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You prayed about it. You worked toward it. You believed God for it. And then, somewhere along the way, you started wondering if it was ever really His idea at all.

Building on last episode's foundation that none of us are here by accident, Allen and Stacy Jo dig into one of the hardest distinctions a believer can make: the difference between a self-built dream with God's name attached to it and a genuine, God-given calling. From the outside they can look nearly the same, but they run on different fuel, and only one of them holds up under real pressure.

This conversation covers where a desire actually originates, why a calling from God carries a persistence you can't manufacture on your own, and the three practical challenges that make discernment hard in real life: God using your own desires to reveal a calling, the weight of outside opinions, and the gap between being called and being commissioned.

Scriptures referenced (ASV):

Jeremiah 1:4-5: "Now the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations."

Proverbs 19:21: "There are many devices in a man's heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand."

Numbers 22:38: "And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to speak anything? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak."

Psalm 37:3-5: "Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on his faithfulness. Delight thyself also upon Jehovah; And he will give thee the desires of thy heart. Commit thy way unto Jehovah; Trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass."

This week's takeaway: bring what you're carrying to God with genuinely open hands, test it over time rather than in a single emotional moment, and take it to people who will tell you the truth, not just affirm what you already want to hear.

Next episode, Allen and Stacy Jo dive into what to do when your calling doesn't make sense to the people around you. Don't miss it.

Stay faithfully invested, because when you do, God brings the increase.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound is now online! We worship, we learn, we break out into gender specific groups and we journal with each other and with the Holy Spirit. If your heart is stirring listening to this, pay attention Healing begins here. Click the link below to join us at Reviving Recovery:Unbound.

www.revivingrecovery.com

See you in the room!

Come check out the Association of Christian Business Women!  We'd love for you to join this growing community of Kingdom-minded women.  Visit our website at www.acbw.org

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound
Holy Spirit-led recovery for lasting freedom, healing, and biblical transformation through Christ.

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Freedom Support Solutions LLC
Elite financial concierge and bookkeeping for busy entrepreneurs and busy families.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

www.faithfullyinvested.com

Send us Fan Mail

After eight seasons in the Invested Framework, Allen and Stacy Jo Thorne open Season 9 with something new: the Purpose Framework. This season begins with P, pursuing God's specific call, and before they get to calling itself, they ask the harder question underneath it: do you believe God was intentional about you specifically?

Walking through Psalm 139, Ephesians 2:10, and Romans 8:28-30, they unpack what it means to be God's workmanship, why your calling was written before you lived a day of it, and the three quiet struggles (your story, comparison, and the qualification trap) that keep people from stepping into it. They close with three practical, faith-building steps to start walking in what God has already spoken over your life.

Scripture References (ASV)
Psalm 139:13-16, Ephesians 2:10, Romans 8:28-30 (full text above in the show notes)

Connect with Us
www.faithfullyinvested.com
@faithfullyinvested

Reviving Recovery: Unbound is now online! We worship, we learn, we break out into gender specific groups and we journal with each other and with the Holy Spirit. If your heart is stirring listening to this, pay attention Healing begins here. Click the link below to join us at Reviving Recovery:Unbound.

www.revivingrecovery.com

See you in the room!

Come check out the Association of Christian Business Women!  We'd love for you to join this growing community of Kingdom-minded women.  Visit our website at www.acbw.org

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound
Holy Spirit-led recovery for lasting freedom, healing, and biblical transformation through Christ.

Freedom Support Solutions LLC
Elite financial concierge and bookkeeping for busy entrepreneurs and busy families.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

www.faithfullyinvested.com

Send us Fan Mail

Before Season 9 and the PURPOSE framework begin, we're pausing for a raw, honest conversation about the lie that keeps so many people stuck: denial. Adapted from Chapter Four of Allen's book, Reviving Recovery Unbound, this episode unpacks what denial really is, why it feels like peace when it isn't, and how to finally put down a burden you were never meant to carry.

Allen gets personal about the words he used to say on repeat — "I'm fine," "I got this," "I can stop whenever I want to" — and why those statements kept him stuck long after he knew the truth. Stacy Jo and Allen break down the difference between suppression and repression, why cover-ups always get louder over time, and what it actually looks like to "flip the tables" on denial and return to God's original purpose for your life.

This is the bridge between two seasons — the last breath before Season 9 launches the PURPOSE framework. Wherever you're at today, this conversation is for you.

Key Scriptures:
📖 Matthew 11:28-30
📖 Matthew 21:12
📖 Luke 9:18-23

If today's conversation encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you see your calling more clearly, don't keep it to yourself. Share it with a friend, leave a five-star review, and keep leaning into God's blueprint for your life, your leadership, and your legacy.

Stay faithfully invested, because when you do — God brings the increase.

#FaithfullyInvested #RevivingRecoveryUnbound #ChristianPodcast #Denial #Recovery #FaithAndRecovery #ChristianLeadership #BiblicalWisdom #FaithJourney #Codependency #Healing #PurposeDriven

Reviving Recovery: Unbound is now online! We worship, we learn, we break out into gender specific groups and we journal with each other and with the Holy Spirit. If your heart is stirring listening to this, pay attention Healing begins here. Click the link below to join us at Reviving Recovery:Unbound.

www.revivingrecovery.com

See you in the room!

Come check out the Association of Christian Business Women!  We'd love for you to join this growing community of Kingdom-minded women.  Visit our website at www.acbw.org

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound
Holy Spirit-led recovery for lasting freedom, healing, and biblical transformation through Christ.

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Freedom Support Solutions LLC
Elite financial concierge and bookkeeping for busy entrepreneurs and busy families.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

www.faithfullyinvested.com

Send us Fan Mail

Eight seasons ago, God placed a framework on Allen and Stacy Jo's hearts. They didn't fully know where it would lead — but looking back now, they can see how every season built on the one before it, revealing what a fully surrendered life actually looks like.

In this finale, they walk through what each part of INVESTED taught them personally, why the comparison trap is one of the most dangerous seasons a believer can enter, how quiet spiritual drift happens without anyone noticing, and what it really means to release something you've built into someone else's care. It's honest, it's a little emotional, and it's meant to send you forward — not just wrap things up.

This is the end of a framework, not the end of the podcast. Season 9 begins a new multi-season framework: PURPOSE, starting with Pursuing God's Specific Call.

Key Scriptures: Philippians 1:6 · Matthew 11:28-30 · John 15:16 · John 10:10 · Revelation 22:20

Thank you for walking eight seasons with us. If God has used this podcast in your life, we'd love to hear about it — and a five-star review helps others find their way here too.

Stay faithfully invested, because when you do — God brings the increase.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound is now online! We worship, we learn, we break out into gender specific groups and we journal with each other and with the Holy Spirit. If your heart is stirring listening to this, pay attention Healing begins here. Click the link below to join us at Reviving Recovery:Unbound.

www.revivingrecovery.com

See you in the room!

Come check out the Association of Christian Business Women!  We'd love for you to join this growing community of Kingdom-minded women.  Visit our website at www.acbw.org

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound
Holy Spirit-led recovery for lasting freedom, healing, and biblical transformation through Christ.

Freedom Support Solutions LLC
Elite financial concierge and bookkeeping for busy entrepreneurs and busy families.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

www.faithfullyinvested.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we explore the crucial aspect of discipleship: the art of releasing those you've invested in. Discover why letting go is essential for true multiplication in the kingdom.

Key takeaways:

* Releasing disciples is a vital part of their growth.
* Authentic attachment can hold back development.
* Jesus' example shows the importance of sending out disciples.
* Fear and identity can complicate the release process.
* Release should be celebrated, not feared.

What's your biggest challenge with releasing someone you've invested in? Drop it in the comments!

Subscribe for more insights on discipleship and leadership!

#Discipleship #Leadership #Faith

Faithfully Invested with Allen and Stacy Jo Thorne. We explore biblical wisdom, leadership, and marriage in this series.

This podcast is designed for those seeking practical guidance on balancing faith and life. Whether you are navigating marriage, pursuing leadership roles, or looking for mission-focused living, this show offers real talk about the challenges you face every day. Allen and Stacy Jo Thorne provide a space to discuss how scripture applies to modern circumstances, helping you stay grounded in your spiritual journey.

Each episode aims to equip you with biblical wisdom that you can apply immediately to your personal and professional life. We believe that integrating faith into your daily mission creates a stronger foundation for everything you do. If you are looking for honest conversations about marriage and leadership rooted in scripture, you have come to the right place.

Subscribe for weekly faith and leadership discussions, and let us know in the comments what specific topics you would like us to cover next.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound is now online! We worship, we learn, we break out into gender specific groups and we journal with each other and with the Holy Spirit. If your heart is stirring listening to this, pay attention Healing begins here. Click the link below to join us at Reviving Recovery:Unbound.

www.revivingrecovery.com

See you in the room!

Come check out the Association of Christian Business Women!  We'd love for you to join this growing community of Kingdom-minded women.  Visit our website at www.acbw.org

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound
Holy Spirit-led recovery for lasting freedom, healing, and biblical transformation through Christ.

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Freedom Support Solutions LLC
Elite financial concierge and bookkeeping for busy entrepreneurs and busy families.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

www.faithfullyinvested.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we explore the power of discipleship through adversity. Discover how tough times can shape our faith and strengthen our ability to support others.

Key takeaways:

* Adversity is a powerful teacher in discipleship.
* Authentic faith shines brightest in difficult moments.
* Trusting God during trials can inspire those around you.
* Your pain has a purpose and can comfort others.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:10 The role of adversity in discipleship
02:00 Learning through tough times
05:00 God never wastes a trial
10:00 The importance of community
15:00 How to support others through struggles
20:00 Conclusion

What's your biggest challenge with discipleship? Drop it in the comments!

Subscribe for weekly insights on faith and growth!

#Discipleship #FaithThroughAdversity #ChristianGrowth

Reviving Recovery: Unbound is now online! We worship, we learn, we break out into gender specific groups and we journal with each other and with the Holy Spirit. If your heart is stirring listening to this, pay attention Healing begins here. Click the link below to join us at Reviving Recovery:Unbound.

www.revivingrecovery.com

See you in the room!

Come check out the Association of Christian Business Women!  We'd love for you to join this growing community of Kingdom-minded women.  Visit our website at www.acbw.org

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Freedom Support Solutions LLC
Elite financial concierge and bookkeeping for busy entrepreneurs and busy families.

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound
Holy Spirit-led recovery for lasting freedom, healing, and biblical transformation through Christ.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

www.faithfullyinvested.com

Send us Fan Mail

Faith-driven leadership requires more than good intentions; it demands a clear, biblical framework for your daily decisions. Learn how to bridge the gap between your spiritual values and the high-pressure demands of your career.

Allen and Stacy Jo Thorne introduce the Faithfully Invested podcast, a space designed for professionals who refuse to compartmentalize their beliefs. Whether you are leading a team, navigating complex workplace dynamics, or striving to keep your marriage prioritized alongside your mission, this show provides the necessary perspective. We focus on integrating faith-driven leadership into the rhythms of your work week, ensuring your professional output reflects your core convictions.

Our discussions move past abstract theory to tackle the practical application of scripture in modern business environments. By examining real-life scenarios, we help you maintain your integrity without sacrificing your professional ambitions. Expect honest conversations about the tension between pursuing goals and honoring your commitment to a higher purpose, giving you actionable steps to apply immediately.

Subscribe for weekly faith-driven leadership breakdowns, and let us know in the comments what specific professional challenges you want us to address next.

Unlock the secrets of authentic leadership! In this episode, we explore how to transition from merely gathering followers to multiplying leaders who can carry your vision forward.

Key takeaways:

* Understand the difference between building a following and raising up leaders.
* Ask yourself: If you stepped away, would your team thrive?
* Learn the importance of delegation and developing others.
* Discover how to identify and invest in potential leaders.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:25 The difference between followers and leaders
03:54 Key questions for leaders
05:08 The challenge of developing others
10:25 The importance of delegation
15:34 Moses and Jethro's leadership lesson
19:09 Overcoming fears in leadership
22:27 The importance of allowing mistakes
32:25 Shifting from doing to developing
39:12 Call to action: Identify someone to invest in

What's your biggest challenge with developing leaders? Drop it in the comments!

Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership and growth!

#LeadershipDevelopment #MultiplyingLeaders #kingdomleadership 

Reviving Recovery: Unbound is now online! We worship, we learn, we break out into gender specific groups and we journal with each other and with the Holy Spirit. If your heart is stirring listening to this, pay attention Healing begins here. Click the link below to join us at Reviving Recovery:Unbound.

www.revivingrecovery.com

See you in the room!

Come check out the Association of Christian Business Women!  We'd love for you to join this growing community of Kingdom-minded women.  Visit our website at www.acbw.org

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound
Holy Spirit-led recovery for lasting freedom, healing, and biblical transformation through Christ.

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Freedom Support Solutions LLC
Elite financial concierge and bookkeeping for busy entrepreneurs and busy families.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

www.faithfullyinvested.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Faithfully Invested, we dive into the importance of discipling those closest to us—our spouses and children. Discover how to create a home where faith is woven into everyday life, not just reserved for special moments.

Key takeaways:

* Home is where the real us shows up, and discipleship starts there.
* It's about modeling faith through our actions, especially during tough times.
* Discipling in marriage means lifting each other up spiritually.
* Consistency in everyday moments is key to effective discipleship.
* Engage in honest conversations about faith with your family.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:29 The importance of home discipleship
01:27 Showing the real you
02:40 Modeling faith in tough times
03:59 The role of marriage in discipleship
07:25 Practical steps for discipling at home
23:11 Prayer and faith in everyday life
27:23 One Jesus conversation challenge

What's your biggest challenge with discipling at home? Drop it in the comments!

Subscribe for weekly insights on faith and family!

#Discipleship #FaithAtHome #FamilyFaith

Reviving Recovery: Unbound is now online! We worship, we learn, we break out into gender specific groups and we journal with each other and with the Holy Spirit. If your heart is stirring listening to this, pay attention Healing begins here. Click the link below to join us at Reviving Recovery:Unbound.

www.revivingrecovery.com

See you in the room!

Come check out the Association of Christian Business Women!  We'd love for you to join this growing community of Kingdom-minded women.  Visit our website at www.acbw.org

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound
Holy Spirit-led recovery for lasting freedom, healing, and biblical transformation through Christ.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

www.faithfullyinvested.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Faithfully Invested, Allen and Stacy Jo delve into the essential elements of effective discipleship—heart posture, patience, presence, and ongoing commitment—highlighting how these qualities shape genuine spiritual multiplication and relationship. They emphasize that successful disciple-making begins with our own spiritual health and humility.

Key topics: 

• The importance of heart posture in discipleship and how it impacts connection
• Jesus as the ultimate model of humility, presence, and patience 
• The significance of presence over performance in mentoring relationships 
• The dangers of the expert trap and the importance of humility and vulnerability 
• Disciple-making as a long-term process requiring patience and perseverance 
• The necessity of availability, attentiveness, and authenticity 
• Guarding your own soul to continue pouring into others 
• Practical steps: approaching conversations with curiosity, slowing down expectations, and maintaining humility 
• The impact of genuine consistency and long-term commitment on spiritual growth

 

Timestamps: 00:00 - The significance of heart posture in discipleship
02:10 - Jesus’ example: prioritizing presence before mission
05:25 - Posture of the discipler influences whether truth is received
07:40 - Being intentional versus reactive in mentoring
09:15 - Modeling humility and genuine interest through Scripture
12:14 - The importance of proximity and doing life together
14:07 - Luke 6:40 and the significance of becoming like your teacher
15:26 - Authenticity, integrity, and the danger of faking it
17:12 - Avoiding the expert trap: walking alongside rather than lecturing
20:11 - The power of questions, curiosity, and meeting people where they are
22:00 - Patience as a core part of discipleship’s slow process
24:24 - The importance of grace and Holy Spirit’s work in sanctification
26:24 - The vital role of availability and being interruptible
28:34 - Considering calling and willingness before entering discipleship
31:47 - Practical step: listen with curiosity, slow down, and set realistic expectations
40:34 - The importance of self-care, spiritual health, and modeling Christ’s posture
42:18 - Prayer for humility, patience, and heart alignment in discipleship

Resources & Links:  

• Luke 6:40 
• Philippians 2:3-4 
• Ephesians 4:15

 

Connect with Allen & Stacy Jo:  Website - www.faithfullyinvested.com

 

Note: Remember, effective discipleship is rooted in humility, patience, and the willingness to show up consistently, reflecting Christ’s heart in every interaction.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound is now online! We worship, we learn, we break out into gender specific groups and we journal with each other and with the Holy Spirit. If your heart is stirring listening to this, pay attention Healing begins here. Click the link below to join us at Reviving Recovery:Unbound.

www.revivingrecovery.com

See you in the room!

Come check out the Association of Christian Business Women!  We'd love for you to join this growing community of Kingdom-minded women.  Visit our website at www.acbw.org

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound
Holy Spirit-led recovery for lasting freedom, healing, and biblical transformation through Christ.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

www.faithfullyinvested.com

Send us Fan Mail

Apply biblical leadership and faith-based principles to your marriage and mission with Allen and Stacy Jo Thorne.

Welcome to Season 8 of Faithfully Invested! In this episode, we dive into the essence of discipleship and how you are already a discipler, whether you realize it or not. Join us as we explore the importance of sharing your faith and experiences with others.

In this episode of Faithfully Invested, we explore how to integrate biblical wisdom into your daily decision-making. Whether you are navigating challenges in your career or seeking to strengthen your relationship, these discussions offer practical applications for leaders who want to align their life with their values. We break down complex topics with a lighthearted approach, making it easier to lead with purpose.

Our conversation focuses on actionable steps for those balancing professional responsibilities and personal commitments. By prioritizing biblical leadership, you can find clarity in your mission and build a stronger foundation for your marriage. We discuss real-life scenarios where faith informs our leadership principles, providing a roadmap for growth in both areas.
Key takeaways:

* Discipleship is a lifestyle, not a program.
* Everyone has the potential to disciple others.
* Authenticity is key in building relationships.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Overview of Season 8
01:06 What is Discipleship?
02:20 Common Misinterpretations
03:24 Discipleship as a Lifestyle
04:55 Personal Stories of Discipleship
10:17 The Great Commission
12:40 Overcoming Excuses
15:50 The Importance of Intentionality
23:26 Getting Started with Discipleship
27:24 Final Thoughts

What's your biggest challenge with discipleship? Drop it in the comments!

Subscribe for weekly biblical wisdom breakdowns, and comment below with a topic you would like us to discuss in our upcoming episodes.

#Discipleship #FaithfullyInvested #SpiritualGrowth

Reviving Recovery: Unbound is now online! We worship, we learn, we break out into gender specific groups and we journal with each other and with the Holy Spirit. If your heart is stirring listening to this, pay attention Healing begins here. Click the link below to join us at Reviving Recovery:Unbound.

www.revivingrecovery.com

See you in the room!

Come check out the Association of Christian Business Women!  We'd love for you to join this growing community of Kingdom-minded women.  Visit our website at www.acbw.org

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Reviving Recovery: Unbound
Holy Spirit-led recovery for lasting freedom, healing, and biblical transformation through Christ.

Association of Christian Business Women
Empowering women in business through faith, community, and leadership.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

www.faithfullyinvested.com