December 22, 2025

Episode 87: John the Baptist

30 minutes

Hope for Right Now Podcast – Trust in the Impossible: An Advent Series, John the Baptist

While Walking with Purpose founder Lisa takes time to write our next women’s Bible study, Laura is keeping the Hope for Right Now podcast going strong with a four-week series: Trust in the Impossible: An Advent Series.

Advent is meant to be a time of interior reflection—the weeks we prepare our hearts and homes to receive the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. But with the secular world’s demands and distractions, keeping our eyes on what matters can be challenging, and the season of quiet we dream about feels impossible.

What if this Advent, we said no to the overwhelm of the secular world and yes to the overshadowing of the Spirit? Each week, Laura introduces a Biblical figure from the gospel of Luke, whose story reveals the secret to a simple, peace-filled Advent—one where we yield to God’s will, respond in faith, and trust in the impossible.

Today’s Biblical figure: John The Baptist. If you tend to neglect John the Baptist during Advent, be sure to tune in and discover why he is significant to the gospel, but also to us right now, in these last days before the birth of Christ.

Open your Heart to our key Scripture.

Luke 1:57-66

Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.

Luke 11:28: Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!

Isaiah 40:3–5: A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Matthew 3:1–3: In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness; prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

Luke 1:41–44: Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry … For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.

Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.

Using the list of internal/external obstacles provided in our show mentions, allow yourself to be guided by the Spirit. Ask Him to reveal the primary obstacle in your way.

Show mentions.

Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Seven Priorities That Make Life Work. Sign up for our winter book club that begins January 12, 2026.

Father Chris Alar, Divine Mercy: John the Baptist: His Real Role

Internal obstacles

Pride and arrogance: Overconfidence in our own ability can lead to a rejection of God's guidance.

Fear: Fear of failure, humiliation, what others will think, or not being worthy or able to fulfill a calling.

Doubt and unbelief: The lack of faith that makes trusting in God's plan and power challenging.

Sin: Unconfessed sin creates a barrier to a close relationship with God.

Self-sufficiency: The belief that we can get by without divine help.

Lack of forgiveness: A huge hinderance to your spiritual progress.

External/circumstantial obstacles

Worldly distractions and desires: Focusing on material possessions or the cares of this life more than God.

Distractions and being too busy: A busy schedule can leave little time or energy for spiritual devotion.

External pressure and societal expectations: The world can be tough, and it may not understand or support your faith.

Lack of clarity or understanding: Misinformation, wrong teachings, or a failure to understand God's will can create confusion.

Listening to others instead of God: Over-reliance on human advice rather than seeking God's direction is a common problem.

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