In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld tackles a common question: Why can't God just be satisfied when people are happy and fulfilled, regardless of what they believe? Drawing from Isaiah 43, he explores the foundational truth that we were created for God's glory, not our own satisfaction. Dr. Neufeld challenges the modern tendency toward experience-only faith and reminds us that we weren't made for ourselves—we were made for Him.

I've Got Questions: In this thought-provoking series, Dr. John Neufeld tackles the real questions people are asking today—from the exclusivity of Christ to the problem of suffering, from biblical authority to assurance of salvation. Rather than offering quick answers, he uses each question as a bridge back to the foundational truths of Scripture. Dr. Neufeld equips believers to build their faith on solid ground while engaging honestly with the challenges of our contemporary world.

In this Best of 2025 interview, the late Dr. Gregory Jantz addresses the increasing anxiety being experienced in modern culture. 1 in 5 adults struggle with anxiety and 1 in 4 teens. With his whole-person approach, Jantz unpacks the myriads of reasons for this trend and shares practical solutions for healthy living. He will help you to attack the three-headed monster of worry, anxiety, and stress by asking you to take personal inventory, choose healthy habits and diet, and address your spiritual needs through God’s Word, prayer, and Christian community.

Tune in to hear Pastor Chuck Swindoll discuss four principles for effective prayer from Romans 15:30–33.

From the Series: Romans: The Christian’s Constitution

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When everyone is busy following major world events, God is watching the hillside—looking for faithful followers to fulfil His purposes. When we’re faithful to the demanding tasks of life, the daily grind of life, that’s when God can use us.

When the holidays feel heavy, hope can feel far away. In this Advent episode, Bible teacher Wendy Blight joins Kaley Olson and Ellen Adkins to show how Jesus brings real hope into the places where we feel most broken. Through Scripture and Wendy’s powerful personal story, you’ll discover why biblical hope is more than wishful thinking — it’s a confident expectation rooted in who God is.

Perfect for anyone who needs a breath of hope this season.

You’ll learn:

• Why biblical hope is a confident expectation — not wishful thinking.
• How the story of hope begins in Genesis and is fulfilled in Jesus.
• Ways to move from a victim mentality toward healing and trust in God.
• How to experience Scripture as alive and active in seasons of brokenness.

Resources From This Episode:

• Join us for Advent in the First 5 app!
  Download the free app and spend five minutes each day studying God’s Word with women around the world.
• Go deeper with our brand-new Advent study guide, More Than a Manger.
  Experience the Christmas story with fresh eyes through rich biblical teaching and meaningful daily reflections.
• Help more women access Biblical Truth this season.
  Your generosity fuels everything we do — from free podcasts to devotions to study resources.
   [Give to Proverbs 31 Ministries today.]
• Click here to download a transcript of this episode

Want More on This Topic? 

Listen to another great episode of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast titled “How To Walk By Faith When Life Feels Hard” with Jennifer Rothschild.

Fear steals spiritual clarity, but surrendering it opens the heart to God’s personal good news. Whitney Hopler points to Luke 2:8-11, where the angel interrupts panic with a promise of rising joy through Jesus. Keywords like hearing God, good news, fear of failure, and Luke 2 shepherds belong right up front for discovery, because quieting fear is the doorway to actually receiving what God keeps trying to say.

Highlights

• God’s best announcements lead with peace before explanation.

• Fear acts like interference; faith works like the reset button.

• Failure, rejection, and the unknown are common volume knobs stuck on too loud.

• Joy beats relief—it carries confidence, not just the absence of panic.

• Focusing on the Spirit amplifies direction and dials down dread.

• One brave decision at a time rewrites fear’s storyline.

• God’s good news is personal, persistent, and powerful enough to outshine bad thoughts. (Yes, even the dramatic ones… without needing pyrotechnics.)

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

Overcome Fear to Hear God’s Good News for You
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” – Luke 2:8-11, NIV 

On the first Christmas, the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem were just watching their flocks on a quiet night, when suddenly, the glory of the Lord shone around them, and an angel of the Lord appeared. The angel’s very first words to the terrified were a loving command: “Do not be afraid.” 

The message the angel carried from God was too good to be blocked by fear. The news of a Savior for the world was meant to bring “great joy,” but the shepherds couldn’t fully hear a message of joy if their minds were preoccupied with panic. 

How often has fear kept you from fully perceiving and accepting the good news that God sends your way? </