Claim OwnershipThe Unfolding
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God is writing a great big story and you have a standing invitation to be a part of it. Every week, host Meridith Foster sits down with a guest to share their chapter in God's Unfolding story.
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John Prince never set out to sell olive oil. He just wanted to help people in Illinois, around the world, anywhere God pointed. When finances got tight, John feared his impact might be over. But God brought a new opportunity: importing Sabba Oil to help families in Lebanon keep working and providing for their loved ones. The results are not guaranteed. But John is choosing to trust God in the middle of it.
Rebecca Nichols Alonzo's childhood was built on faith and family, yet marked by fear. For years, her family was targeted by a man from their church who terrorized them with threats, harassment, and violence. Then one night, the unthinkable happened. Her mother was killed, and Rebecca's world was shattered. Years later, the man responsible reached out with a shocking question: "Will you forgive me?" That moment changed everything. Rebecca and her brother later shared their story on national television, publicly forgiving their mother's killer and showing the world what God's grace can do. Based on her bestselling book The Devil in Pew Number Seven, Rebecca's journey has inspired millions. It's a powerful story of pain, faith, and a forgiveness that could only come from God. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give. Show Notes: Website: http://www.rebeccaalonzo.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Devil-Pew-Number-Seven/dp/1414326599 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedevilinpewnumberseven
"God decided… I'm gonna have you be a play-by-play voice in the NFL… even though you've never done it in your life." Paul Allen didn't take the usual path to the broadcast booth. He went from horse racing to becoming the voice of the Minnesota Vikings. His passion made him go viral, but his greatest transformation didn't happen on the mic. It happened when Jesus became real to him after 52 years of belief without relationship. In this Unfolding Short Story, we share a powerful moment from The Champion: Unlike Any Other podcast, where Paul tells how God changed everything. Hear the full story of Paul Allen on this episode of The Champion: Unlike Any Other.
What do you do when life takes everything, your home, your job, even your hope? Cory Nickols knows those struggles intimately. Raised in a Christian home, he thought he understood who he was, but trauma, loss, and doubt left him questioning everything, including his value. One heartfelt prayer, "God, I want to know You," set him on a journey through what he calls The Breaking, The Crushing, and The Stripping. These seasons challenged everything he knew about God and himself, ultimately revealing his true identity: loved, chosen, and a child of God. Today, Cory helps rescue children trapped in human trafficking, showing how God can transform brokenness into purpose. Content caution: This episode includes references to suicidal ideation, childhood sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Show Notes: Website: https://corynickols.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corynickolsministries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corynickols/ Destiny Rescue: https://www.destinyrescue.org/ Cory's book: https://www.amazon.com/More-God-Not-Done-You/dp/B0F4Z3QHHH
"My little boy, who was one, was in our goldfish pond." A fall afternoon on the farm turned from laughter to panic. When Sarah Philpott's one-year-old slipped toward danger, her four-year-old daughter heard a whisper from God that changed everything. This short story is about paying attention, seeing God's mercy, and staying present in the life He has given. Sarah's latest children's book: Wake Up, Little Seed Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
When country artist Granger Smith and his wife, Amber Smith, lost their three-year-old son, River, their world shattered. In her darkest moments, Amber found herself on the bathroom floor, crying out to God, desperate for hope. That heartbreak became the beginning of redemption. Now the author of "The Girl on the Bathroom Floor" and host of the Arise with Amber podcast, Amber shares how God met her in unimaginable pain, how He brought beauty from ashes, and how she learned to live with both grief and joy. This episode of The Unfolding is a story of faith, healing, and the hope that only God can bring when life falls apart. Show Notes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberemilysmith/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmithsTV Amber's Website: https://arisewithamber.com/ Amber's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Bathroom-Floor-Together-Everything/dp/1400347890 Granger's episode on The Unfolding: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/page-185-granger-smith-country-music-star-finds-faith/id1460841077?i=1000720200985 Water Safety resources: https://www.infantswim.com/ https://ndpa.org/ Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
"I don't trust eyewitnesses. Eyewitnesses often lie." Homicide detective J. Warner Wallace was on a search for truth that changed his life. Reading the Gospels through the lens of investigation, he discovered that the eyewitness accounts of Jesus aligned just the way truthful testimony does. In this episode, the respected apologist and author of Cold Case Christianity shares how evidence led him to Christ and why every believer can become a thoughtful defender of the faith. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Peter Burton was a young kid with a loving family and a faith-filled childhood, but by middle school, anxiety and OCD began to creep into his life. For years, therapy and treatment helped him manage, but by the time he hit adulthood, the weight of fear and panic attacks became overwhelming. As a worship pastor, he would lead people in songs about God's goodness, then get in his car and break down in tears. He begged God to heal him, but healing didn't come. In this episode of The Unfolding, Peter shares his journey through anxiety, the questions that challenged his faith, and the discovery of a God who sustains even in the hardest seasons. Peter is a singer, songwriter, and worship leader who recently signed with Integrity Music and Matthew West's Story House Collective. Show Notes: Website: https://www.peterburtonofficial.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterburtonmusic/ Craig Groeschel Book: https://www.craiggroeschel.com/books/winning-the-war-in-your-mind
"I love you, and there's nothing you can do about it." Kids make mistakes. Sometimes accidents leave scars that last forever. For John O'Leary, one choice with fire left him burned and disabled. What should have been only tragedy became a story of grace. His family and his community surrounded him, but it was his father's voice in the hospital that changed everything: "I have never been so proud of anyone in my entire life. I love you, and there's nothing you can do about it." That is grace. That is the gospel. John's journey is now a feature film, Soul on Fire starring William H. Macy, opening October 10. Learn more at soulonfiremovie.com.
Abused, rejected, and in foster care by 15, Phillis Dewitt's life was marked by childhood sexual abuse, trauma, and loss. By her teens, she was self-harming, suicidal, and convinced she was unwanted. But God wasn't finished with her story. Through a long journey of faith and healing, Phillis found belonging, became a foster mom to more than 100 children, and discovered how God can bring beauty out of even the darkest places. Phillis shares her journey in her book "I'm Still Standing" and on this episode of The Unfolding. If you've ever wondered if your pain could have a purpose, Phillis' powerful story will encourage you that trauma doesn't have to define you, and that God can redeem even the hardest chapters of your life. Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, self-harm, and trauma. It may not be suitable for younger listeners. Show Notes: Website: https://phillisdewitt.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phillis.dewitt Book: https://www.amazon.com/Im-Still-Standing-Turned-Purpose/dp/B0BCXKCTGP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdewitt/
"All these years later, that baseball has become an anchor for my faith." As a boy growing up in poverty on the South Side of Chicago, Mike Signorelli found escape in baseball. When his mom prayed a bold prayer for a signed White Sox ball, God answered in a way that would anchor Mike's faith for decades to come. Today, Mike leads V1 Church in New York, Miami, and Indiana, and he still carries that baseball as a reminder of God's faithfulness. Here's Mike's latest book, Fire Starters: Igniting Revivals and Sustaining Spiritual Awakening.
Content Warning: This episode deals with sexual addiction and mature themes; it may not be appropriate for younger listeners. Blaine Bartel was a rising star in Christian ministry, hosting the nationally televised Fire by Nite, writing best-selling books, and leading one of the largest weekly student gatherings in America. But behind the platform and applause, Blaine was trapped in a 23-year struggle with pornography and sexual addiction, living a secret double life that ultimately destroyed his career, marriage, and reputation. In this episode of The Unfolding, Blaine shares his journey from despair and scandal to true freedom. He talks about the devastating consequences for his family, church, and friends, and how, through God's grace, he was led not just to recovery, but to a resurrected life in Jesus. Today, Blaine helps men, ministers, and marriages break free from sexual addiction and walk in hope through House of Resurrection. Show Notes: Website: https://www.blainebartel.com/ Website: https://www.houseofresurrection.life/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blainebartel99/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blainebtv6712
1Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries has spent years helping young people face hard questions, discern truth, and find their identity in Christ. Charlie Kirk longed to be remembered for courage in his faith, and part of that courage was speaking to students directly. His voice has now been silenced, but the legacy of reaching the rising generation continues. In this episode, Jeff shares stories of young adults moving from confusion to conviction, from hardness of heart to lives transformed by Jesus. God is still raising up voices. And the hope of tomorrow is clear: He is not done with young people. Jeff also introduces his new book with Dr. Kathy Koch, Raising Gender Confident Kids.
He was an alcoholic atheist and a country artist whose life was falling apart. Walker Hayes had written off faith and was running out of hope. Then came Craig—a friend whose relentless love, years of kindness, generosity, and one unforgettable gift made Walker start asking a question he'd avoided his whole life: What if Jesus really is who He says He is? In this episode of The Unfolding, Walker shares his journey from brokenness to belief, and how his heart of stone began to soften in the most unexpected ways. You probably know Walker for his hit song Fancy Like, which went seven-times platinum. He just made his Grand Ole Opry debut, released his new album 17 Problems, and is soon heading out on his Unplugged Tour. But behind all the success is a deeper story of friendship, unexpected grace, and a transformation he never saw coming. Show Notes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkerhayes/?hl=en Website: https://www.walkerhayes.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Glad-Youre-Here-Unlikely-Breaking/dp/0802424716 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkerhayes/ Unfolding Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnfoldingPodcast
"We decided that we are two hot messes and we would just be better off if we made one big hot mess." That is how Jack and Sheila described their marriage in the middle of brokenness, after Sheila carried the weight of abortion for seven years and Jack battled decades of alcoholism. But God stepped in. A Bible study introduced Sheila to "a Jesus who forgives the sin of abortion." And in church one morning, Jack heard God whisper, "I will take you by the hand and lead you home." From their ashes, God planted Save One, "helping men, women, and families recover after abortion." Today, what He did for Sheila and Jack is bringing hope to thousands. Visit saveone.org to learn more.
Darin Kinder was a U.S. Secret Service agent working inside the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. After the first tower was hit, he and fellow agents helped people evacuate. When Tower 2 began to collapse, Darin thought, "I'm dead." His next thought, one he believes came from the Holy Spirit, was a single word: "Run." That split-second decision began his mad dash for life. But this story is about much more than survival. Darin shares how that day became a turning point in his faith and calling, and why he believes each of us is uniquely designed by God to live courageously and with purpose. This story will not only help you remember 9/11, you'll also be encouraged to believe that God has a plan for your life and that He will give you the courage to go wherever He leads. Darin is the founder of Fierce Faith Ministries and author of "Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man's Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11," dedicated to the 422 first responders who perished at Ground Zero. Show Notes: Book: https://www.amazon.com/Bury-Dirty-Suit-Discovering-Aftermath/dp/B0FL1G8774 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darinkinder/ Website: https://www.fierce-faith.com/
"I loved crack more than I loved anything." After three decades of destruction, Jesus set Keith Weaver free in an instant. His testimony shows that the same God who restored his life can do the same for you.
After Andrew Ripp's family broke apart, he moved to California just to get away. His addiction to alcohol eventually led to the destruction of every important relationship in his life. He had grown up in religion, but never had a relationship with a god who could help. He was alone and desperate. But Andrew says even the broken and difficult things in life can be a blessing, if they steer you toward the God who loves you. Today Andrew is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, known for songs like "Jericho," and "Fill My Cup." He spends his days writing and singing about the One who saved him. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewripp/ Website: https://www.andrewripp.com/
"If the only way to success is by compromising your convictions, would you still choose success?" For Michael Seifert, founder of PublicSquare, that was not a hypothetical question. It was a test. With his company's future on the line, he was offered a massive investment on the condition that he silence his pro-life stance. His answer shaped not only PublicSquare but also the launch of EveryLife, the pro-life diaper company founded by Sarah Gabel Seifert and cofounded by Michael, which puts conviction into action.
Naomi Raine has been singing about God since she was two and writing songs since she was seven. Her parents were worship leaders, so she literally grew up going to rehearsals and hearing powerful worship songs. Even before she was born, there was a word spoken over her parents that their children would bless the earth. That word, combined with a stirring in Naomi, gave her a sense that God was going to use her songs to reach the nations. But for many years her songs, just like her relationship with God, were being cultivated in the small, quiet places. Today, Naomi's voice reaches the nations as part of Maverick City Music. Songs like "Jireh" and "Promises" have become anthems for worshipers around the world. Show Notes: Website: https://www.naomirainemusic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomiraine/?hl=en
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dangerous theology. self love is not what Jesus taught. selfless-love is how he lived. we can rest in who we are in Christ, and we love others of Christ's love for us, but not out of our love for ourselves
This is a classic Godtail, the original author of fairytails! Thank you father for confirmation and communicating to our hearts and minds!
I love how the leadership of the church stood by and honored God's story! Thank you, thank you for sharing your story!
I needed to hear this today. I'm struggling and I feel so alone. I went to my 1st group bible study last night and someone asked if she could pray for me- that's the first time that's ever happened to me and I felt a little bit of weight lifting off of me. I've isolated myself for so long, I have anxiety of being in front of others so the fact that I heard God tell me to go and I did it, was an accomplishment. Thank you Lydia for telling your story.
thank you for sharing your story! I believe it's beautiful insight that many would benefit from hearing!!
As I listened to your story I was thinking about how grateful I am to God for helping me get help with depression and anxiety. I have a psychologist I see sometimes and I'm celebrating 8 years at C R next month. thanks for sharing your inspiring story of hope
I'm so excited to watch this!! THANK YOU ❤️
I have really enjoyed all the podcasts, but this one really resignated with my heart. I appreciate hearing other lifelong christian's experiences and how God led them through. Thank you for sharing your story!!! I don't know how you have such clarity!
Thamk you for sharing. What an amazing example of how forgiveness is a journey.
I too really believe God is moving and getting ready to do something big. I can't wait to see what he's going to do next!
Thank you for sharing your story, it really touched me.
what an amazing and beautiful testimony I'm so many different levels! God has something for everyone in this one, the birth mom, the adopted child, the adoptive parents, the perfectionist, the every day Christian, parenting, daily distractions that keep us from God's plans, even more I missed. Simple, honest, enjoyable, thank you for sharing!
thank you for sharing how God is working in the lives of do many belieberd