  When we face the death of our desires—or even death itself—what then? Where now?      Julie Cochran, of our Vestavia community, shows us that in seasons of suffering and surrender, praise can persist.      Following the unexpected loss of her infant daughter, Julie's mindset transformed as she focused on the Word, the Father, and his faithfulness.   In this episode, you will learn:    A mind renewed by the Word relies on hope and withstands hurt.    We name our hard stories "good" when we focus on who God is.    Regularly celebrating his faithfulness helps us heal.       Links:    Voyage to the Star Kingdom  by Anne Riley  Jenn Louthan Interior Design  Sarah Beth Hagler Jewelry  King Cotton Fabrics  Give  to StoryTellers Live   Become a  Patreon Insider  

Hope Withstands Hurt - Julie Cochran's Story :: [Episode 263]

On the StoryTellers Live podcast, everyday people share real and personal stories. Some stories are profound, challenging, and emotional, while others are more common and relatable, shared with honesty and humor. All of these stories reveal what God can do in our lives when we trust Him with the details.

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  We are never more near to our Savior than when we are suffering. In that way, we are able to thank Him for it—even when the suffering is unimaginable.       For EA Montgomery, of our Homewood community, a lifetime of loss has given way to an eternal mindset, and grace upon grace has given way to gratitude.       Following the unexpected passing of her two-year-old daughter, EA shares a raw and honest account of what it’s like to journey from the pits of despair to a place of joy and peace.       In this episode, you will learn:      — The Lord will never lead you to where his grace cannot sustain you.       — When you fully trust Him, you can face anything.      — He is merciful, gracious, and loving in all circumstances.       — Your only hope in life and in death is in your Savior, Jesus Christ.         If you would like to donate in honor of this story:  Give to StoryTellers Live         Become a  Patreon Insider   

Sustained by Grace- EA Montgomery's story :: [Episode 272]

  The path to His promises is never predictable. But for Amanda Myers, of our Jackson community, what felt like a detour proved to be the way.     Amanda shares about her precious, ongoing relationship with Guatemala and its people. In making sense of the Lord's work, He changed her mind as much as He changed her plans.     In this episode, you will learn:     - His ways are bigger, better, and beautiful—and often very different from ours.     - We are called to faithfully follow God and lean on His promises in seasons of interrupted plans.     - He is sovereign over our circumstances and provides peace and provisions along the way.      Check out the StoryTellers Live  scripture card set!    Give  to StoryTellers Live     Become a  Patreon Insider

God's Unpredictable Path: Amanda Myers' Story :: [Episode 271]

  Our great God goes to great lengths to love us and redeem us. Still, He works in seemingly small ways, too. For Lauren, He did both.      Lauren shares a detail-rich story that proves the Lord is always gracious, always near, and always working. Listen and learn how an unplanned pregnancy, accompanied with fear and shame, were met with grace and goodness at every turn.     You won’t believe the powerful affirmations the Lord brought about in Lauren’s life!     In this episode, you will learn:   The Lord longs to redeem and restore his lost sheep.  He places just the right people in our lives—at just the right times.  We are who He says we are; judgment and shame fall away when we rest in Him.     StoryTellers Live listener survey (closes 4/19)  Give  to StoryTellers Live   Become a  Patreon Insider

Peeling My Shame Away: Lauren's story :: [Episode 270]

      Have you ever found yourself saying “I got this” to God?     Erin Yost, from our Homewood community, spent years striving for physical and spiritual perfection, living out a false-gospel narrative that told her everything was up to her. Eventually, she found herself completely broken and in the grips of a full-fledged eating disorder.     Through moment-by-moment surrender, persistent prayer, and running to Him for help, Erin shares how she found rescue, recovery, and freedom in Jesus.     In this episode, you will learn:      — His grace is sufficient; it’s not up to us.   — Coming to the end of ourselves is an opportunity to learn full reliance on God.   — Surrender to the Lord often requires moment-by-moment trust and obedience.  Links:     Ep. 117- Mari Beth Poor -"The Octopus of Anorexia"      Listen on Patreon to the  Story Within the Story with Mari Beth Poor     Book by Brennan Manning:   Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out    Give  to StoryTellers Live      Become a  Patreon Insider   StoryTellers Live  listener survey

Rescue, Recovery, & Freedom - Erin Yost's Eating Disorder Story :: [Episode 269]

  Verse: "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19:29)     Sajeda Wilson lived decades before opening a Bible. Yet, even from birth, the Lord prepared and pursued her heart in beautiful and surprising ways.     Sajeda, a former devout Muslim who shared in our Vestavia community, led a works-based lifestyle that eventually left her lacking—and looking. Hear how years of reading and research, together with the work of the Spirit, resulted in surrender to Jesus.     In this episode, you will learn:      – The Lord prepares and pursues the hearts of His people.   – He is sovereign over our upbringing and uses all parts of our lives to draw us to Himself.   – Jesus longs for all people across different cultures, traditions, and religions to know their creator and true purpose in following Him.     Links:       Audiobook by Nabeel Qureshi:   Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus     Give to StoryTellers Live      Become a  Patreon Insider     StoryTellers Live  Listener Survey

Hope Withstands Hurt - Julie Cochran's Story :: [Episode 263]

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