Erica and Pastor Jesse Bradley discuss how to handle unexpected life events, like Russell Wilson’s release from the Broncos. A key is focusing on your identity in Christ, letting go of bitterness, trusting God’s plan, and maintaining integrity and humility. Hold onto a Bible verse or truth during tough times, as God’s promises are unchanging.
What is Faith Filter? We take what’s on our minds, what’s percolating in our hearts, and what’s happening in the world… and put it through the filter of our faith… everything we believe and what God Word says about it!
Guest: Pastor Jesse from Grace Community Church in Auburn/ Host of the Bonfire podcast on Purposely, AND author of the brand new book, The Power Of The Second Thought, How To Live With Indestructible Hope!
Do you have a question about faith that you’d love Pastor Jesse and Erica to talk about on the radio? Connect with Erica at Mornings@SPIRIT1053.com!
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TRANSCRIPTION:
Erica:
Have you ever felt like God was calling you to do something, to go somewhere and you were so sure it’s what he was asking you to do and then everything blew up? It doesn’t mean you’re still not smack dab in the center of God’s will. He never said life would be easy. He just said that he would walk with us every step of the way. Welcome to Faith Filter. I’m Erica with Pastor Jesse Bradley from Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington. He’s also the host of the Wonderful Bonfire Podcast on Purposely. Pastor Jesse, I’m sure you’ve heard by now that Russell Wilson is about to be released from the Broncos, and Russ of course loves Jesus and I’m sure he felt like he was following God’s plan for his life. But what happens? What do you and I do as believers when life doesn’t go our way?
Pastor Jesse:
I think we can all relate. We’ve had maybe a dating relationship or a job, something where we had high expectations and it all seemed to come crashing down. It’s like what just happened? He’s probably trying to remember His identity is in Christ. It’s not about what a great football player he is. And also that, that’s his gifting and his calling. That doesn’t change. Now, finding the right environment, you’ve got to get rid of resentment. You got to get rid of bitterness. And I don’t know what’s happening for Russell on the inside, but he can’t carry any of that to his new position. So, you’ve got to process, let go of some things, but we can all relate. We have expectations. A lot of times they’re unspoken. And even in marriage too, we have unspoken expectations. And then what do you do when the reality falls short of that?
And you’ve got to pick up the pieces. The good news is God is close to the broken hearted. God is with us the whole time. He never leaves us. Amen. And because we know God’s sovereign, we can trust him. And sometimes the most important things that happen are not the results on the field, the football field, but it’s the relationships. It’s the character. It’s the integrity that you walk with through those tough times. And don’t misunderstand it. People will watch you. Everyone’s watching him and his reactions. And sometimes that’s your greatest opportunity because anyone can say, praise Jesus when the Super Bowl rings going on their finger. But who’s going to continue to trust God? And then live a life of humility, integrity, when everyone can see what’s going on. So don’t forget, those are your greatest opportunities in a world that’s always watching.
Erica:
Oh, I so appreciate that. And the other thing that keeps going through my mind is that God has a plan. He works it all for good, right?
Pastor Jesse:
Absolutely. And pick a Bible verse. That’s Romans chapter eight. That’s a great chapter. There’s a lot of verses you could just pick. But I say, hold on to one Bible verse, one truth. His grace is sufficient to work it all together for the good of those who love him, who are called. And that one Bible verse I’m telling you can be the food, the strength to carry you. Let that be your inner voice as that one verse. Because God’s promises are stronger than our situations. And God’s promises don’t change. We just need to let the Word of God dwell in us richly.
Erica:
Amen. Pastor Jesse, it’s always a pleasure to talk about the Lord with you.
Pastor Jesse:
Thanks so much.
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