In this inspiring and relatable episode of Crazy Unbelievable Faith, Brian and Kersha sit down with special guest Raya Chisesi, co-host of the Writer's Doubt Club podcast, for a candid conversation about trading a life of meticulous planning for one of radical trust in God. This isn't just a theoretical discussion; it's a real-life testimony of what happens when a self-proclaimed "Type A" personality decides to let go of the reins and follow God into the unknown. Raya gets vulnerable about her journey from being a control freak who didn't even enjoy vacations to packing up her life as a newlywed and moving cross-country with no plan other than a call from God.

The discussion dives deep into the tension between our desire for control and God's much bigger plans for our lives. From the frustration that comes with clinging to our own expectations to the unexpected blessings that flow from simple obedience, this episode is a guide for anyone who feels stuck, scared, or overwhelmed by a decision. It’s a must-listen for anyone who has ever asked, "God, are you sure?" or "How can I trust you when I can't see the next step?" This is a powerful reminder that letting go isn't giving up—it's stepping into the purpose and adventure God has waiting for you.

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

• Control vs. Surrender: Explore the difference between a life run by to-do lists and a life led by God's bigger, often unseen, plans.
• The Ripple Effect of Obedience: Understand how your "yes" to God, even when it's scary or doesn't make sense for you, can be the key that unlocks blessings for others in your life.
• Expectation vs. Reality: Learn why trying to control every outcome leads to disappointment and how true surrender opens the door for unexpected joy and provision.
• Finding God in the Ordinary: Discover why you don't need a "dramatic" testimony and how God works powerfully through small, everyday moments of faithfulness and "God winks."
• Navigating the Unknown: Be inspired by a real-life story of moving across the country with no job or community, and seeing God provide an instant family and sense of belonging.
• Your Life as a Testimony: Unpack the power of the call to "live my life so the people that know me but don't know God will want to know God because they know me."
• Faith Beyond the "Big Bang": Shift your perspective from waiting for one massive miracle to recognizing the constant stream of reassurances God provides when you take a step of faith.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

• Raya: "...God took a hold of my heart and he was like, let go of the reigns a little bit... and let me work."
• Kersha: "Control leads to oftentimes a frustration. You just feel like you're spinning your wheels, and then when you let God do it, you live a life of purpose."
• Raya: "I always say the gap between expectation and reality is where you find yourself disappointed."
• Raya: "When God opens the door and you take that step of faith, he'll keep giving you those reassurances."
• Brian (quoting Kersha): "At the end of your obedience is somebody else's deliverance."
• Kersha (recounting a message from God): "Stop expecting the big dramatic miracles... I can't box him. He's unboxed."
• Raya (quoting a friend): "I wanna live my life so the people that know me but don't know God will want to know God because they know me."

🛑 Reflect + Apply: Questions to Ask Yourself

• Are you a "Type A" planner holding onto the reins of your life too tightly? What is one area where you can intentionally let go and trust God this week?
• Where in your life is the fear of the unknown stopping you from being obedient to a call from God?
• Are your expectations of how God should show up causing you to miss the small, ordinary miracles and "God winks" He's placing in your path?
• Think about a major life transition you've faced. Looking back, can you see how God provided reassurances along the way that you may have missed at the time?
• Does your daily life reflect a faith that would make someone who doesn't know God curious to learn more about Him?
• What is one practical step of faith, big or small, you can take this week to move forward in an area where you feel stuck or afraid?

Scripture Focus:

• This episode is a practical application of key biblical principles, including:
• Trusting God's Plan (Jeremiah 29:11): This verse is highlighted as the core of Raya's journey and the promise we can all cling to when God's plans seem bigger than our own.
• Leaning on God's Understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6): The episode unpacks the call to trust in the Lord with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding.
• God's Faithful Provision (Philippians 4:19): Raya's story of moving to Arizona is a powerful example of how God will meet all our needs according to His riches.
• Being a Light to Others (Matthew 5:16): The conversation alludes to letting our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Meet Our Guest: Raya Chisesi

Raya Chisesi treasures her faith, family, and life with her 160lb Cane Corso by her side. She spends her days working in the education world and her nights writing and podcasting. Raya is the co-host of the Writers' Doubt Club podcast and an author who loves encouraging others to chase their goals.

Be sure to check out the Writer's Doubt Club website and listen to their podcast here.

🙌 Join the Movement

If you have ever felt paralyzed by a big decision, frustrated that things aren't going "according to plan," or wondered if God can use your quiet, everyday faith, this episode is for you. Raya's story is a powerful call to move beyond a faith that's safe and predictable and into the wild, unbelievable adventure God has for those who are willing to trust Him. This is a challenge to stop planning every detail and start stepping out in faith, knowing that when God opens a door, He provides everything you need on the other side. Your journey of letting go might just be the beginning of the greatest testimony of your life.

💻 Visit crazyunbelievablefaith.com to sign up for behind-the-scenes content, submit a prayer request, and find links to the resources mentioned in today's show, including the Writer's Doubt Club podcast.

📩 Got questions or want to connect? Brian and Kersha would love to hear from you.

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Crazy Unbelievable Faith: Because the life God calls you to isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it.

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