What happens when your life is shaped more by other people's decisions than your own? When you're loved, but not chosen… placed, but not seen… given, taken, and given again?

In this deeply moving Faith Through Fiction interview, Michal—daughter of King Saul, first wife of David, a woman whose story has long been told in fragments—finally speaks in her own voice. “I was given and taken and given again,” she says. “And somewhere in between, I stopped knowing if I was ever truly chosen.”

From growing up in a palace where safety depended on reading the room before it shifted, to loving a man who represented freedom but not understanding, to being used as a political tool in her father’s pursuit of control—Michal’s early life was defined by survival, performance, and invisibility. “You learn quickly where to stand, what to say, when to be invisible,” she reflects. “After a while, you don’t even realize how much of yourself you’ve hidden… just to remain acceptable.”

She loved David. Chose him. Saved his life. But even that love was entangled in something larger than herself. “My heart had chosen him,” she says, “but I knew I had been assigned to him. Love does not always mean you are chosen.”

Then everything changed.

Given to another man—Palti—Michal entered a life she never expected. Not one of fear, but of space. Not one of performance, but of presence. “For the first time in my life, I did not have to earn kindness,” she reveals. “I wasn’t managed or positioned. I was considered.”

This is not just a story about love. It’s a story about identity—what happens when it’s shaped by control, and what it takes to reclaim it. About the difference between being needed and being seen. About the quiet, unfamiliar experience of safety when you’ve only known survival.

And ultimately, it’s about surrender—not as defeat, but as the only path to true freedom.

If you’ve ever felt like your life was decided for you… if you’ve been valued for what you represent rather than who you are… if you’ve had to hide parts of yourself just to remain acceptable—Michal’s story is your mirror.

Because being chosen is not the same as being used.

And freedom begins the moment you no longer have to earn your place.

Michal’s most defining realization dismantles a deeply held assumption: “My heart had chosen him… but I knew I had been assigned to him. Love does not always mean you are chosen.” She loved David genuinely, but her marriage was orchestrated for political control. The episode teaches that love can exist inside systems of manipulation, but that doesn’t make it mutual, safe, or honoring. For listeners, this is a critical

Have you ever walked into a room feeling perfectly fine… and suddenly felt heavy, anxious, or “off” for no clear reason?

In this powerful and practical episode, Tricia and Murray unpack a reality many spiritually sensitive people experience—but don’t always know how to handle: picking up other people’s “stuff.”

Whether it’s fear, pressure, heaviness, or spiritual defilement, it can feel like it just jumps on you. But here’s the truth:

What’s theirs isn’t yours—and you don’t have to carry it.

So how do you stay free?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why “defilement” pulls on your attention (and how it spreads)

• A simple but powerful shift that breaks its influence

• Why worship is more than music—it’s a spiritual realignment

• How to disconnect from heaviness and reconnect to life

• Biblical examples of worship shifting atmospheres and breaking oppression

• A practical activation you can use immediately when you feel overwhelmed

Through relatable stories, spiritual insight, and real-life examples, Tricia and Murray reveal how worship becomes your weapon, your reset, and your connection to peace.

✨ You’ll walk away knowing how to:

• Stay clear in heavy environments

• Guard your inner world

• Keep your spirit anchored in God’s presence

You were never meant to carry what isn’t yours. Learn how to stay light, stay clear, and stay free—no matter what’s happening around you.

If you’ve been feeling tired, wired, dealing with cravings, weight gain, brain fog, or just not feeling like yourself… this episode is going to connect some dots for you.

Because this might not be random.

It might be your blood sugar.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Holistic Hope, we’re breaking down what blood sugar imbalance actually looks like in real life, not just diabetes, but the early signs most people miss, like energy crashes, irritability, poor sleep, and stubborn weight gain.

You’ll learn how insulin resistance develops, why your body can feel like it’s working against you, and how everyday habits like stress, sleep, and food patterns are quietly shaping your metabolism.

We’ll also talk about key lab markers like fasting glucose, A1C, triglycerides, and fasting insulin and what they’re really telling you about your health.

And beyond the physical, we’re going deeper into how stress and emotional patterns affect your body, and how God designed your body for rhythm, stability, and healing, not constant highs and crashes.

If you’ve ever thought, “something feels off, but I don’t know what,” this episode is for you.

KEY TOPICS:

• Blood sugar imbalance symptoms (fatigue, cravings, anxiety, weight gain)

• Insulin resistance and prediabetes explained simply

• Why you feel tired but wired

• The connection between stress, cortisol, and blood sugar

• Lab markers: fasting glucose, A1C, triglycerides, fasting insulin

• How sleep and lifestyle impact metabolism

• The role of muscle and movement in blood sugar control

• Faith-based perspective on stress, rhythm, and healing

  
  

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A Beacon of Faith, A Voice of Prayer, A Legacy of Impact

Apostle Gloria Ann Echols Gainor stands as a profound voice in modern spiritual leadership, embodying a legacy that extends far beyond the pulpit. She is not only a beacon of faith, but also a nurturing mother, a cherished grandmother, and a spiritual leader whose influence has touched generations.

With over 47 years of devoted ministry, Apostle Gainor has become a pivotal force in shaping lives through the power of prayer, the Word of God, and transformational leadership. Her ministry is marked by wisdom, zeal, compassion, and a deep commitment to guiding individuals through the complexities of modern life with courage and unwavering faith.

MINISTRY AND GLOBAL IMPACT

Apostle Gainor is the Founder of Gloria Gainor Ministries and the Lighthouse Evangelistic Church – “A Church of Prayer” based in Cartersville, Georgia. Through these ministries, she has cultivated a strong culture of intercession, discipleship, and spiritual growth.

She is also the visionary behind The Goshen Project Conference Center, a sanctuary designed to provide rest, renewal, and spiritual refreshing for ministry leaders.

Her influence extends beyond the local church into national and international platforms, including television, radio, and conference ministry. Known as an international motivational speaker, she has ministered to diverse audiences, equipping believers and leaders to walk boldly in their calling.

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY AND COVERING

Apostle Gainor serves as a spiritual covering to multiple churches across the United States, offering guidance, mentorship, and apostolic leadership. Her ministry carries a strong anointing in:

Educated and trained under the late Dr. Morris Cerullo, she received specialized instruction in Spiritual Warfare and World Evangelism, further strengthening her mission to fulfill the call to “Save the Lost.”

She was also ordained under the covering of Oral Roberts University, reinforcing her foundation in faith-based ministry and divine provision.

LEGACY AND RECOGNITION

In recognition of her lifelong commitment to ministry and community impact, Apostle Gainor received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 from President Barack Obama—a testament to her enduring influence and service.

Her work includes:

A LIFE OF PURPOSE AND PERSEVERANCE

Apostle Gloria Gainor’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering dedication. From humble beginnings to global ministry impact, her life is a testimony of what God can do through a yielded vessel.

Her story is not only one of service—but one of transformation, hope, and divine purpose.

She continues to inspire generations with a clear mandate:

To save the lost, strengthen the believer, and raise up leaders for the Kingdom of God.

VISION AND MISSION

Her mission remains steadfast:

“To save the lost and demonstrate the power of God’s love through prayer, teaching, and spiritual empowerment.”

Thank you for listening! Tune in next week to increase

From Breaking Big Food to the mic, Patrick Sullivan Jr. joins Lynn to talk about reconnecting with your food at the source. They discuss how supporting local farmers gives you access to cleaner, healthier options, the risks tied to contaminated food systems, and the personal journeys that led them both to prioritize whole, trusted ingredients.

Learn more about Breaking Big Food: https://www.jigsawhealth.com/pages/breaking-big-food?srsltid=AfmBOoqOQrR_uLLUGhA5VNndWZRTopBGa0646kg07B3Kx6y181dRIUt7

Follow today's guest: https://www.instagram.com/patricksullivanjr/

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https://www.facebook.com/lynn.eldridge.73

Send us Fan Mail

What does it look like when someone fully surrenders to the assignment God has placed on their life?

In today’s episode of the Peaceful Presence Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Brian Simmons, the lead translator of The Passion Translation Bible, to hear the story behind the work, the journey, and the heart that shaped it.

From remote missions… to powerful encounters… to spending nearly two decades of his life translating the Bible…

But what stayed with me wasn’t the scale of what he did, but rather the heart and passion behind it all..

I hope this conversation gives you a fresh perspective and speaks to your heart in a new way.
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Learn more about Dr. Brian Simmons and his work:
https://www.passionandfire.com/

To explore more about The Passion Translation, you can find additional information here:
https://www.thepassiontranslation.com/
_____________________________________________

About the Podcast:

The Peaceful Presence Podcast is a faith-based Christian podcast sharing miracle stories, supernatural encounters, testimonies of faith, and Spirit-led teaching to strengthen your walk with God. From near-death experiences to moments of divine redirection and transformation, every story reveals how God guides and restores us in seasons we never expected.

Thank you for listening and being part of the Peaceful Presence Podcast Community! 

Please follow, rate, and share this podcast so more people can hear messages of faith, hope, and miracles.

Connect with your host, Olivia: https://linktr.ee/oliviafiguered

 

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a layoff becomes God’s invitation into something deeper? In this episode of Hope Unlocked, Kristin Kurtz talks with David Tucker Whitaker about career disruption, faith, purpose, impostor syndrome, discipleship, men’s ministry, and trusting God when life doesn’t go as planned. David shares how God used unexpected transition, chronic pain, and health transformation to strengthen his calling, deepen his conviction, and expand his capacity to serve. If you’ve wrestled with identity, calling, spiritual growth, or starting over, this conversation will encourage you to keep going.

David's contact info:

Email - [email protected]

Website - tuckerwhit.com

Book:

Called to His Purpose - COMING SOON!

️Hope Unlocked Listener Exclusive! Feeling stirred but not sure what to do next? Book a 45-minute Holy Spirit-led 1:1 coaching session w/ Hope Unlocked host Kristin Kurtz, founder of New Wings Coaching. This powerful conversation will help you move from stirred to activated—with peace, clarity, & a Spirit-led next step. Book your call HERE now–special pricing to listeners!

Support the show

The Hope Unlocked Podcast is a clarion call to keep going. Wild testimonies of faith & courage cut through the noise & ignite hope. Every financial gift helps amplify these voices & spread hope around the world — and you can also leave a note to share how the podcast has encouraged you. Join me in carrying this sound of freedom forward. Partner HERE

Ways to connect with Kristin Kurtz, the Hope Unlocked Host -
Website - https://www.newwingscoaching.net/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/renew.wings/
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Medical Disclaimer: Information in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The views and testimonies expressed are those of the individuals. Use the information at your own discretion.

In this powerful episode of The UPside Conversations, host Marion MacKenzie sits down with author and teacher Steve Hemphill to uncover the reality of spiritual warfare—and the hidden strongholds that may be blocking your prayers.Drawing from Scripture and real-life experiences, Steve reveals that the issue is not that God isn’t listening… but that there are often spiritual dynamics at play that require more than prayer alone.You’ll discover:Why “prayer alone” is sometimes not enoughThe concept of “prayer plus action” in Scripture How strongholds can hinder breakthroughPractical spiritual strategies like fasting, anointing, and applying the WordHow unconfessed sin and generational patterns can impact outcomesWhy spiritual authority matters in your everyday lifeThis episode will equip you with practical, biblical tools to pray more effectively and step into greater victory.If you’ve been praying for something for years and haven’t seen change—this conversation may shift everything. Subscribe for more conversations that elevate your faith and strengthen your walk.#SpiritualWarfare #AnsweredPrayer #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #PrayerLife #Breakthrough #BiblicalTruth #TheUPsideConversations

Discover how Rhonda lost 100 pounds without dieting by embracing biblical nutrition, breaking free from diet soda addiction, and creating sustainable healthy habits. In this powerful weight loss testimony, you’ll learn practical meal planning strategies, how to overcome cravings, and the connection between faith and lasting health.Rhonda’s journey is for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with diets that don’t work. She shares the exact turning point that changed everything—shifting from restriction to nourishment—and how inviting God into her health journey led to true freedom.If you’re ready to stop dieting and start living in freedom, this episode will inspire and equip you to take your first step.✨ Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs encouragement today.Connect with Rhonda Carroll: [email protected]Join the Inner Circle: https://thebiblicalnutritionist.com/biblical-health-inner-circle/#Disclaimer: This content is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health.Come join Christa Joy on my social media:Business Website https://www.christajoyministries.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/christajoyfaithandfuel/#weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #lose100pounds #biblicalnutrition #mealplanning #sustainableweightloss#sugaraddiction #realfood #wellnessjourney

She was trafficked at 17, attempted suicide, lost everything in a hurricane, and God refused to let go.

Jeanne Roberson’s story is a powerful God story and one of the most raw and redemptive personal faith journeys you’ll hear. This is more than a testimony, it’s a real account of what happens when someone experiences God in the middle of brokenness.

Jeanne was groomed at 17 and spent the next 21 years in the adult entertainment industry. At 27, she had a supernatural encounter with God that revealed the reality of what she was living in, a moment that would begin to change everything.

She battled addiction, survived a suicide attempt, and lost everything she owned to a hurricane. But through it all, God kept showing up, through miracle provision, healing, and undeniable moments where she could hear God guiding her path forward.

This episode is a powerful Christian testimony of redemption, healing, and transformation. It’s a reminder that no matter your past, you can still experience God, hear His voice, and step into a completely new life.

Today, Jeanne is an author of Shattered for Glory, works with strip club ministries, and serves survivors through outreach and advocacy, helping others find the same freedom she did.

If you’ve ever wondered if your past story disqualifies you from God’s plan, this miracle story will show you that it actually equips you to help others more effectively.

Jeanne's book: Shattered for Glory: Human Trafficking Survivor's Journey to Freedom

Buy Jeanne’s book: https://amzn.to/4vfQ6x9Connect with her: www.shatteredforglory.com

Connect with Christina: https://ChristinaSmithOfficial.com

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Story That Shouldn’t Have Happened

00:42 Groomed at 17: How It Started

03:15 21 Years in the Adult Industry

06:40 The Night Everything Shifted

09:25 A Supernatural Encounter on Stage

12:10 Addiction, Pain, and a Suicide Attempt

15:05 Losing Everything in a Hurricane

17:40 When God Kept Showing Up

20:10 The $5,000 Check & Unexpected Provision

22:30 Healing from PTSD Through Psalm 91

24:45 From Brokenness to Purpose

26:30 Helping Other Survivors Find Freedom

28:00 What Her Story Means for You

New episodes every Tuesday — Follow so you never miss a God story. If you love the stories we share on Witness the Wonder leave us a review. It helps these stories reach more people.

#ChristianTestimony#HumanTraffickingSurvivor#RedemptionStory#FaithStory#MiracleTestimony#GodStories#WitnessTheWonder#TrueStory#SurvivorStory#FromDarknessToLight