In this episode of Your Weekly Calling, Brad dives into a topic that everyone can relate to: stress. From work pressures to family dynamics, financial struggles, and unexpected life challenges, stress often feels like a constant companion. Brad opens up about his own experience with stress, sharing the example of his 11-year-old son, who sometimes stresses him out simply by doing things differently than Brad would. He acknowledges that stress is something we all face, no matter our circumstances.

Brad recalls a moment when his close friend, Trent, was dealing with the stress of his wife losing her job. But instead of allowing the stress to overwhelm him, Trent turned to God. This example reminds us that while stress is a universal experience, as believers, we have a refuge in God.

In the episode, Brad shares some practical and spiritual ways to combat stress:

1. Remember God’s Control:
2. Brad points to Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Stress often stems from our attempts to control the outcomes of situations. But God is sovereign, and when we surrender our desire to control everything, we make room for His peace. Brad encourages listeners that surrendering control isn’t about giving up—it’s about trusting the One who holds all things in His hands.
3. Rest in God’s Peace:
4. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul encourages us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God in prayer. “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Brad emphasizes that when we bring our stress to God in prayer, His peace begins to shrink the weight of our anxiety. He shares a personal story about buying a house and how, despite the stress of the process, his family paused to pray and thank God for providing a home. This simple act of gratitude and prayer helped bring peace amidst the stress.
5. Re-center on God’s Promises:
6. Brad highlights Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. Stress often comes when we forget that we don’t have to carry the weight alone. God’s promises give us assurance that He’s with us, carrying our burdens, and offering us peace and rest.

Practical Tips for Combating Stress:

Brad encourages listeners to implement a few practical steps to combat stress in their daily lives:

• Read Scripture daily: Let the Word of God be a source of comfort and guidance.
• Turn your stress into prayer breaks: Whenever stress arises, use it as a prompt to pray and release your burdens to God.
• Journal: Although Brad admits he’s not a big journaler, he encourages others to write down their thoughts, especially when feeling angry or stressed, and then let go by throwing it away.
• Release your stress: Brad challenges listeners to think about what stress they are holding on to today and invites them to lay it at God’s feet.

Closing Prayer:

Brad closes the episode with a heartfelt prayer for listeners, asking God to help them release their stress, especially in areas like finances or relationships, and trust in His provision. He prays for everyone to seek God’s peace and comfort during times of stress, knowing that God is always there to help.

Brad’s message serves as a powerful reminder that, while stress is inevitable, God’s peace is greater. By surrendering our need for control, praying through our stress, and resting in His promises, we can experience a peace that transcends all understanding.

If this episode helped you find some peace in your stress, be sure to subscribe and join us next week for more encouragement on how to live out your calling with God’s strength!

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