Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ

Delighting in God is not another task for your spiritual to-do list—it is a dynamic, relational response to His presence and beauty. Author, Bible teacher and Conference host Jennifer Rothschild joins Stephanie to talk about true delight as awakened by God Himself within us, rather than achieved through personal effort or performance.

Jennifer has kindly written the foreword to Stephanie’s new book, Awaken Delight: Satisfying your soul’s longing for God (IVP, July 2026).

Ready to order Stephanie's book? Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt 

More about the book at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight 

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.

Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in God

• reshapes suffering
• quiets restless striving
• anchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of you

Learning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.

Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.

We have chosen to celebrate the message of Awaken Delight by partnering with a private donor to donate up to $7,000 to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking (see list on our partners page). The final amount depends, among others, on Sales. Because delighting in God is also hands-on action.

https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight 

Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt 

MORE ABOUT THIS CONVERSATION

Delighting in God is not another task for your spiritual to-do list—it is a dynamic, relational response to His presence and beauty. Author, Bible teacher and Conference host Jennifer Rothschild joins Stephanie to talk about true delight as awakened by God Himself within us, rather than achieved through personal effort or performance. Together today they explore:

• the difference between delighting in God as duty versus delight as Spirit-awakened response.
• how experiencing God’s presence turns ordinary moments into opportunities for delight.
• practical ways to cultivate awareness of God’s activity in everyday life.
• the role of suffering in awakening deeper delight and intimacy with God.
• how worship, community, and nature reflect God’s delight and invite our response.

Delighting in God is both the fruit and evidence of a heart attuned to His presence and beauty. It’s not manufactured, but awakened by the Spirit, often through worship, community, and even suffering. The invitation is to participate in this “sing along” of relationship, responding to God’s delight over us—not because we are perfect, but because we are His.

Jennifer Rothschild emphasizes moving delight in God off the "to-do list" and seeing it as a response—“it's not a duty, it's a response.” Authentic delight arises from an “awareness of His presence,” not from striving to manufacture feelings or perform. Recognizing that God's nearness itself is the catalyst for delight.

Examples such as listening to birdsong became moments of delight for Jennifer because she trained her mind and heart to recognize God as the giver of all beauty. This “mental paradigm and heart posture” means seeing evidence of God in everyday experiences—a child’s laughter, the taste of good food, or the beauty of creation.

Delight in God can only be truly awakened by God’s own Spirit in us—not conjured by human effort. Stephanie explains why her new book is titled “Awaken Delight,” highlighting that Christians delight in God because God births that desire in us through the Holy Spirit.

God delights to partner with us—not as servants under command, but as beloved children invited into relationship. Our small acts of trust and faith, like a grandchild’s shy art offering, delight God the way a grandparent delights in a child’s offering.

Jesus embodies God's delight—at His baptism, before any miracles or ministry, the Father declared delight in Him simply because He was His Son. Our delight is rooted in being “in Christ,” not in achievements.

Surprisingly, suffering can be the crucible that awakens delight. Jennifer unpacks Paul's words about “delighting in weakness”, explaining that it means recognizing God’s good even in hardship—a perspective shift empowered by Christ.

Practical Steps to Awaken Your Delight of God today

• Meditate on a single verse all day to listen for God’s living word in everyday reality.
• Attribute every beautiful or joyful experience back to God as the source.
• Engage worship by savoring every word as a direct offering to God.
• When struggling, turn “worship” into prayer—ask God to awaken the truth of the words in your hear.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT “AWAKEN DELIGHT” BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.

In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.

Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in God

• reshapes suffering
• quiets restless striving
• anchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of you

Learning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.

Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.

We have chosen to celebrate the message of Awaken Delight by partnering with a private donor to donate up to $7,000 to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking (see list on our partners page). The final amount depends, among others, on Sales. Because delighting in God is also hands-on action.

https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight 

Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JENNIFER ROTHSCHILD

“It is well with my soul.” For Jennifer Rothschild, these words are much more than the lyrics from a familiar hymn; they describe how she lives her life … in the dark.

At the age of fifteen, Jennifer was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative eye disease that would eventually steal her sight. It was more than a turning point for the Miami, Florida native. Her dreams of becoming an artist and cartoonist faded. Words and music have replaced her canvas and palette for more than 30 years.

As an author and speaker, Jennifer is known for her substance, signature wit, and down-to-earth style.  A unique mix of profound and playful, she weaves biblical truth with relatable stories, making God’s Word accessible to those just starting out in Scripture and endearing to those who have walked with Christ for years.

Jennifer has been a featured speaker for the nation’s largest conference for women, Women of Faith.  She’s also been on the platform with Women of Joy, Lifeway Women Live, and Extraordinary Women. Since 2018, She’s hosted the popular 4:13 Podcast where she provides weekly biblical wisdom and practical encouragement to help women live the “I Can” life of Philippians 4:13.

She is the author of 20 books and Bible studies with combined sales over one million units, including the latest video-based Bible study, Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight and the best-selling book, Lessons I Learned in the Dark.

Jennifer has been featured on The Today Show, Dr. Phil, ABC’s Good Morning America, and the Billy Graham Television Special, plus other national TV and radio programs including Hour of Power, Life Today, Family Life Radio, and others. Her life story and message has been the cover story of numerous national publications including Today’s Christian Woman, Virtue magazine, Becoming Family magazine, HomeLife magazine, and others.

Jennifer is also the founder and host of Fresh Grounded Faith events and the womensministry.net Leadership Library, which equips women in ministry to lead well. She lives in Springfield, Missouri with her husband of over 35 years, Dr. Philip Rothschild. Jennifer is a boy mom, C.S. Lewis junkie, an obsessive audio book listener, a dark chocolate lover, a strong coffee drinker, and an avid encourager.

https://www.jenniferrothschild.com/ 

DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.

In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.

Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.

Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.

Delighting in God isn’t sentimental optimism. It’s deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.

It’s the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.

Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.

More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight

Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J

• Kind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God’s delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you’ll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”
• Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie’s joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."
• Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."
• Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie’s love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."

More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight

Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

In this brand-new series centered around Stephanie’s new book, we explore several ways that we lose and can recover our delight in God, rooted in His delight of us. Today, in this first episode in our series, Stephanie explores spiritual fatigue in faithful believers and guides us toward God’s invitation to restoration, not just endurance.

What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb? Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself. You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

If you’re spiritually weary, your fatigue does not prove you’re far from God. You’re invited to rest in the truth that delight begins by receiving God’s delight over you. Come honestly, bring your tired self, and let God awaken delight in your soul again. Your greatest need is not more pressure, but more permission to rest and be restored as His beloved.

Many mature Christians find themselves exhausted, faithfully serving God while inwardly feeling emotionally distant. Obedience becomes duty, prayer is reduced to quick requests or guilty silence, and Scripture feels like data instead of bread. Outwardly, they are strong—teaching, leading, serving—yet inside, numbness, irritability, and spiritual dehydration prevail.

Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are feeling weary and exhausted in your faith: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 446. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!

Key Symptoms | When Weariness Overtakes Christians—Rediscovering Delight as God’s Beloved

• Duty without delight;
• Spiritual dryness, despite regular disciplines;
• Resentment towards expectations and responsibilities;
• Prayers and scripture reading that feel obligatory, not life-giving.

Spiritual depletion rarely stems from bad theology or outright rebellion. Instead, it often results from:

• Years of faithful overextension;
• Ignored grief or disappointment;
• Trying to do more and more to compensate for the sense of lost delight;
• Living off “old oil”—past experiences with God, not present intimacy;
• Feeling that delight and intimacy with God are for someone else, perhaps just for earlier seasons.

Weariness emerges when we serve God from muscle memory, not fresh encounter, or confuse emotional invulnerability with spiritual maturity.

The temptation is to force spiritual disciplines, tightening up routines, and demanding more from ourselves. But a weary Christian doesn’t lack discipline. Oftentimes, we lack receptivity. More striving usually deepens the exhaustion and guilt, rather than reviving joy.

Instead of seeking restoration, weary believers mistakenly try to manufacture delight by moral strain or performance, but delight is not manufactured by moral strain.

The path back is not correction but replenishment. Stephanie urges us to “come nearer, slower, truer,” rather than to “try harder”. Restoration means:

• Honest lament and silence before God;
• Allowing ourselves to be ministered to;
• Sabbath, rest, and simplicity in spiritual practice;
• Confessing not just sin, but exhaustion, disappointment, and overextension;

Even our ache for God is proof that love is alive in us, not that faith has died. Jesus doesn’t just forgive; He invites the weary to come to Him for rest.

Ultimately, our delight in God is rooted in His delight in us. Before time began, God chose to love and delight in His people, even at great cost to Himself through the cross. Our identity is found not in our ministry, productivity, or others’ approval, but in God’s unwavering, delighted gaze.

DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.

In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.

Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.

Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.

Delighting in God isn’t sentimental optimism. It’s deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.

It’s the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.

Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.

More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight

Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J

• Kind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God’s delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you’ll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”
• Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie’s joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."
• Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."
• Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie’s love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."

More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight

Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Stephanie Rousselle and guest Dr. Alan Noble discuss living well in today’s world by reclaiming forgotten Christian virtues. Drawing from Noble’s book, To Live Well, let’s consider practical steps Christians can take to thrive amid cultural confusion.

According to Noble, we’re surrounded by an overwhelming cacophony of voices (social media, celebrities, self-help gurus, even misguided pastors), each offering conflicting advice on how to live a meaningful life. This deluge of ideas leaves many—Christians included—feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and directionless. The key challenge: how do we discern a coherent, godly way of living amid so many broken narratives?

Noble suggests reclaiming classic virtues—time-honored character strengths rooted in Christian tradition and Scripture—as a path toward living well. He points out that Protestants, in particular, have neglected these virtues, though historically theologians like Augustine, Aquinas, and Calvin all upheld their value.

Practicing these virtues is not about earning favor with God. Instead, Christians live out virtue in grateful response to God’s grace, relying on the Spirit’s power, and always within community, where we are supported, challenged, and forgiven when we fail.

So, let’s consider 3 of the 7 virtues Alan Noble offers in his book.

1. Prudence (choosing decisively)

Prudence means choosing decisively and wisely. In a world obsessed with limitless choice, prudence involves slowing down, humbly discerning reality, seeking what truly glorifies God, deliberate decision-making, and resolute action. Prudence guards against both indecision (paralysis) and the sunk-cost fallacy—stubbornly sticking with poor choices out of pride or prior investment.

2. Fortitude (Suffering steadfastly)

Modern culture avoids suffering at all costs, but Noble explains that fortitude is about the courage to endure or risk suffering for the sake of the good. Suffering, rightly faced, builds character and produces hope—connecting deeply to the sanctifying work God does in His people. Fortitude enables Christians to move through hardship, trusting that even suffering has purpose.

Magnanimity is boldly living into the excellence and gifts God has given, for His glory and the good of others. Pusillanimity, by contrast, is timidity—hiding or burying your God-given talents out of fear. As illustrated in the parable of the talents, God calls each believer to step out in faith and use their gifts with courage.

3. Temperance (living moderately)

Temperance is the willful restraint from doing everything you can do, especially when surrounded with endless technological, social, and material options. Choosing not to indulge every impulse, but to order choices for God’s glory, is countercultural but vital for soul health.

When we reorder our perspectives around these timeless virtues, we move from confusion and anxiety toward clarity, purpose, and peace—living as God intended, by His grace and for His glory.

Application

• Self-examine: Where do you feel confused or pressured by the “heap of broken images” in your life?
• Practice virtues: Choose to cultivate prudence, fortitude, magnanimity, and temperance, seeking wisdom, courage, excellence, and self-control in daily choices.
• Pursue community: Remember that virtue grows in fellowship with others; seek relationships that encourage and hold you accountable.
• Rest in grace: When you fail, rely on God’s grace and learn from your mistakes. Embrace the freedom found in Christ’s finished work.

MORE ABOUT “TO LIVE WELL”

You were told to live a meaningful life. But no one ever told you how.

Our lives are shaped by contradictions. Competing voices tell us who to be, what to want, and how to live. The result? A fragmented moral imagination. We're handed a thousand broken messages and left to cobble together something resembling a life. But instead of clarity, we get exhaustion. Instead of wisdom, we get anxiety.

This leaves you asking yourself How can I get through when I feel alone and confused? How can I live well in this broken and chaotic world?

In To Live Well, Alan Noble shows you how you can not only endure but flourish in life. Through exploring the seven virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and love, you'll learn how to

• choose gracefully,
• act justly,
• suffer steadfastly,
• live moderately,
• believe soundly,
• hope resolutely, and
• love rightly.

This book won't give you a ten-step plan to fix everything. It doesn't promise clarity overnight. But it will invite you into something deeper: an ancient, time-tested path of habits of heart and mind that shape who we are and how we live.

With honesty, theological depth, and a mentor's heart, Noble names your confusion and offers an antidote―not by escaping the mess but by learning how to live faithfully within it. If you've ever longed for something solid in a world that just wants to sell you more temporary stuff, To Live Well is a good place to begin.

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

We live in a world that tells us we can be anything we want. But is that even something we should wish for? What if our greatest freedom came, not from choosing who we are, but from embracing the fullness of who God made us to be? And what if God has wired us to be our freest, best selves when we become who Jesus says we are in Him? Finally, what if it took one another to discover more fully who we are in Christ, and who He is in us?

In last week’s and today’s episodes, Stephanie explores how the lives of Adam and Eve, the first humans, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, serve as unexpected companions in the story of Scripture. Their experiences help us answer Jesus’s central question: "Who do you say that I am?" Together, they offer distinct perspectives that deepen our understanding of who Christ is and who we are in Him.

This is Part 2 of this teaching. Part 1 became available last week, in Episode 443! Scroll to the bottom of these shownotes for application questions relevant to Part 2 of this teaching. Here’s more:

Both Adam and Eve and Mary faced a common enemy—the serpent, the epitome of evil and deception. For Adam and Eve, the serpent was literal; for Mary, it manifested in cultural pressures and theological misunderstandings about the Messiah. We, too, face our own serpents today—temptations and misunderstandings that threaten our faith.

They also were witnesses to God’s grace through forms of incarnation. Adam and Eve experienced creation, while Mary witnessed the birth of Jesus, God made flesh. Both sets of experiences pointed to the unfolding of God’s salvation story.

• Death and Resurrection: Adam and Eve endured the first human death—Abel’s murder—a result of their choice and the entrance of evil. Mary witnessed her son’s crucifixion, the ultimate act of innocent suffering, completing the cycle begun by Abel. Jesus’s death is portrayed as the "last death," closing the loop and offering resurrection life.
• Choice and Consequence: Adam and Eve chose rebellion, not foreseeing its consequences. Mary chose surrender, trusting God’s goodness even amidst uncertainty. We are reminded: we control our actions, not their outcomes.
• Creation and Incarnation: Adam and Eve were created but not born, bearing no belly buttons—a symbol of their unique origin. Jesus was born but not created, affirming his eternal existence. Mary bridges the two, being both a descendant of Adam and the mother of her Creator.
• Passing on Humanity and Sin: Adam and Eve pass on a nature of dust—sin and rebellion. Mary, as Jesus’s mother, passes on humanity, not sinlessness (contrary to some traditions), proving salvation is by grace, not works.
• Second Adam: Paul equates Jesus and Adam, stating Jesus is the "life-giving spirit." Mary becomes a vessel of grace, not its source, just as Adam and Eve are vessels of sin, not its origin.
• Garden Parallels: Adam and Eve’s failure in Eden contrasts with Jesus’s victory in Gethsemane. Where Adam was silent, Jesus faced his trials alone, faithfully surrendering.
• Tree of Life: Adam and Eve chose the tree of knowledge, bringing death. Jesus—born to die—offers access to the tree of life, opening paradise to believers, reversing the curse.
• Blessing and Curse: Mary receives both blessing and curse, echoing Adam and Eve’s experience. Yet her surrender transforms curse into blessing—her obedience stands in contrast to Adam and Eve’s blame-shifting.

Scripture invites us to gaze at Jesus, the bridge between Old and New Testaments. Our identity is found only by answering, "Who do you say that I am?" Like Mary, we are called to surrender, transforming uncertainty into destiny. Our lives are blessed when rooted in Christ—the source of life, hope, and redemption.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Here are some questions for your time in Scripture this week, following in the footsteps of this conversation:

1.      What is the significance of Adam and Eve being created but never born, and Jesus being born but never created? How does this highlight the uniqueness of both creation and incarnation?

2.      In what ways does the symbolism of gardens—Eden and Gethsemane—illustrate the journey from separation to restoration with God?

3.      How does the contrast between the two trees in Eden (Tree of Life and Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil) inform our understanding of free will and the choices we make about who Jesus is to us?

4.      Reflect on the concept of "paradise" or "Eden" as described in this lesson. How does seeing Jesus as the way back to Eden impact your spiritual walk?

5.      Mary responded to God with "May it be done to me as you will." In what areas of your life do you feel challenged to respond to God with that same surrendered attitude?

Feel free to use these questions for group discussion, personal reflection, or in your quiet time through the week!

GO DEEPER

Walk alongside unexpected companions from Scripture who have discovered freedom in their God-given identity. They have dared to answer Jesus' question to them, "Who do you say that I AM?" and, in the process, have heard Him answer their own question to Him - "Jesus, who do YOU say that I am?"

Consider our full Gospel Spice Course, UNEXPECTED COMPANIONS, available at https://www.gospelspice.com/unexpected 

Use coupon code HEART for 25% off this course and every course on Gospel Spice at https://www.gospelspice.com/store 

Imagine a conversation between, for example, Jacob and Peter about Jesus Christ. And then, imagine joining in the conversation to share your own perspective! 

We will approach the pages of Scripture each week by comparing and contrasting one person from the Old Testament with one person from the New Testament in order to draw parallels from their lives and experiences that we can then apply to our own lives. Of course, the Old Testament person has never technically met Jesus, but the pages of the Old Testament are replete with prophecies and types of Christ to point us to Him. So, with each session, we are inviting an unexpected pair of biblical heroes around a coffee date, and we let them chat about their own personal life experience and how it reveals God. 

We will find that our own experience of Jesus Christ will echo theirs in more ways than one! By the end of our time together, we will be able to give a fuller answer to Jesus’ question to each one of us—“who do you say that I AM?” We will also be able to hear His answer to our own question to Him—”Jesus, who do You say that I am?”

We are intentionally choosing unexpected pairs from Scripture – someone from the Old Testament and someone from the New Testament that you may never before have thought to pair up. It will keep things spicy and interesting! 

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

We live in a world that tells us we can be anything we want. But is that even something we should wish for? What if our greatest freedom came, not from choosing who we are, but from embracing the fullness of who God made us to be? And what if God has wired us to be our freest, best selves when we become who Jesus says we are in Him? Finally, what if it took one another to discover more fully who we are in Christ, and who He is in us?

In today’s and next week’s episodes, Stephanie explores how the lives of Adam and Eve, the first humans, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, serve as unexpected companions in the story of Scripture. Their experiences help us answer Jesus’s central question: "Who do you say that I am?" Together, they offer distinct perspectives that deepen our understanding of who Christ is and who we are in Him.

This is Part 1 of this teaching. Part 2 will be available next week! Scroll to the bottom of these shownotes for application questions relevant to Part 1 of this teaching. Here’s more:

Both Adam and Eve and Mary faced a common enemy—the serpent, the epitome of evil and deception. For Adam and Eve, the serpent was literal; for Mary, it manifested in cultural pressures and theological misunderstandings about the Messiah. We, too, face our own serpents today—temptations and misunderstandings that threaten our faith.

They also were witnesses to God’s grace through forms of incarnation. Adam and Eve experienced creation, while Mary witnessed the birth of Jesus, God made flesh. Both sets of experiences pointed to the unfolding of God’s salvation story.

Death and Resurrection: Adam and Eve endured the first human death—Abel’s murder—a result of their choice and the entrance of evil. Mary witnessed her son’s crucifixion, the ultimate act of innocent suffering, completing the cycle begun by Abel. Jesus’s death is portrayed as the "last death," closing the loop and offering resurrection life.

Choice and Consequence: Adam and Eve chose rebellion, not foreseeing its consequences. Mary chose surrender, trusting God’s goodness even amidst uncertainty. We are reminded: we control our actions, not their outcomes.

Creation and Incarnation: Adam and Eve were created but not born, bearing no belly buttons—a symbol of their unique origin. Jesus was born but not created, affirming his eternal existence. Mary bridges the two, being both a descendant of Adam and the mother of her Creator.

Passing on Humanity and Sin: Adam and Eve pass on a nature of dust—sin and rebellion. Mary, as Jesus’s mother, passes on humanity, not sinlessness (contrary to some traditions), proving salvation is by grace, not works.

Second Adam: Paul equates Jesus and Adam, stating Jesus is the "life-giving spirit." Mary becomes a vessel of grace, not its source, just as Adam and Eve are vessels of sin, not its origin.

Garden Parallels: Adam and Eve’s failure in Eden contrasts with Jesus’s victory in Gethsemane. Where Adam was silent, Jesus faced his trials alone, faithfully surrendering.

Tree of Life: Adam and Eve chose the tree of knowledge, bringing death. Jesus—born to die—offers access to the tree of life, opening paradise to believers, reversing the curse.

Blessing and Curse: Mary receives both blessing and curse, echoing Adam and Eve’s experience. Yet her surrender transforms curse into blessing—her obedience stands in contrast to Adam and Eve’s blame-shifting.

Conclusion | Scripture invites us to gaze at Jesus, the bridge between Old and New Testaments. Our identity is found only by answering, "Who do you say that I am?" Like Mary, we are called to surrender, transforming uncertainty into destiny. Our lives are blessed when rooted in Christ—the source of life, hope, and redemption.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Here are some questions for your time in Scripture this week, following in the footsteps of this conversation:

1.      How does the question Jesus asks in the Gospels, "Who do you say that I am?" resonate with you personally after hearing this lesson?

2.      In what ways does comparing Old Testament and New Testament figures, like Adam & Eve with Mary, help you gain a deeper understanding of Jesus?

3.      What common enemy did Adam and Eve and Mary face, and how does that relate to the adversities or "serpents" we encounter today?

4.      How do the experiences of loss—like Adam and Eve grieving Abel and Mary witnessing Jesus's death—shape our perspective on suffering and hope?

5.      Discuss the differences between Adam and Eve's initial response to God's command and Mary's surrender to God's will. What lessons can we draw for our own lives?

Feel free to use these questions for group discussion, personal reflection, or in your quiet time through the week!

GO DEEPER

Walk alongside unexpected companions from Scripture who have discovered freedom in their God-given identity. They have dared to answer Jesus' question to them, "Who do you say that I AM?" and, in the process, have heard Him answer their own question to Him - "Jesus, who do YOU say that I am?"

Consider our full Gospel Spice Course, UNEXPECTED COMPANIONS, available at https://www.gospelspice.com/unexpected 

Use coupon code HEART for 25% off this course and every course on Gospel Spice at https://www.gospelspice.com/store 

Imagine a conversation between, for example, Jacob and Peter about Jesus Christ. And then, imagine joining in the conversation to share your own perspective! 

We will approach the pages of Scripture each week by comparing and contrasting one person from the Old Testament with one person from the New Testament in order to draw parallels from their lives and experiences that we can then apply to our own lives. Of course, the Old Testament person has never technically met Jesus, but the pages of the Old Testament are replete with prophecies and types of Christ to point us to Him. So, with each session, we are inviting an unexpected pair of biblical heroes around a coffee date, and we let them chat about their own personal life experience and how it reveals God. 

We will find that our own experience of Jesus Christ will echo theirs in more ways than one! By the end of our time together, we will be able to give a fuller answer to Jesus’ question to each one of us—“who do you say that I AM?” We will also be able to hear His answer to our own question to Him—”Jesus, who do You say that I am?”

We are intentionally choosing unexpected pairs from Scripture – someone from the Old Testament and someone from the New Testament that you may never before have thought to pair up. It will keep things spicy and interesting! 

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Jennifer Tucker joins Stephanie Rousselle to share her journey with prayer, mental health, and the integration of body, soul, and spirit. Jenn Tucker’s story, interwoven through her three books—Breath as Prayer, Present in Prayer, and Prayer in Motion—offers practical wisdom for deepening connection with God amid life’s hardships.

NOTE! We’re giving away a full set of Jenn’s 3 books (Breath as Prayer, Present in Prayer, and Prayer in Motion) as well as 2 copies of “Prayer in Motion”. To enter, it’s simple! Go to gospelspice.com/jenntucker and follow the simple prompt.

Jenn begins by describing her upbringing in faith, where prayer was a checklist item—something to do in order to be a “good Christian”. When life became dark and difficult, this formulaic approach unraveled. Even with faithful churchgoing, parental duties, and ticking all the boxes, Jenn struggled with anxiety and depression, compounded by shame for feeling that way.

She slowly discovered that faith is not about perfect performance or checking off tasks, but about honest, vulnerable communion with God. Freedom begins with releasing the guilt and shame attached to struggles with anxiety, fear, or broken expectations.

When her daughter faced severe anxiety and panic attacks, Jenn  was forced to confront her own pain. The loss of control and the inability to “fix” things broke down years of self-sufficiency. Through “breath prayers”—simple, repeated prayers aligned with breathing—she found tethering to God possible even in crisis, when no other words would come. When you’re overwhelmed, practice breath prayers or silent contemplation. Let your prayers be honest expressions of pain, confusion, and need. God’s invitation is to commune with Him, not perform for Him.

After enduring trauma and depression, Jenn discovered that both stillness and movement were vital for healing. He book Present in Prayer explores deep stillness and meditation on Scripture, fostering rootedness in God’s presence.

Yet, healing also required physical movement. Jenn learned to listen to her body, recognizing that gentle motion—walking, stretching—helped lift depression’s weight, reconnecting her to hope. We are body, soul, and spirit. Movement can be prayerful—a way to invite God into every step, reminding us of His presence and goodness. Attending to your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs honors God’s holistic design.

Jenn details simple grounding practices using the senses for moments of anxiety or distress: naming things you can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. These help anchor us in the present and open us to God’s nearness. Even when bodies fail or senses are lost, God’s presence remains, and hope is available—sometimes through pivoting to find new joys in brokenness. Use your senses to regain awareness of God’s gifts, even in difficulty. Hunt for glimpses of goodness, fix your gaze on hope, and trust that your wholeness in Christ is not limited by present suffering.

Jenn’s journey teaches that prayer is communion, not performance; that movement and stillness are both sacred; and that hope is sustained by trusting God’s presence through all circumstances. Every breath, every step, every struggle, and every joy can become a prayer—reminding us that God is with us, always.

Remember! We’re giving away a full set of Jenn’s 3 books (Breath as Prayer, Present in Prayer, and Prayer in Motion) as well as 2 copies of “Prayer in Motion”. To enter, it’s simple! Go to gospelspice.com/jenntucker and follow the simple prompt.

MORE ABOUT “PRAYER IN MOTION”

Move Your Body. Quiet Your Mind. Reconnect with God.

What if prayer felt less like a routine and more like a rhythm—something that flows through all the moments of your day and movements of your body?

In Prayer in Motion, author and artist Jennifer Tucker invites you to experience prayer in a fresh, embodied way—where movement becomes worship, and your physical self is embraced as part of your spiritual journey.

With warmth and gentle wisdom, Jennifer offers a path to deeper peace, joy, and connection through simple practices that unite body and soul. You’ll be encouraged to slow down, create sacred space, and engage in meaningful somatic movement—from stretching and breathing to dancing, drawing, and resting.

Prayer in Motion offers:

·         Thoughtful reflections on the biblical connection between body and spirit

·         Helpful guides for creating daily prayer rhythms that keep you anchored to God as you move through your day

·         Practical tools for mindful movement and embodied prayer

·         Creative somatic exercises that promote rest, release, and restoration

·         Encouragement to embrace your body as a beautiful, God-created gift

Whether you're feeling disconnected, stressed, or just longing to experience God in a new way, Prayer in Motion gently leads you toward wholeness—helping you reclaim joy, deepen faith, and find peace one intentional movement at a time.

Let this be your invitation to move with purpose, pray with presence, and worship God with your whole being.

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Leslie Bosserman shares powerful insights drawn from her new book, "Emotional Endurance." With Stephanie, she explores her personal journey, the necessity of emotional endurance, and practical strategies for developing this crucial skill set from a Christian perspective.  

NOTE | We are giving away 3 copies of Leslie's book, "Emotional Endurance." Sign up at https://www.gospelspice.com/lesliebossermangiveaway today! 

Leslie Bosserman defines emotional endurance as a “dynamic inner capacity to keep going and rise above your circumstances as you deal with life’s stresses and challenges”. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a set of skills and tools that can be developed and customized to each person’s needs, rooted deeply in faith, self-awareness, and lived experience.

Emotional endurance is a lifelong journey—dynamic, adaptable, and deeply rooted in our walk with God. Leslie offers a hopeful, practical, and theologically rich path for us to develop greater endurance in the face of life’s challenges.

Leslie’s journey began with a drastic life change: after only four weeks of marriage, Leslie and her husband moved to the Middle East to serve with a non-profit—an experience that profoundly shaped her understanding of endurance, faith, and the necessity of resilience in unfamiliar and challenging environments. Through cultural adaptation, crisis, and change, she learned the importance of inner strength, flexibility, and spiritual grounding.

Leslie organizes emotional endurance into six alliterative principles, each with actionable skills:

1.      Fortitude to Fail: Embracing failure as a necessary step in growth; learning that God has designed us for recovery and redemption, not perfection.

2.      Resilience to Rise: Applying the science of resilience to rise above difficulties, using setbacks as opportunities for persistence and learning.

3.      Hope to Heal: Building sustainable hope, even in times of discouragement, by integrating psychological research and Christian theology.

4.      Courage to Change: Leaning into bravery to accept the need for change and transformation in alignment with God’s purposes.

5.      Energy to Engage: Managing one’s energy—both physical and spiritual—to avoid burnout and remain engaged in life’s calling.

6.      Purpose to Persevere: Connecting daily actions to a deeper sense of purpose and legacy, fueling perseverance in long-term challenges.

Leslie Bosserman breaks each principle into three actionable skills, allowing for a customized, non-linear journey. This approach encourages small, manageable steps rather than overwhelming change. For example, an essential first step Leslie Bosserman recommends is developing margin—the space between your “load” (responsibilities and stresses) and your “power” (resources and capacity). When margin is lacking, growth and endurance become even more difficult. Cultivating healthy margins means intentionally reducing overload and creating space for God’s work in and through us.

Another example is the key difference between a fixed mindset (believing abilities and circumstances are static) and a growth mindset (seeing challenges as opportunities to learn). As Stephanie says, we are “half-baked masterpieces”—in progress, growing, and continually shaped by God.

By focusing on small, intentional steps and embracing both faith and self-awareness, anyone can begin building the resilience necessary to live out their God-given purpose.

MORE ABOUT “EMOTIONAL ENDURANCE”

Learn how to come back stronger and keep going when you experience setbacks and disappointment.

Why do some people bounce back from adversity while others stay stuck? We all face stress and setbacks, but not everyone recovers the same way. What makes the difference? Executive leadership coach, educator, and TEDx speaker Leslie M. Bosserman has spent decades helping people answer that question. Through research, experience, and her own personal journey, she’s identified the key: emotional endurance.

In Emotional Endurance, you’ll develop the mindset and skills to face life’s hardest moments and come out stronger, wiser, and more grounded. Based in psychological research and biblical truth, this practical and hope-filled guide offers a framework for building resilience that lasts. Soon you won’t just survive adversity; you’ll bounce back stronger with the skills to keep going.

Emotional Endurance offers practical tools and transformational results, including how to

develop inner strength and grit through six core principles and eighteen actionable skills;

recover from failure, turn it into a source of strength, and use it to fuel your growth;

build resilience that lasts beyond a single crisis;

access hope to heal from emotional wounds;

replace fear and paralysis with courage and clarity;

learn to manage your energy by anticipating what drains you and making space for what restores you; and

find strength to endure challenges by standing firm in your clearly defined purpose.

This book is a perfect gift for anyone going through a difficult season, friends facing burnout or transition, graduates stepping into uncertain futures, small groups or book clubs focused on personal growth, or leadership retreats and team-building sessions.

Real strength isn’t about avoiding hard things. It’s about moving forward with emotional steadiness when life gets tough. Emotional Endurance equips you with the mindset and resilience to keep going, keep growing, and come out stronger on the other side. Your bounce-back starts here.

MORE ABOUT LESLIE BOSSERMAN

Leslie M. Bosserman, M.Ed., CPCC is an Executive Coach and Lifestyle Strategist for innovators and creative professionals leading dynamic and diverse teams. After working for a decade in higher education and student development, Leslie launched Lead With Intention® – a boutique coaching and consulting practice that specializes in leadership coaching, customized training, and organizational strategy for clients and their teams around the world. She collaborates with a range of creative professionals from entrepreneurs launching their startups to executive leaders at Fortune 500 Companies. Leslie is committed to enhancing her local community and co-created and launched The Makers Place™ with her husband, Joel. As the regions first coworking space with onsite childcare, this innovative multi-use space supports parents who need a professional workspace along with flexible childcare options. She also currently works as the Director and Site Supervisor of Mini Makers™ Preschool. Leslie has also served locally on the leadership team for TEDxSacramento as the Event Coordinator and volunteered as a coach for emerging female leaders through The Women's Impact Alliance (formerly The Coaching Fellowship). She has been a featured speaker at TEDxEustis with over 1.3 million views! Before becoming a Professional Coach, Leslie worked at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she taught leadership and diversity classes as well as ran a campus-wide Leadership Certificate Program for over 500 students, faculty, and staff members. She also has worked professionally in residential life and academic research at UCLA and in Public Affairs at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy. Before becoming a Professional Coach, Leslie worked at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she taught leadership and diversity classes as well as ran a campus-wide Leadership Certificate Program for over 500 students, faculty, and staff members. She also has worked professionally in residential life and academic research at UCLA and in Public Affairs at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy. Leslie loves to travel and explore new places and has visited over 30 countries as well as living abroad in the Middle East for a year where she volunteered at local schools with her husband, Joel. She is an avid artist who also enjoys karaoke, cooking ethnic food, supporting local coffee shops, and practicing yoga. Leslie lives in Northern California with her husband and three children, and travels internationally for coaching, organizational trainings, and retreat facilitation.

https://www.lesliembosserman.com/ 

https://leadwithintention.com/ 

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The Gospel of Luke reads like a carefully composed symphony—each movement swelling toward the unveiling of the One who enters history in vulnerability and moves inexorably toward glory. If Matthew emphasizes fulfillment and Mark pushes us into urgency, Luke invites us into wonder. His narrative carries the pulse of a journey: from manger to mountain, from obscurity to acclaim, from rejection to radiant triumph. Luke places Christ before us not as an idea or an abstraction but as the God who steps into time, wrapping divine majesty in mortal frailty so that human beings might step into the life of God. Christianity is not good advice but good news—news of a God who does for us what we could never do for ourselves. Luke gives us that news with astonishing clarity.

So, in this final episode in our series "from birth to glory" rooted in the Gospel of Luke, Stephanie gives us a wider-lens perspective on the entire book.

MORE ABOUT THIS GOSPEL

The Gospel of Luke is the story of a God who steps into His own world and walks its roads from the vulnerability of birth to the radiance of resurrection. Luke writes with a historian’s care and a pastor’s imagination, drawing us into a journey where every scene glints with the surprising ways God works: glory wrapped in humility, authority expressed through compassion, victory accomplished through sacrifice.

The story opens in obscurity—an elderly couple awaiting a child, a young girl in an unnoticed village, shepherds startled by angels. These early chapters announce the pattern that will shape the entire Gospel: God approaches the lowly to raise them, and nothing in His kingdom moves according to human rank.

Jesus’ ministry unfolds as a kingdom breaking into the present. He proclaims freedom, heals the broken, and welcomes the estranged. His parables expose the heart; His miracles reveal a power that restores rather than destroys. Yet even as crowds gather, He sets His face toward Jerusalem, showing that His mission does not culminate in applause but in a cross.

Luke follows Jesus into that final week—into confrontation, betrayal, agony, and an execution that paradoxically becomes the moment of enthronement. The crucified King forgives His enemies, welcomes a dying criminal, and bears judgment so His people may know peace. But death does not end His story. On the third day, Jesus rises, walks with the disillusioned, opens Scripture with burning clarity, and reveals a kingdom that cannot be contained by tombs.

Luke closes with ascension, not farewell—Christ lifted in blessing, reigning in glory, sending His people into the world with news of forgiveness and hope.

This Gospel invites you into that journey: to see the world remade through the One who descended for us and now reigns for us.

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DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES BEHIND THIS EPISODE

If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to discover more about how God is at work at Gospel Spice Ministries, and even to join in His work! There are 3 easy ways to do that:

PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the show with friends and family: https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/38/link/

PAY IT FORWARD by supporting us financially: gospelspice.com/payitforward

PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!

Go to gospelspice.com for more info about Gospel Spice Ministries, the umbrella ministry over the podcast. You will discover our partners and the various services we offer, such as in-depth Bible studies with interactive conversation groups, a couple of times a year. 

Go to gospel-spice.com (with a "dash"!) to join the Gospel Spice Podcast community and interact with us!

Contact us on the website or at [email protected] to send us your prayer requests (we pray for you as a team every week!) and let us know how we can come alongside you.

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/

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Lilias Trotter was a woman who did not fit the mold of her Victorian era. Born in 1853 into upper-class England, she was an exceptionally gifted artist mentored by John Ruskin, one of the most prominent art critics of her time. Yet, rather than pursuing conventional success and artistic fame, she chose a path of surrender—one that blended beauty, compassion, and deep spiritual vocation. She has much to teach us about a life of joyful surrender to God’s gentle leading.

Did you know? Lilias Trotter inspired the famous hymn, Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus – yes, so that “all things will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Stephanie welcomes Jennifer Trafton, who just released “If only we could see”, a wonderful new biography of Lilias Trotter. Jennifer explains how she became captivated with Lilias, whose “adventurous, interesting, fascinating life” radiated with childlike delight, generosity, and profound love for God. Victorian artist and missionary Lilias Trotter teaches us much about the practice of “seeing”—both literally and spiritually— and how it transforms us and the world around us.

Lilias’s training as an artist under Ruskin taught her to “see well”—not just the details of nature, but the overlooked people in her society. She moved from painting to working with the most impoverished communities in London, especially young women vulnerable in the city. In partnership with movements like the YWCA and revivalist preacher D.L. Moody, Lilias dedicated herself to listening, serving, and providing safety and practical help for working-class girls and women subject to exploitation and trafficking.

Her artistry was inseparable from her love for people. This “way of seeing”—attentive, joyful, and present—became her creative and spiritual calling. Lilias’s vision challenges us to integrate our gifts and passions into practical love for others.

A key metaphor for Lilias’s life is the dandelion—“full face to the sun” (representing Christ), then surrendered as seeds blown by the wind of the Holy Spirit to places and purposes beyond our control. Lilias did not chase worldly success. Lilias believed in offering her life freely to God, trusting Him to use every skill, experience, or seeming detour for His glory. The measure of a “successful life” is not accomplishment or recognition, but faithfulness and openness to the Spirit.

The lesson of Lilias’s life is that we are all called to both see others as Christ sees them, and to rest in the assurance that we ourselves are fully seen and loved by God. Her legacy is less about artistic fame and more about the deep creative, transformative hospitality she brought to every relationship.

Lilias Trotter’s “beautiful life” continues to inspire because she shows that to be fully present, fully surrendered, and fully attentive is to live in step with God’s purposes. Whether you’re an artist or not, her story invites you to open your eyes and your life, so that God’s glory and gladness shine out through you, in Christ Jesus.

Next Steps for You!

·         Practice seeing: Pay attention—to beauty, to overlooked people, to God’s presence in the present moment.

·         Surrender your gifts: Offer your unique talents, passions, and opportunities to God without demanding a particular outcome.

·         Root yourself in your belovedness through Christ: Know that, like Lilias, your worth is secure in being seen by God—which frees you to serve, love, and see others anew.

·         Let your life be scattered as seed, trusting Christ’s Holy Spirit to bear fruit, however and whenever God chooses.

MORE ABOUT “IF ONLY WE COULD SEE”

“God only knows the endless possibilities that lie enfolded in each of us.” – Lilias Trotter

In the late 19th century, Lilias Trotter stood at the threshold of artistic fame, her extraordinary talent praised by the renowned critic John Ruskin. Yet, at the height of her promise, she made a radical choice that would define the course of her life. Turning away from worldly recognition and social convention, she forged her own path—one that led her through the roughest streets of London and, ultimately, to the deserts of North Africa. There, her artistic and spiritual journeys intertwined as she expanded the many-colored canvas of her creativity to embrace not only the sweeping vistas of the Sahara, but also the lives of the Arab people she loved.

Blending biography, personal engagement, and theological reflection, Trafton takes readers on an intimate journey with Lily as her friends knew her – a visionary who saw the world with an artist’s eye and a missionary’s heart, and whose imaginative empathy and creative compassion transformed the lives of those she encountered. More than the story of one remarkable woman, this book is an invitation to experience the beauty of creation with fresh wonder, to look at our neighbors through new lenses, and to discover what “beautiful possible life” awaits each one of us as we follow the call of the Divine Artist.

MORE ABOUT JENNIFER TRAFTON

Jennifer Trafton is a storyteller and artist with a passion for exploring the intersections of faith, creativity, and the arts. She studied church history and theology at Wake Forest University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Duke University, focusing on the 19th-century writer George MacDonald and his influence on Christian views of the imagination. After serving as managing editor of Christian History & Biography magazine and a curriculum writer and editor for the StoneWorks Global Arts Initiative, she has been a regular conference speaker, writer, teacher, editor, and illustrator for the Nashville-based Rabbit Room creative community for over a decade. Her first two novels for children, The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic and Henry and the Chalk Dragon, received starred reviews and multiple award nominations, and she has since collaborated on or contributed to a wide array of projects including The Wingfeather Tales, The Lost Tales of Sir Galahad, Every Moment Holy, Vol. III: The Work of the People, and J. R. R. Tolkien and the Arts: A Theology of Subcreation. She recently illustrated Glad and Golden Hours: A Companion for Advent and Christmastide by Lanier Ivester (Rabbit Room Press, 2024).

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Many of us know the fact of Jesus’ resurrection from childhood, but familiarity can dull its impact. Stephanie challenges us to see how the resurrection should continually change us—and to recognize when we might be taking it for granted. In this final episode on the Gospel of Luke, Stephanie ponders how we ground our faith in reason and in miracles both. We tackle TEN REASONS that prove the resurrection true. From the anchoring in Jerusalem, to the disciples' testimonies--our humble prayer is that you will discover an angle that you have not yet considered, and that it will draw you deeper in worship of Christ as our true, risen Lord.

 We invite you to look beyond familiarity with the Easter story and rediscover why the resurrection is truly “mind-blowing” and transformative. So, here are 10 reasons the Resurrection matters:

1. Rooted in Reality, Not Myth | Unlike legends, which are set “once upon a time in a land far away,” the resurrection whispers began in Jerusalem—among people who could verify or refute them. Myths lack dates and places; the resurrection is grounded in real time and space.

2. Grounded in Historical Time | The rumors of resurrection started immediately, on Easter morning, with eyewitness accounts such as the road to Emmaus (Luke 24). Truth claims have time-stamps; myths don’t.

3. The Empty Tomb | Both opponents and followers agreed the tomb was empty. The authorities couldn’t produce the body. If Jesus hadn’t physically risen, showing His corpse would have instantly silenced the movement.

4. The Unlikely Founders | The first Christians were devout Jews—least likely to start a new religion. Their culture fiercely protected their faith, but they radically shifted their weekly day of worship from Saturday to Sunday, honoring the risen Lord.

5. Martyrdom Without Collusion | The apostles died alone—often persecuted—refusing to recant their faith. Unlike cults that die together under peer pressure, these men faced solitary deaths, pressured by enemies to live if only they denied the resurrection. Yet each chose fidelity to truth over self-preservation.

6. Peter’s Radical Change | Peter, who denied Jesus even after witnessing the transfiguration, was transformed by the resurrection. Only after seeing the risen Lord did Peter become a bold leader, willing to die for his faith.

7. Paul’s Complete 180° | Paul, once a zealous persecutor of Christians, became their champion after encountering the risen Christ. He made it clear: If Christ had not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith ( from 1Corinthians 15).

8. Embarrassing Honesty | If early disciples were inventing a story, they would not have highlighted their failures—like Peter’s denial or the men’s fear and confusion. These accounts signal authenticity, as people rarely expose their own flaws unless they’re recounting truth.

9. Diversity of Witness Accounts | Multiple Gospel authors describe resurrection events differently, as eyewitnesses would. Perfect consistency signals collusion, not reality—historical truth is always a bit “messy” in its details.

10. Women as First Witnesses | Women, whose testimony carried little societal weight, are listed first as witnesses. A fabricated story in that culture would spotlight influential men. Instead, the Gospel places women—signaling a commitment to truth and reflecting Jesus’ radical affirmation of women.

Conclusion and Challenge

The resurrection isn’t just a spiritual metaphor. It’s anchored in credible history, powerful testimony, and unexpected inversion of cultural norms. Let its truth deepen your faith and transform your life—grounded both in reason and the miraculous love of God. Jesus is the Christ, our risen Lord, and is worthy of all our worship and adoration!

Reflection Questions:

·         Which reason resonated most with you?

·         How does anchoring faith in the resurrection challenge or encourage you today?

·         Where might you need to ask God for deeper conviction or understanding of this truth?

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DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES BEHIND THIS EPISODE

If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to discover more about how God is at work at Gospel Spice Ministries, and even to join in His work! There are 3 easy ways to do that:

PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the show with friends and family: https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/38/link/

PAY IT FORWARD by supporting us financially: gospelspice.com/payitforward

PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!

Go to gospelspice.com for more info about Gospel Spice Ministries, the umbrella ministry over the podcast. You will discover our partners and the various services we offer, such as in-depth Bible studies with interactive conversation groups, a couple of times a year. 

Go to gospel-spice.com (with a "dash"!) to join the Gospel Spice Podcast community and interact with us!

Contact us on the website or at [email protected] to send us your prayer requests (we pray for you as a team every week!) and let us know how we can come alongside you.

Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us. 

1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup

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3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you!

4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address [email protected]. It is our privilege to pray for you!

So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions:

1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup

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3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel!

4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you!

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

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