{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2Fcb9028bf-5a5d-40d8-a675-7025213532b8","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Episode 16 | Bite-sized Biblecast | Struggling with Doubt and Uncertainty |John 14:1 ","description":"

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I\u2019m digging into John 14:1 and the challenge in \u201cLet not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.\u201d We\u2019ve all heard Christian platitudes like \u201cJust trust God!\u201d or \u201cGive it to Him!\u201d - but how do we move past those quick fixes and actually anchor our hearts in faith when anxiety hits? I walk through practical ways to get honest about your view of God\u2019s character, process past hurts from faith or church, and take gentle steps toward real, resilient trust in Jesus. You\u2019ll find encouragement for wrestling with doubt, letting go of guilt and shame, and tools for moving toward a deeper, more authentic faith.

Key Points with Timestamps:

  1. Setting the Stage and Verse Read (00:00)
    Rachel opens with John 14:1, highlighting the tension between Christian platitudes and real-life struggle with anxiety and trust.

  2. Diagnosing the Real Issue (01:15)
    Let's explore the gap between what is \u201cknown\u201d intellectually (\u201cI should trust\u201d) and what is truly believed in the heart about God\u2019s character.

  3. The Impact of Hurt and Disappointment (02:30)
    Rachel shares personal experiences with church hurt and divorce, encouraging listeners to examine their own trust and where wounds might live.

  4. Difference Between \u201cShould\u201d and \u201cCould\u201d (04:15)
    Faith is reframed away from \u201cshoulds\u201d and shame, emphasizing what faith could look like when partnering with God.

  5. Moving Beyond Guilt and Shame (05:30)
    A challenge to approach God with gentleness toward themselves, distinguishing between God\u2019s loving confrontation from the enemy\u2019s guilt tactics.

  6. Steps for Rebuilding Trust (07:00)
    Journaling prompts to identify beliefs about God and practical exercises to invite God to reveal His true character.

  7. Book Recommendation and Final Thoughts (08:40)
    A recommendation for one of my favorite, most impactful books: \u201cGentle and Lowly\u201d by Dane Ortlund (affiliate link) as a resource for understanding Jesus\u2019 heart, and invites listeners to pursue a personal relationship with Him.

Mentioned Links:

Supporting Verses:

  1. John 14:1, ESV
    \u201cLet not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.\u201d
    A beautiful if not seemingly complex invitation for moving from anxiety to authentic trust in Jesus.

What\u2019s Next?

  1. Break out your journal and take inventory of your beliefs about who God really is (not just the Sunday School answer! Dig deep) and ask for clarity.
  2. Give yourself grace as you identify areas where trust is hard; ask God to show you His heart instead of shaming yourself for struggling.
  3. Write out and process hurts or disappointments that have shaped your view of God. Sit with your thoughts gently and ask Him to heal and reveal His true character.
  4. If you\u2019re able, read or listen to \u201cGentle and Lowly\u201d by Dane Ortlund (affiliate link) for encouragement about Christ\u2019s compassion. Truly - this book changed how I view and relate to Jesus.

Topics Covered:


    • Social Media Links:
    Instagram: @rachelgrit
    TikTok: @rachel.grit
    Pinterest: @rachgrit
    YouTube: @rachelgrit

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