Turner [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005508/]. Janine recounts her own tumultuous path to Hollywood, characterized by countless rejections and setbacks. She shares the story of her darkest period, when she had only eight dollars and felt entirely alone, right before landing her breakthrough, unexpected role as a bush pilot in Northern Exposure. Janine’s experience with closed doors taught her to wait on unexpected, better opportunities—proving that perseverance, even through black holes of despair, can take us to where we’re meant to be.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/] Past interview: Erin Hicks Moon [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/trusting-god-in-the-not-yet-and-the-what-if-dawnchere-wilkerson-erin-hicks-moon/] Upcoming interview: John O’Leary [https://johnolearyinspires.com/johns-story/] Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season [https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Listens-Prayers-365-Day-Illustrated/dp/1400254671] Sarah Drew [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0237711/] Eric Liddell [https://ericliddell.org/about-eric-liddell/] Grey’s Anatomy [https://abc.com/show/b7d90f97-dbb2-4ab5-b141-f9cbeae53581]   Janine Turner [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005508/] Northern Exposure [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098878/] Rocky [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075148/] www.JanineTurner.com [http://www.janineturner.com] Northern Disclosure [https://www.youtube.com/@NorthernDisclosurePodcast]   This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt, call Trinity today. Trinity’s counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps! Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org [https://trinitycredit.org/] TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we’re helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org [https://trinitycredit.org/]   Interview Quotes: “The gift of having so many seasons to develop [a character] is you actually have time to sort of unpack and allow someone to take different turns and twists and upside downs. You get to experience a far more human life when you see someone on a series for a long period of time.” - Sarah Drew   “If I don’t have the thing that rooted me and anchored me to the whole purpose of my life, if that somehow comes undone and is shaking under my feet, then what am I doing here? How do you keep breathing when you are so shaken to your core?” - Sarah Drew   “So many people are suffering, so when they welcome a character [into their life], day after day, week after week, year after year, and really become kind of friends with this person who’s walked this path, they’re feeling through it with them.” - Sarah Drew  “In every job I walk on to, I want the folks that I’m working with, the cast, crew, and everyone to really feel a sense of belonging and that they deserve to be there and that they are part of this community and we’re so happy that they’re here and we’re all in this together. I think that’s one of the biggest ways that I live out my faith.” - Sarah Drew  “If God closes the door, He opens the window. There will be a window. There will be the right thing at the right time.” - Janine Turner “I didn’t give up before the miracle because eighty percent of success is just showing up.” - Janine Turner  “[Northern Exposure] became the most miraculous opportunity for me that I think also used my talents in such a way that were dignified, respected, and it had an impact that made people’s lives happier. Don’t let anybody put out your flame that God has given you or me, and don’t give up before that miracle.” - Janine Turner  “I’ve hit this kind of, literally, sort of a wall of blackness where I’m desperate or I’m in a panic attack or I’m crying hysterically. I don’t see the light, I don’t see the hope, but there’s always been something that has kept me from going over that cliff. I believe it is my faith and it’s God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. If I just stick with it, tomorrow will be a better day.” - Janine Turner ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 [https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7]  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw [https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw]  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C [https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C]  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj [https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj]  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u [https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u]  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj [https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj]  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY [https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY]  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en] Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

Unimaginable Loss, Unbreakable Faith: Stephen McWhirter & Courtney Pray Duke

*This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners.* This week, we hear from Stephen McWhirter [https://worshipjesus.life/], a songwriter and worship leader whose early life was marked by deep trauma, addiction, and a shattered view of God shaped by his father’s hypocrisy and abuse. After years of rebellion and anger toward faith, Steven encountered Jesus in an unexpected moment that transformed everything. Today, he shares a powerful story of grace, redemption, and the hard-won freedom found on the other side of forgiveness. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from author and speaker Courtney Pray Duke [https://www.courtneyprayduke.com/], who opens up about the tragic loss of her husband. Courtney shares what it was like to navigate grief while raising three children alone, and how it encouraged her to draw closer to God as a source of comfort when everything felt like it was falling apart.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/] Past interview: Chynna Phillips [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/grace-from-behind-the-scenes-chynna-phillips-tiffany-espensen/] Upcoming interview: Sarah Drew [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0237711/]   Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season [https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Listens-Prayers-365-Day-Illustrated/dp/1400254671] Stephen McWhirter [https://worshipjesus.life/] Lee Strobel [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/lee-strobel-marriage/] Ephesians 2:8 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%202%3A8&version=NIV] John 6:29 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206%3A29&version=NIV] www.worshipjesus.life [http://www.worshipjesus.life] Radically Restored [https://www.amazon.com/Radically-Restored-Knowing-Jesus-Brokenness/dp/0310369517]   Courtney Pray Duke [https://www.courtneyprayduke.com/] www.courtneyprayduke.com [http://www.courtneyprayduke.com] And She Got Up: Shattered by Loss, Restored by Jesus [https://www.amazon.com/She-Got-Up-Shattered-Restored/dp/1400352738]   This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt, call Trinity today. Trinity’s counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps! Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org [https://trinitycredit.org/] TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we’re helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org [https://trinitycredit.org/]   Interview Quotes: “I was the guy that literally would have either cussed you out or tried to knock you out had you mentioned Jesus’ name around me. I literally had this deep anger and this wound in me that really was connected to my earthly father and a broken view of who God is.” - Stephen McWhirter “I’m in this room and I have drugs on the side table next to me. I always say it’s the kindness of a very real God to meet a wounded evangelist son in a place like this. I knew God was in the room, and I’m like, ‘I want to give you my life. I want to quit all this addiction, all this darkness, all this anger, all this depression, and this trauma that I’ve known for so long.’” - Stephen McWhirter “Jesus never healed anyone [from addiction] the same way twice, because every story has a purpose. If it takes you five times or eleven times to fall at the feet of Jesus and you mean it, He’s going to use your story to draw people to Him.” - Stephen McWhirter “There is something truly powerful on the other side of forgiveness. It’s not about reciprocation. Somebody may not say to you, ‘I’m asking for your forgiveness,’ but you have the ability to tear up the debt and throw it away. That’s real freedom, that’s real restoration.” - Stephen McWhirter  “Those early days of grief were so messy and they were so uncharted. And to be honest, I didn’t even know what grief really meant until I was in the place where I was grieving with everything inside of me.” - Courtney Pray Duke “The Lord was so faithful to meet me in every moment, and I could lay my head on my pillow at night and look over the day and I could see where He was when I would open up the Word of God. It was like His promises and His love were illuminating off the page and they were bringing sustenance to my life.” - Courtney Pray Duke  “It wasn’t until I lost everything that my faith grew legs. It was walking through fiery times and profound loss where Jesus met me with strength and love and power and life.” - Courtney Pray Duke “Holding the grief of my kids’ hearts and mine was impossible for me to bear. I learned so much during that time about releasing my children.” - Courtney Pray Duke “It’s just so beautiful when you see a nugget of truth that comes from the Word of God—something that you can remind yourself of what’s true, even when your circumstances look anything like what it is that you’re contending for, to know that this is what’s true. Truth is immovable. It’s not going to change shape and waver like my life does. Truth is truth.” - Courtney Pray Duke  “God can do anything through a life surrendered to Him.” - Courtney Pray Duke  ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 [https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7]  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw [https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw]  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C [https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C]  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj [https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj]  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u [https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u]  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj [https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj]  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY [https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY]  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en] Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

[BONUS] Jesus Calling Scripture Study: The Book of Philippians with Nate Pickowicz

Welcome to a special scripture-focused bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, where we do a deep dive on the book of Philippians with Nate Pickowicz, the pastor of Harvest Bible Church. Nate walks us through the context of Philippians, and the life of the author—the apostle Paul—revealing how when we turn to God in the middle of our fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, we can find joy and peace that transcends our circumstances.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/]   Nate Pickowicz [https://www.moodypublishers.com/authors/p/nate-pickowicz/?srsltid=AfmBOoo2pmQXWgkb1REatrY-fZx0rR4r0zepYC-TFmzhKhaiVkqTAYQa] Overcoming the Darkness  [https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Darkness-Biblical-Spiritual-Depression/dp/0802437230/ref=sr_1_1?crid=E51IB4PVNIUL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8mi7FkFmePOrpSULdKcgGg.p7NHrHZeUDXmERaFV3IXtEY48NkWleUWf_I5vskYQNg&dib_tag=se&keywords=overcoming+the+darkness+nate+pickowicz&qid=1765383509&sprefix=overcoming+the+darkness+%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1] Book of Philippians [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%201&version=NIV] Interview Quotes: “Paul is writing from a very personal experience, sort of an authoritative experience. He’s in prison writing about joy, this is something very near and dear to his heart.” - Nate Pickowicz “Even though [Paul’s] uncomfortable, even though he’s probably not where he wants to be, he’s not happy about where he is in prison, he has this transcendent view of his suffering that actually gives hope and gives an element of joy, because he knows that the gospel of Jesus Christ is going out because of that.” - Nate Pickowicz “Regardless of our circumstances, not only can we find joy in the midst of trouble, we can actually find a purpose for our suffering that God is using to accomplish His end.” - Nate Pickowicz “Paul connects these two worlds: he connects the experience of anxiety and worry and fear about the future, and he pairs it with thanksgiving and contentment and rejoicing.” - Nate Pickowicz “Once you recognize that everything that’s good comes from God, suddenly you realize that, If I’m anxious or worried, what might I need from the Lord? I can actually just turn to Him.” - Nate Pickowicz “Learning to become thankful becomes an antidote to anxiety and worry and fear and discontent. Being grateful to God for what He’s given changes the entire focus of our hearts.” - Nate Pickowicz ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en] *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].