🎙️ Resilient Faith Podcast Miniseries: Built on the Rock
EPISODE 2: “Dating While Devoted: God, Lust, and the Wait”
Hosted by Carrie Davis | Featuring Michael D. Davis-Thomas
Produced by MDDTSpeaks Media

What does it mean to date while devoted? In a world where hookups are easier than healing and standards are often sacrificed for attention, this episode tackles the real tension between honoring God and navigating the emotional landmines of modern dating.

In Episode 2 of Built on the Rock, host Carrie Davis and guest/co-host Michael D. Davis-Thomas, CEO/Founder of MDDTSpeaks and host of the Resilient Faith Podcast, take us deep into the heart of spiritually-centered relationships. This isn’t a “Christian dating advice” episode—it’s an unapologetically honest conversation about lust, loneliness, spiritual boundaries, trauma, discernment, emotional sobriety, and waiting well.

Michael and Carrie dismantle the myths of godly dating being boring or repressive and instead frame it as a form of spiritual protection and emotional maturity. They address how trauma can distort clarity, why silence and secrecy in relationships can be spiritual warfare, and how to differentiate between desire and discernment when it comes to love and lust. 

🔥 “If they’re fine, saved, and toxic—that’s still a no. Being equally yoked means more than just claiming Jesus. It’s about whether their life reflects Him.” – Michael D. Davis-Thomas

Whether you're single, dating, waiting, healing, or reevaluating what love even looks like for you—this episode will convict, challenge, and comfort you all at once. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what it means to be anchored in God before ever swiping right.

Key Talking Points

• Why God must be at the center before any romantic connection
• Spiritual identity and emotional sobriety in dating
• The difference between desire and discernment
• Boundaries as protection—not punishment
• Recognizing red flags we often spiritualize
• The impact of trauma, casual sex, and secrecy on spiritual alignment
• Navigating loneliness, lust, and the longing for love without compromising your call

Featured Scriptures & Contexts

• Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart...”
  → Hebrew root for “heart” means your full inner self: mind, will, emotions.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers...”
  → Paul was speaking to spiritual alignment, not just spiritual labels.
• Song of Solomon 2:7 – “Do not awaken love until the time is right...”
  → An ancient warning against rushing emotional and physical intimacy.

Reflection Prompts📝 Journaling:

• What patterns am I calling “preference” that are really unhealed trauma?
• Am I emotionally attached or spiritually aligned?
• Have I awakened love too soon out of fear of being alone?

🙏🏽 Prayer:

“Lord, align my heart with Your truth. Heal what I hide. Guard me from counterfeits and distractions. Teach me to wait with expectation—not desperation—and to recognize Your voice over my own desires. Amen.”

Action Items for Listeners

• Reevaluate your dating boundaries through the lens of God’s Word
• Hold yourself accountable to the emotional and spiritual fruit of your choices
• Examine who’s in your life: do they push you toward God or pull you away?
• Reflect on your waiting season: is it refinement or resistance?
• Share this episode with someone silently struggling with dating in faith

Host Notes

Carrie Davis and Michael D. Davis-Thomas are unfiltered, faithful, and fearless in this conversation—reminding us that if God’s not first, everything else falls apart. Their synergy, scriptural depth, and lived experience offer a roadmap for listeners ready to date with intentionality, maturity, and most importantly, resilient faith.

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to rate, review, and share to help us reach more people navigating love, loss, and faith in a complicated world.

What if the reason your relationships feel off isn’t about them—but about how you see Him?

In the debut episode of our powerful new miniseries, Built on the Rock, host Carrie Davis and guest co-host Michael D. Davis-Thomas dismantle the surface-level definitions of faith many of us were raised on. This is not a conversation about religion. It’s about relationship. Raw, honest, unfiltered communion with the God who wants more than your Sunday best—He wants you.

Titled “Start Here: What a Relationship with God Really Is”, this episode digs deep into the foundations of faith that often get lost in tradition, trauma, and performance-driven spirituality. Through authentic storytelling, scriptural grounding, and hard-won wisdom, Michael and Carrie explore what it truly means to walk with God—not just work for Him.

From breaking generational habits of passive belief to learning how to hear God's voice in the silence, this conversation is an invitation to rebuild your understanding of intimacy, identity, and intentionality with God. If you’ve ever felt like you were doing all the right things but still felt far from Him—this episode was crafted for you. 

Scriptures referenced:

John 10:27 — “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
James 4:8 — “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you…”
Psalm 42:1-2 — “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God…”

Real Talk Moment:

“If you don’t trust God with your wounds, you’ll worship Him with walls up.” This episode explores:

• The difference between knowing of God and actually knowing Him
• How childhood faith becomes adult formation—or dysfunction
• Learning to approach God honestly without performance or polish
• Why your view of God shapes every other relationship in your life
• Practical, non-performative steps to begin (or restart) a relationship with God today

Whether you’re deconstructing, rebuilding, or just now searching for what’s real—this is your invitation to start here. Not with religion. Not with rules. But with relationship.
Because everything else falls apart… if He’s not first. LISTEN NOW on the Resilient Faith Podcast.

Stream the full Built on the Rock miniseries wherever you get your podcasts.

Season 1, Episode 5

Title: “Trusting Through Uncertainty”

Theme: Learning to Trust God When the Path is Unclear

In this reflective and spiritually grounding episode of the Resilient Faith Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas is joined by Carrie Davis for a vulnerable and truth-filled conversation about the complexities of trusting God when nothing feels certain. When life places us in liminal spaces—between what we hoped for and what is—we’re invited to lean into faith in ways we never imagined.

Together, Michael and Carrie unpack the emotional weight of uncertainty:

• How do we trust God when outcomes don’t align with our plans?
• What does surrender look like when fear, doubt, and silence feel louder than God’s voice?
• And how do we keep walking forward when we cannot see beyond the fog in front of us?

This episode weaves personal stories of heartbreak, healing, and hard choices with scriptural truths that remind us: we don’t have to understand the plan to trust the One who made it. Whether you're wrestling with a delayed promise, a detour you didn’t expect, or a valley that’s lasted longer than you hoped—this conversation offers wisdom, compassion, and a reminder that God is present even in the pause.

Highlighted Scriptures:

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting God with your whole heart, even when the understanding isn’t there
• Isaiah 26:3-4 – Perfect peace for those who fix their minds on Him
• Jeremiah 29:11 – A future and a hope, even when the path ahead feels blurry
• Romans 8:28, Psalm 37:5, Matthew 6:34 – How God uses every detail for our good and His glory

Key Takeaways:

• Trusting God is a daily decision, not a one-time declaration
• Faith doesn’t erase fear—it outlasts it
• Uncertainty can be fertile ground for spiritual growth and deeper surrender
• Healing comes when we stop trying to control what only God can carry

Co-Host: Carrie Davis

Follow Carrie Davis for continued encouragement, community, and resources for faith-led living.

Opening & Closing Prayers:

Each prayer in this episode is written to usher in intimacy with God, reminding listeners that they are never navigating the unknown alone.

Season 1, Episode 4
Title: Faith Over Frustration
Theme: Managing Frustration and Finding Peace Through Faith

In this powerful and heart-centered episode of the Resilient Faith Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas is joined by Jaye Nicole Turner for an honest and faith-filled conversation about navigating life’s frustrations through the lens of scripture, trust, and grace. 

Frustration is something we all experience—whether it’s the sting of unmet expectations, career setbacks, or feeling stuck in situations we can't control. But through faith, we are offered something greater: perspective, patience, and peace. In “Faith Over Frustration,” Michael and Jaye share personal stories of recent struggles, including career uncertainty and delayed dreams, and how leaning into prayer, scripture, and worship helped them rise above the storm. 

This episode explores:

• The emotional weight of frustration and how it affects our relationship with God
• What it means to trust God’s timing when everything feels uncertain
• How to shift from reaction to reflection and grow spiritually through life’s interruptions
• Biblical strategies and spiritual disciplines for releasing frustration and embracing peace
• Practical tools like journaling, worship music, and gratitude to refocus your spirit
• Why choosing faith over frustration is a daily act of surrender and strength

Michael and Jaye walk through powerful scriptures like Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:19-20, and Matthew 11:28-30, offering wisdom on how God’s Word becomes an anchor during turbulent times. With vulnerability, encouragement, and truth, this episode is for anyone who’s ever asked, “God, where are You in this moment?”

Opening & Closing Prayers frame the conversation with intention, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and empower every listener on their journey toward peace and purpose. 

Whether you're in a season of waiting, walking through uncertainty, or carrying a quiet frustration in your heart—this episode reminds you that faith isn’t the absence of frustration—it’s the decision to trust God through it. 

Listen Now & Be Encouraged.

Scriptures Highlighted:

• Philippians 4:6-7 – Present your frustrations to God through prayer and experience His peace.
• James 1:19-20 – Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
• Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to Jesus, and He will give you rest.
• Psalm 37:7-8, Proverbs 14:29, Romans 12:12, Isaiah 40:31 – Additional verses on patience, trust, and endurance.

Episode 3: Encouragement in the Midst of Struggle

Theme: Finding and Offering Encouragement During Difficult Times

In Episode 3 of the Resilient Faith Podcast, hosts Michael D. Davis Thomas and Gabriella Mallory dive into the essential role of encouragement during life's most difficult moments. In this episode, we explore how encouragement can serve as a powerful reminder of hope, purpose, and resilience. From personal stories of receiving and giving encouragement to examining the role of faith in sustaining us, Michael and Gabriella discuss how to both seek and offer encouragement, especially during challenging times.Michael shares his experience in foster care and the life-changing impact of encouragement from his caseworker, while Gabriella recounts how her great-grandmother’s words helped her persevere through tough seasons. Together, they emphasize the importance of faith, supportive relationships, and intentional practices in finding and offering encouragement. This episode is about discovering how encouragement can help us face adversity and continue moving forward, even in moments of doubt or despair.

Scripture References:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
  Discussion: How can we actively build each other up during hard times? What does it look like to encourage one another daily?
• Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  Discussion: How does knowing God is with us provide comfort? How can this verse help us to encourage ourselves and others?
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
  Discussion: How can experiencing God’s comfort help us become encouragers? Have you been able to use your own experiences to encourage others?
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
  Discussion: Why is community important in finding and sharing encouragement? How can we prioritize lifting each other up?
• Psalm 31:24 – “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
  Discussion: How can hope in God give us strength during challenging times? In what ways does focusing on hope encourage us?
• Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
  Discussion: How does this verse remind us that our strength comes from God? In moments of discouragement, how can relying on God’s strength be an encouragement?
• Romans 15:4 – “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
  Discussion: How do the stories and promises in scripture give us encouragement today? What Bible stories or verses bring you hope?

Episode 3: Encouragement in the Midst of Struggle
Theme: Finding and Offering Encouragement During Difficult TimesIn Episode 3 of the Resilient Faith Podcast, hosts Michael D. Davis Thomas and Gabriella Mallory dive into the essential role of encouragement during life's most difficult moments. In this episode, we explore how encouragement can serve as a powerful reminder of hope, purpose, and resilience. From personal stories of receiving and giving encouragement to examining the role of faith in sustaining us, Michael and Gabriella discuss how to both seek and offer encouragement, especially during challenging times.Michael shares his experience in foster care and the life-changing impact of encouragement from his caseworker, while Gabriella recounts how her great-grandmother’s words helped her persevere through tough seasons. Together, they emphasize the importance of faith, supportive relationships, and intentional practices in finding and offering encouragement. This episode is about discovering how encouragement can help us face adversity and continue moving forward, even in moments of doubt or despair.Scripture References:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
  Discussion: How can we actively build each other up during hard times? What does it look like to encourage one another daily?
• Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  Discussion: How does knowing God is with us provide comfort? How can this verse help us to encourage ourselves and others?
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
  Discussion: How can experiencing God’s comfort help us become encouragers? Have you been able to use your own experiences to encourage others?
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
  Discussion: Why is community important in finding and sharing encouragement? How can we prioritize lifting each other up?
• Psalm 31:24 – “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
  Discussion: How can hope in God give us strength during challenging times? In what ways does focusing on hope encourage us?
• Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
  Discussion: How does this verse remind us that our strength comes from God? In moments of discouragement, how can relying on God’s strength be an encouragement?
• Romans 15:4 – “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
  Discussion: How do the stories and promises in scripture give us encouragement today? What Bible stories or verses bring you hope?

Conversation Highlights:

• Personal stories of encouragement and its lasting impact on our lives.
• The role of faith in seeking and offering encouragement during times of struggle.
• Practical ways to encourage ourselves and others, even when hope feels distant.
• Emphasizing the importance of community and God's promises to uplift us.

Action Items:

• Meditate on and apply the scriptural references provided, such as 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Isaiah 41:10, and Philippians 4:13.
• Intentionally seek out and provide encouragement to others, whether through affirmations, sharing personal stories, or simply being present and listening.
• Cultivate a deeper relationship with God through consistent prayer, Bible study, and allowing Him to be the source of strength and hope.

Closing Prayer:

“Gracious God, Thank You for the time we’ve spent together today, for the stories shared, and for the truths revealed. As we close this episode, we ask that You continue to bless everyone who listens, filling their hearts with hope and resilience. Help us all to carry the lessons we’ve learned into our daily lives, walking in faith and trusting in Your plan. May the seeds planted today grow into strength, healing, and purpose for all who seek You. Thank You for being our constant source of light in every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Episode 2: Finding Light in Despair

Theme: Navigating Despair and Discovering Hope Through Faith

In Episode 2 of the Resilient Faith Podcast, we explore one of life's toughest challenges—despair—and how faith can help us find a way forward. Join hosts Michael Davis Thomas and his sister Carrie as they share their personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed by despair and discovering the light of hope through their faith in God. Michael opens up about his struggle with situational depression and financial instability, while Carrie reflects on the uncertainty and fear she faced during her pregnancy. Together, they discuss the importance of community support, intentionality in building a relationship with God, and practical steps to rediscover hope in the darkest times.Through honest conversation, Michael and Carrie remind listeners that while despair can feel all-consuming, it doesn't have to define us. They explore how God’s presence, prayer, and faith in His plan can bring comfort, strength, and the hope we need to keep going. This episode emphasizes that even in our lowest moments, hope is still within reach—and it's often through our faith and the support of others that we find the strength to rise.

Scripture References:

• Psalm 34:18 – "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
  • Discussion: How does knowing that God is near to us in our brokenness bring comfort? Have you felt His presence when you were struggling?
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
  • Discussion: How has God’s comfort helped you in times of despair? In what ways can we share that same comfort with others?
• Isaiah 41:10 – "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
  • Discussion: How does this promise of God’s presence and support impact your perspective in tough times?
• Psalm 23:4 – "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
  • Discussion: How does the image of God as our shepherd provide hope when we’re in our darkest valleys? What does it mean for Him to walk with us?
• Matthew 11:28 – "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
  • Discussion: In times of despair, what does it look like to “come to” Jesus? How can resting in God give us strength to keep going?
• Romans 8:18 – "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
  • Discussion: How can focusing on the bigger picture of God’s promises help us endure difficult seasons? Have you experienced times when your perspective on suffering shifted?
• Psalm 40:1-3 – "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."
  • Discussion: How does this verse resonate with experiences of being lifted out of despair? How has God set your feet on solid ground after a tough season?

Conversation Highlights:

• Personal stories of despair and how faith helped overcome them.
• The importance of building a relationship with God and finding support from community.
• Practical steps for finding hope and strength in the midst of hardship.
• Encouragement to start small and stay consistent in your faith journey.

Action Items:

• Spend time in personal conversation with God and reflect on how your dialogue changes over time.
• Research and find a church community that aligns with your needs and offers support.
• Maintain consistency in your journey toward healing, restoration, and trust in God's plan.

Prayer:

Join us as we close with a prayer for strength and resilience, asking God to help us find the light in our darkest moments and trust in His plan for our lives.

Episode 1: Finding Hope in the Darkness

Theme: Cultivating Hope During Life’s Toughest Moments

In the debut episode of the Resilient Faith Podcast, hosts Michael and Carrie dive deep into the powerful theme of finding hope in life’s darkest moments. Together, they share personal stories of overcoming overwhelming challenges and how their faith has been the guiding light in those times of adversity. Michael reflects on a period of deep despair, contemplating suicide, and how divine intervention and community support helped him find the strength to keep going. Carrie shares her own journey of idolizing a relationship and learning to rely on God for her true sense of worth and purpose.

Throughout the episode, Michael and Carrie explore the connection between faith and hope, and how trusting in God can help us navigate even the hardest seasons of life. They also provide practical steps to cultivate hope in daily life, from turning to scripture for comfort to embracing community support. Whether you’re struggling to find hope or simply need a reminder that it’s always within reach, this episode offers encouragement and insight on how to stay hopeful and resilient in the face of adversity.

Key Scriptures:

• Romans 15:13 – Trusting in God to fill us with joy and hope
• Psalm 42:11 – Finding hope in God even when we feel downcast
• Jeremiah 29:11 – Embracing God's plan for hope and a future
• Hebrews 11:1 – Faith as the foundation for hope
• Isaiah 40:31 – Renewing strength through hope in the Lord
• Lamentations 3:21-23 – Remembering God's faithfulness to reignite hope
• Romans 5:3-5 – How perseverance through suffering leads to hope

Conversation Highlights:

• What does it mean to find hope in God rather than in circumstances?
• How can faith and community help you rebuild hope when you feel distant from your faith?
• Practical ways to stay hopeful, even when life seems overwhelming.
• The connection between suffering, perseverance, and the hope that emerges from it.

Prayer:
Join Michael and Carrie as they dedicate this episode to God, praying for strength, resilience, and the unwavering hope that only He can provide. May this conversation remind you that hope is always within reach, even in life’s darkest moments.

Welcome to the Resilient Faith Podcast, a space for honest, heartfelt conversations about navigating life’s toughest challenges through faith, resilience, and personal growth. Each episode dives deep into real-life struggles and triumphs, exploring topics like hope, despair, forgiveness, trust, and the power of resilience in our everyday lives. Hosted by individuals who have walked their own journeys of faith and resilience, this podcast brings relatable stories, practical insights, and spiritual encouragement to listeners from all backgrounds—whether you’re a long-time believer, new to faith, or simply seeking strength and guidance. With a blend of personal reflections, faith-based wisdom, and open dialogue, we tackle questions about finding purpose, healing from pain, and building a resilient spirit in a world full of uncertainty. Join us as we uncover how faith can anchor us, how resilience can carry us through, and how we can find hope, joy, and peace even in life’s hardest moments. Whether you’re facing challenges or just looking to deepen your spiritual journey, the Resilient Faith Podcast is here to support you every step of the way. Tune in each real conversations that inspire real growth.nts.