Faith Radio On Demand

What do you do when you pray for God to do great things in your life, but you don't see much change?

Donate: https://store.intouch.org/donate/general

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When my husband, Alan, and I decided to move across the country to Philadelphia to further his education, I didn’t have a job lined up, and we had no idea how we would afford student housing. On a Sunday, shortly before we were to leave, a church acquaintance introduced us to a former student of the university Alan was to attend who knew of an affordable apartment. Then, before we left, a workmate gave me the name of a contact at a Christian ministry. God answered our prayers and gave us opportunities—including an apartment and a job—through His people. Friends and family helped us move and ushered us on with prayer.

The author of Ecclesiastes wrote about the benefits of not going through life alone: “Two are better than one” (4:9). Two get more work done, can help each other through struggles, offer companionship, and ward against danger (vv. 9-11). He went on to say, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (v. 12). A community has even greater benefits. More resources, more support.

Alan and I benefited from the community we left behind. And God helped us to build a new community to help us feel at home in the big city. If you feel alone, ask God to help you find a friend, a good church, or a place to serve in a community.

This week on the Mission Compass, tune in to hear a timely update from Lana Silk of Transform Iran about the Christians in Iran and the challenges they face as the fastest-growing church in the world. David Bogosian from Mission Nexus helps us identify the world's main unreached people groups using the acronym “THUMB”. Curious about how that works? You’ll have to listen to learn more! 

Real growth doesn’t come easy. Dr. Tony Evans explains how God’s grace strengthens us in thorny seasons and describes the benefits waiting for us when we learn to depend on His power instead of our own.

Culture doesn’t drift toward truth by accident. It’s shaped by whoever shows up with conviction, skill, and staying power and that’s exactly why we’re talking about faith beyond church walls. We dig into what it means to live as “biblical citizens” who bring the gospel into every calling, from politics and education to media, medicine, and the fine arts. If you’ve ever wondered whether your work really matters to God, this conversation makes the case that your profession can be a mission field when you practice excellence and refuse to compartmentalize your beliefs.

Elizabeth Carlisle joins us to share her new book, “Americans Who Pray: Uniting a Nation in Faith and Freedom,” a collection that blends her own prayers with prayers from 80 inspiring Americans. We talk about the power of prayer in American history, why George Washington’s dependence on God still speaks to the moment we’re in, and how humility changes leadership. Elizabeth also describes the story behind First Freedom Art and the legacy of Arnold Freeberg, the artist behind “The Prayer at Valley Forge,” now seen by hundreds of thousands at the Museum of the Bible.

We also tackle the “Seven Mountains of influence” idea in a grounded way: don’t get stuck on labels, just engage every sphere of culture instead of surrendering institutions by default. Along the way, we point you to practical resources, including historic prayer proclamations and examples you can bring back into public life. If you care about faith and culture, Christian leadership, prayer for America, and restoring beauty and truth in the arts, this one’s for you.

Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review with one area of culture you’re ready to step into next.

Support the show