Be Still: A Walking with Purpose Podcast

Romans 5:3–5 + This Is Happiness by Niall Williams How do we keep growing when following Jesus has become familiar? How do we remain faithful when life doesn’t turn out the way we expected? In this six-episode series of the Be Still podcast, Still Becoming: Six Conversations about Spiritual Maturity, Lisa explores the ways God may be asking us to keep growing—not simply so we can follow Jesus faithfully for most of our lives, but so we can finish well. Because life can test our faith in ways we never anticipated. When our hearts break, our stories take unexpected turns, and God doesn’t give us the answers we want, what happens to our faith? Through Scripture, great books, and honest reflection, Lisa explores what it means to grow in faith, embrace spiritual maturity, and remain faithful to Jesus through every season of life. What if spiritual maturity changes not only what we pray in suffering, but also how we understand suffering itself? In this episode, Lisa explores what it means to suffer differently as a Christian. Drawing from Romans 5, the Catholic understanding of redemptive suffering, and personal experience of what feels like unanswered prayer, she considers how suffering can produce endurance, character, and hope—and how the pain we would never have chosen can become an offering when it is united to Christ. Perhaps the goal isn’t to stop asking God to remove our suffering. Perhaps it’s learning to remain anchored in His goodness while we wait—and discovering that even here, nothing has to be wasted. Our suffering can become prayer. It can become intercession. In the hands of Jesus, it can even become part of the answer. In this episode, Lisa explores: Why Christianity calls us neither to obsess over suffering nor simply grit our teeth and “offer it up” What Romans 5 teaches us about the progression from suffering to endurance to character to hope Why hope is like an anchor that doesn’t stop the rocking but keeps us from drifting What the Catholic teaching on redemptive suffering means in the midst of real pain How suffering united to Christ can become a powerful form of prayer and intercession What it means to “make this suffering count” How spiritual maturity helps us remain faithful when God doesn’t answer our prayers as we expected Journaling Questions When life starts rocking, where am I most tempted to drift? What does that reveal about where I have been placing my security? If I could “make this suffering count,” what prayer would I most want to unite to it and place before the Father? Key Scripture Romans 5:3–5. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Show Mentions Flourish 2027: Beholding His Beauty, The Transforming Power of Fixing Our Eyes on Christ, A Women’s Conference, Columbus, OH, April 9-11, 2027. Early bird registration discount through September 30, 2026. Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 + Heart of Vines by Lisa Brenninkmeyer and Katie Brenninkmeyer How do we keep growing when following Jesus has become familiar? How do we remain faithful when life doesn’t turn out the way we expected? In this six-episode series of the Be Still podcast, Still Becoming: Six Conversations about Spiritual Maturity, Lisa explores the ways God may be asking us to keep growing—not simply so we can follow Jesus faithfully for most of our lives, but so we can finish well. Because life can test our faith in ways we never anticipated. When our hearts break, our stories take unexpected turns, and God doesn’t give us the answers we want, what happens to our faith? Through Scripture, great books, and honest reflection, Lisa explores what it means to grow in faith, embrace spiritual maturity, and remain faithful to Jesus through every season of life. What does it mean to grow older with grace in a culture that keeps telling us to resist aging at all costs? In this episode, Lisa reflects on St. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:16: “Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day.” Through a conversation with her daughter about body image and a story from Heart of Vines, she considers what our bodies are actually for—and how knowing their purpose can change the way we experience aging. Perhaps growing older with grace isn’t about giving up on caring for ourselves. Perhaps it’s about shifting our attention from preservation to transformation—measuring our lives less by what time is taking away and more by the fruit God is still inviting us to bear. In this episode, Lisa explores: The pressure women feel to resist the natural signs of aging What 2 Corinthians 4 teaches us about the outer self and the inner self The difference between preservation and transformation How our understanding of the purpose of our bodies shapes the way we experience aging What a conversation about body image revealed about the messages we pass on to younger women The wisdom, perspective, freedom, and fruitfulness that can come with age Why some kinds of fruit can only grow with time How to ask not simply, “How am I aging?” but “What am I becoming as I age?” Journaling Questions What am I becoming as I age? Am I becoming more peaceful or more anxious? More generous or more self-protective? More interested in other people or more preoccupied with myself? Am I quicker to forgive? Slower to judge? More willing to listen? Less concerned with being noticed?  Do the people closest to me experience more of the fruit of the Spirit in me than they did ten years ago? What fruit can I bear in this season of my life that I could not have borne when I was younger? Key Scripture 2 Corinthians 4:16–18. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. Show Mentions Abriendo tu corazón. This translated Spanish version of our most popular Bible study, Opening Your Heart, is now available in our shop.  Viviendo en el amor del Padre. This translated Spanish version of our popular Bible study, Living in the Father's Love, is now available in our shop.  Lisa Brenninkmeyer and Katie Brenninkmeyer, Heart of Vines: An Invitation to Escape the Life that is Slowly Killing You Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

John 21:18–22 + Make Your Home in This Luminous Dark by James K. A. Smith How do we keep growing when following Jesus has become familiar? How do we remain faithful when life doesn’t turn out the way we expected? In this six-episode series of the Be Still podcast, Still Becoming: Six Conversations about Spiritual Maturity, Lisa explores the ways God may be asking us to keep growing—not simply so we can follow Jesus faithfully for most of our lives, but so we can finish well. Because life can test our faith in ways we never anticipated. When our hearts break, our stories take unexpected turns, and God doesn’t give us the answers we want, what happens to our faith? Through Scripture, great books, and honest reflection, Lisa explores what it means to grow in faith, embrace spiritual maturity, and remain faithful to Jesus through every season of life. In this episode, Lisa reflects on the humility of admitting how much we don’t know, while remaining faithful to what God has already made clear. Drawing from John 21, T. S. Eliot’s East Coker, and James K. A. Smith’s Make Your Home in This Luminous Dark, she considers Jesus’ words to Peter: “What is that to you? Follow me!” Perhaps spiritual maturity isn’t about finally having all the answers. Perhaps it’s learning to live with unanswered questions without allowing them to become excuses for disobedience—and continuing to take the next faithful step. In this episode, Lisa explores: Why disappointment can tempt us to stop pursuing spiritual growth The freedom and humility of saying, “I don’t know” The difference between what God hasn’t explained and what He has made clear What Peter’s encounter with Jesus in John 21 teaches us about growing older How comparison distracts us from the particular road God has given us What it means to keep following Jesus when He leads us somewhere we would not have chosen Journaling Questions Where in my life am I waiting for God to explain Himself before I’m willing to fully trust or obey Him? What has God already made clear to me that He is asking me to do—and what would it look like to take the next faithful step? Key Scripture John 21:18–22. “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.” Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!”  Show Mention To further our mission, Walking with Purpose donates Bible studies and devotionals to ministries serving women and girls who are incarcerated, homeless, facing crisis pregnancies, or living in underserved communities. We believe that every woman, regardless of her circumstances, should have access to the life-changing wisdom found in God's Word. Learn more or request free materials for your organization on our website. Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Luke 17:7–10 (The Parable of the Unworthy Servants) + The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them. In this series of the Be Still podcast, Every Good Story Whispers the Gospel, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way. Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, After everything I've done ... surely I deserve something in return? In this episode of Be Still, Lisa explores one of Jesus' most surprising parables—The Parable of the Unworthy Servants (Luke 17:7–10)—alongside the beloved classic The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. At first glance, Jesus' words seem unsettling. Why doesn't the master thank the servant? Is Jesus saying our faithfulness doesn't matter? Not at all. Instead, Jesus gently exposes something that quietly takes root in every human heart: the temptation to keep score with God. We begin to believe that our sacrifices, prayers, and faithful service have somehow earned us a particular outcome. But Jesus offers us something far better than a transactional relationship. He invites us into the freedom of receiving everything as gift. Through Mary Lennox's remarkable transformation—from a demanding child who expects the world to serve her to a joyful gardener who delights in tending life—we discover that lasting joy isn't found in being served but in serving with gratitude. Drawing on the wisdom of Pastor Jon Tyson, Tim Keller, and the apostle Paul's question, "What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Corinthians 4:7), this episode is an invitation to lay down the hidden ledger we've been carrying and rediscover the freedom of God's grace. In this episode you'll discover: Why entitlement often disguises itself as disappointment or self-pity. What Jesus really means by the Parable of the Unworthy Servants. How The Secret Garden beautifully illustrates the joy of tending what God has entrusted to us. Why everything we have is ultimately a gift. How gratitude frees us from the exhausting burden of keeping score. Journaling Questions Where have I been quietly keeping score with God? Is there an area of my life where disappointment, resentment, or self-pity has revealed an expectation that God owes me something? Ask Jesus to show you the difference between faithful service and hidden entitlement. What gifts has God already placed in my hands, and how is He inviting me to tend them today? Instead of focusing on what is missing or what you wish were different, take time to thank God for the people, opportunities, and responsibilities He has entrusted to you. How might gratitude change the way you care for them this week? Key Scripture Luke 17:7–10. “Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” Show Mentions Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Praying From the Heart: Guided Prayer Journal Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Luke 18:9–14 (The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector) + Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them. In this series of the Be Still podcast, Every Good Story Whispers the Gospel, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way. Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today. How often are we convinced that we've judged a person—or a situation—correctly? In this episode of Be Still, Lisa explores one of Jesus' most searching parables, The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14), alongside Jane Austen's beloved classic, Pride and Prejudice. While Mr. Darcy's pride is obvious, Elizabeth Bennet's is far more subtle. Her confidence in her own discernment blinds her to the truth until she utters one of literature's most profound confessions: Till this moment I never knew myself. Through Elizabeth's journey, we'll discover that pride doesn't always look like thinking we're better than others. Sometimes it looks like believing our own judgments are beyond question. Jesus invites us into a different way. The tax collector doesn't defend himself or compare himself to anyone else. He simply comes before God with open hands and an honest heart: God, be merciful to me, a sinner. As we behold Christ, we begin to see ourselves—not through the distorted lenses of pride or shame, but through His eyes of mercy. In this episode you'll discover: Why Elizabeth Bennet's pride is harder to recognize than Mr. Darcy's. How certainty can quietly keep us from hearing God's voice. What the Pharisee and the tax collector teach us about true humility. Why the goal of the Christian life isn't greater self-awareness but greater God-awareness. How beholding Jesus transforms the way we see ourselves and others. Journaling Questions Lord, show me what is true.  As you pray those words, is there a person, a situation, or even a belief about yourself that Jesus is inviting you to see differently? Ask the Lord to help you behold His beauty. As you spend a few moments in silence, what changes when your attention shifts from yourself to Him? Key Scripture Luke 18:9–14. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Show Mentions Flourish 2027: Beholding His Beauty, The Transforming Power of Fixing Our Eyes on Christ, A Women’s Conference, Columbus, OH, April 9-11, 2027. Early bird registration through September 30, 2026. Registration opens September 1, 2026. Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.