This is a part two to last week's podcast, "I Am So Glad It Was Hard".  In this message, Steve Backlund quotes from James 1:12 and shares how perseverance through trials gives us a "crown of life" (ability to give life away to others in the very areas we are overcoming in). This message will give further purpose to what is difficult in our lives. 

I was talking recently with my wife, Wendy, reflecting on some high-profile leadership messes. These people rose quickly in influence, but their lack of character undermined their influence. In the middle of that conversation, I said, “I am so glad it was hard for us.” This podcast shares the why behind that statement. Get ready to be inspired and equipped for strength and longevity as you listen.

When controversy happens in our lives, our churches, or in our nation, we are very tempted to let our emotions direct our beliefs and responses, but this often leads to division rather than bridge-building. In this podcast, Steve Backlund gives some great insights into navigating controversies in a healthy way.

Steve Backlund gives great insight into how to think and respond to the unexpected happening in our lives. 

The fruit of the Spirit of self-control is vital for so many areas, but it is especially needed for us to not over-react to perceived doctrinal error or rumors about people. In this podcast, Steve Backlund will help you become more balanced in your responses to such things. 

In this message, Steve Backlund makes the case that the third most important question in life is "Who Do We Say the People in Our Life Are?"

"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34. Our beliefs come out through our words. It is fascinating to consider what we believe is hard (hard to do or difficult to experience). The belief that something is hard is usually a bigger problem than what seems to be hard. In this fun, inspiring, and revelatory teaching, Steve Backlund shares what we really need to believe is hard.

Steve Backlund shares prophetically what he is hearing for 2026.

This is a message Steve preached at Valley Church in Caldwell on December 14, 2025, right after Wendy and he moved there. Get ready to be inspired and hear a "now word" for your life.

Steve continues a Christmas podcast tradition of sharing insights into what the birth of Jesus speaks about the circumstances we are facing in our own lives.