LifeAudio

Today’s episode is one of those that reminds us why we do this! 

We’re joined by our beloved community member Margie, who shares her breathtaking story of redemption — a story marked by God’s fingerprints in every moment, from early struggles with alcohol to the steady unfolding of peace, purpose, and true freedom in Christ.

What began decades ago as a quiet search for belonging became a story of divine pursuit — one where God never stopped showing up, even when shame, anxiety, and vodka tried to take the lead.

Margie opens up about the hard years, the miracle moments, and the countless little ways God met her — sometimes in spilled drinks, sometimes in worship songs, and always in love.

Whether you’re still in the messy middle or walking in freedom, this conversation will help you start spotting God’s fingerprints in your own story,  because He’s closer than you think.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Margie’s lifelong relationship with alcohol began and how God patiently rewrote her story.
• The difference between striving for control and surrendering to grace.
• How worship, Scripture, and the BJDW community helped her break the cycle of shame and isolation.
• Why vulnerability is the bridge between stuck and free.
• What it really means to trust God’s timing.
• How to look for God’s way out, even when you miss it, and return to gratitude the next day.
• The freedom that comes when shame no longer silences your story.

Tiny Tina Tip:
If you’re praying for God to help you in temptation — look for His fingerprints.
They might show up in small interruptions, a worship lyric, or a gentle nudge from someone who loves you. Even if you miss them in the moment, thank Him the next day. He’s always faithful.

Links & Resources:

Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community

Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind

Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine

Watch on YouTube: Come hang out with us there!

The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Querido amigo, Dios nunca se olvida de sus hijos y Él te lleva esculpido en la palma de sus manos. Por favor, no pierdas las esperanzas, mantente firme en tu Fe, porque si Dios te dijo que lo hará, así será. ¡Tu único trabajo es creer!

Escrito por Luciano Goicochea

CANAL EN TELEGRAM

GRUPO EN WHATSAPP

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Fear is one of the greatest battles every Christian faces — but God has already equipped us to conquer it. Drawing from 2 Timothy 1:7, Megan J. Conner reminds us that we can overcome fear not through our own strength but through God’s power, love, and a sound mind. Through personal reflection and biblical examples—from David’s cries for courage to Paul and Silas singing in chains—this devotional reveals how faith transforms fear into steadfast trust.

Highlights

• Fear is natural, but faith is our divine response.

• God replaces fear with power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

• David found courage by focusing on God’s strength and salvation (Psalm 27:1).

• Paul and Silas showed unwavering faith in prison, turning fear into worship (Acts 16:25–26).

• God’s Word is a powerful weapon against anxiety (Ephesians 6:10–20).

• Memorizing Scripture builds spiritual resilience and peace.

Join the Conversation

What verse helps you face fear with faith? Share your reflections and encourage others to trust God in the face of fear. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithOverFear #LifeAudio #CourageInChrist to join the conversation.

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Full Transcript Below:

How Christians Can Face Fear with Faith
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

How do you face fear? They say each one of us has an automatic “fight or flight” reaction when encountering danger.  Whether real or perceived, psychologists have proven every one of us does have a built-in response when we feel afraid. We may dig our heels in, brace ourselves for a fight, and determine that no matter what adversary awaits, we will battle to the bitter end.  Or we may run for the hills as fast as our legs can carry us, covertly slink away quietly and quickly, or crawl back into bed with the covers over our heads to avert a potential threat. 

I am sad to say that my natural inclination leans towards the latter.  However, God saw fit to pair me with a husband who is the exact opposite. His fearlessness, resolute courage, and fierce determination have challenged me to grow in an area I have traditionally felt incredibly weak. Even further, the Lord Himself has stretched and matured me in ways I never thought possible. Like many of you, life has thrown at me some pretty terrifying circumstances that shook me to my very core and literally brought me to my knees. But it was my husband who, v

Fear can creep into our hearts from unexpected places — a troubling story, a dark memory, or an image we wish we could erase. As our daily prayer and devotional remind us, evil and darkness are real in our world, and Scripture never minimizes their existence. Yet, it also tells us a far greater truth: Jesus has already won the victory.

In this powerful reflection, Sophia Bricker reminds us that while the world often surrounds us with shadows, we can stand in the unshakable light of Christ. On the cross, Jesus broke the power of sin, death, and the devil. What seemed like defeat became the ultimate triumph — the moment when light shattered the darkness forever.

Even though we still live in a fallen world, we can find peace by focusing our minds on Christ’s love and His authority over all evil. When fearful memories or anxious thoughts return, we can rest in the truth that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38–39). Jesus is the Light of the World — and in Him, no darkness can remain.

Today's Bible Reading:
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” – Hebrews 2:14–15, NIV

Takeaway Truths

• Jesus has already defeated sin, death, and the powers of darkness.

• Nothing on earth or in the spiritual realm can separate us from His love.

• When fear and anxiety arise, we can fix our minds on Christ’s victory and peace.

Let’s Pray

Jesus,

You are the Light of the World — the One who has conquered darkness once and for all. Even as evil surrounds us in this fallen world, You remain sovereign and victorious. Thank You for breaking the power of death and setting us free from fear.

When frightening thoughts or memories try to take hold, help us remember Your cross and resurrection. Fill our hearts with Your peace and our minds with Your truth. Nothing can overcome the light of Your love, and nothing can separate us from You.

In Your mighty name, Amen.

Related Scriptures

• Colossians 2:15 — “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

• John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

• Romans 8:38–39 — “Nothing... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Related Resources

There are times when Scripture doesn’t just tell us about God, it lets us see Him. Revelation 4 is one of those moments. John isn’t describing a symbol or a parable here. He’s describing reality. He’s been invited into the throne room of heaven to witness what’s happening around God’s presence right now.

It’s hard to picture, isn’t it? The colors, the sounds, the movement. It’s a scene that stretches our imagination to the limit. Yet what stands out most isn’t necessarily the mystery of it all, but the worship that fills the room. The closer anyone gets to God, the more worship naturally overflows from them.

This passage isn’t just meant to inform us about heaven. It’s meant to transform how we think about worship, purpose, and the glory of Jesus Christ. The vision John saw wasn’t meant to stay locked in the pages of Revelation. It’s meant to awaken our hearts to the same reality right now, that God reigns, and that all of creation exists to honor Him.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.

.

If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

.

The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

.

To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.

.

If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

.

The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

.

To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

Watching your teen wrestle with anxiety—the spiraling thoughts, the isolation, the "what ifs" that feel so permanent—can break a parent's heart. But what if the path forward starts with empathy, God's Word, and a simple commitment to pray together?

This week on the Praying Christian Women podcast, join us for a conversation with author and mom of four boys, Amber Lia, about co-writing You Are Seen: 90 Devotions to Encourage Stressed and Anxious Teens with her son Ollie. Drawing from Ollie's raw journey through high school anxiety, a cross-country move, and finding hope in Scripture, Amber shares honest wisdom on blending practical steps (like the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, better sleep, and therapy) with spiritual anchors—memorizing verses, fostering gratitude, and releasing unforgiveness to unlock God's peace.

From resisting "thoughts and prayers" skepticism to navigating teen pushback without overwhelming them, this episode equips parents and mentors with tools to walk alongside stressed kids, build resilience, and remind them that they are seen, treasured, and never alone.

You won't want to miss this heartfelt, hope-drenched conversation that could transform how you support the teens in your life—grab You Are Seen anywhere books are sold starting October 28th (tomorrow!). Follow Ollie's inspiring journey @walkin.with.ollie on Instagram, connect with Amber @therealamberlia, and visit AmberLia.com for more resources and her other books.

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: 

Loss has a way of changing everything. As our evening prayer and devotional remind us, when grief enters our story, it can feel like time stops for us while the rest of the world keeps moving forward. We look around and see others building families, chasing dreams, and hitting milestones while we’re still trying to catch our breath and survive another day.

Sophia Bricker shares her story of losing her mother at nineteen and the lingering ache of feeling left behind. Through that pain, she discovered the truth of Psalm 34:18 — that God is not distant in our heartbreak but draws near to us, gently holding our shattered hearts.

It’s easy to compare our path to others, especially in a world that constantly showcases curated perfection. But Scripture reminds us that God’s presence is not bound to our pace or circumstances. He is with us in the valleys as faithfully as He is on the mountaintops. His love remains steady even when life feels like it’s standing still.

Friend, if you’re weary of waiting, grieving, or feeling unseen, remember this: You are not behind. You are deeply loved, fully known, and right where God can meet you. His timing is perfect. His healing is sure. With Him, you will never be left behind.

Tonight’s Scripture: Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Your Nightly Prayer

Author and Perfecter of Faith,
Sometimes it feels like the world is passing me by. I see others moving ahead while I’m stuck in grief, waiting, or uncertainty. But You remind me that You are near to the brokenhearted and that I am never forgotten. Help me rest in Your presence tonight, laying down comparison and fear. Draw close to me, Jesus, and fill me with peace that surpasses understanding. Thank You for holding my story and walking with me through every chapter, even the ones that feel slow and heavy.
In Your name I pray,
Amen.

Three Things to Meditate Upon

1. Close the Window of Comparison:
   When you feel tempted to measure your life by others’, take a break from social media or anything that fuels discontent. Turn your gaze back toward Christ, who writes your story perfectly.

2. Biblical Encouragement:
   Think of someone in Scripture who felt forgotten—like Naomi, Hannah, or Joseph. How did God meet them in their waiting?

3. Jesus, the Faithful Friend:
   Reflect on Jesus as your Shepherd and Friend who never leaves you behind. Read Luke 15:4 and John 10:14 to remember His care for every one of His sheep.

Calls to Action

• When you feel left behind, whisper this truth aloud: “God is near to the brokenhearted—and that means He’s near to me.”

In this episode of Words of Life, we close out our special testimony series with a powerful mix of family stories, faith lessons, and exciting news about a brand-new Salvation Army podcast.

First, we’re joined by Ashley Escobar, host of Open Air Podcast, a show inspired by Matthew 10:27 and the Salvation Army’s bold tradition of sharing the Gospel in the open air. Ashley shares how Open Air creates a space for authentic, unscripted conversations about faith, service, social justice, and God’s transformative work through His people.

Then, we return to our testimony series, recorded during the Salvation Army Southern Territory’s 2025 Commissioning weekend. You’ll hear from the Hewitt Sisters, Captains Shemei Hewitt and Tamarique Hewitt Ellis, as they reflect on the faith, prayer life, and legacy passed down to them by their parents. Their stories highlight the lasting impact of intercessory prayer, evangelism, music, teaching, and godly wisdom—reminders of how parents and spiritual mentors shape generations for Christ.

Whether you’re discovering the Open Air Podcast for the first time or being encouraged by these heartfelt testimonies, this episode is a beautiful reminder of how God continues to work in and through His people.

Don’t forget to check out the Open Air Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to Open Air on Apple Podcasts here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/open-air-podcast/id1822805395

 Learn more about Words of Life at https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife

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