This week, we’ll hear from actor Michael Iskander who currently portrays King David on the House of David series. Michael opens up about his unconventional route to acting, the prayer and fasting that became his ritual as he waited to hear whether or not he would be cast in his dream role, and what portraying David has taught him about trusting God in every moment and in every decision. 

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Christian Dearman—a professional baseball player with the Savannah Bananas, a team known not just for their show-stopping performances, but their heart for people. Christian shares how his journey toward the big leagues was nearly cut short by a career-threatening injury and how that difficult season became a turning point in his faith. 

 

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Erin Hicks Moon

Upcoming interview: Jason and Erica Redman 

Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season 

 

Michael Iskander 

House of David 

The Chosen 

Jon Erwin

Psalm 8:3-6 NIV

 

Christian Dearman

Savannah Bananas

latissimus dorsi tendon

Jake Peavy

Florida International University

Jesse Cole

 

Interview Quotes:

“Even in the mundane, God has a will for us, even in something that we think is unimportant or that doesn’t have a big impact. Maybe it feels like we’re throwing a tiny rock in the ocean and it has no ripple effect. God wills for that to happen, because He is pruning us and training us for something bigger.” - Michael Iskander 

“Prayer is extremely important, and always having a moment of reflection of why we’re doing this is vital. For me, the show is not about David. The show is about God. I think even in the acting process of this, God was teaching me just to let go of any sort of idea of control that I have and just to surrender to Him and to trust that prayer is powerful.” - Michael Iskander

“I’m just so grateful that God had put me into a positive mindset, because through reading Scripture, I was learning a lot of verses that I was looking at as motivational quotes.” - Christian Dearman

“It’s insane because at one point, they were telling me I would never be able to pick up baseball again, and now, my name is in the Hall of Fame. It’s surreal. God is so good all the time.” - Christian Dearman

“What I am able to do every single game is connect with kids about Jesus with something as simple as just wearing a cross.” - Christian Dearman

“If you could add just a smile to brighten someone’s day—that’s truly God’s work right there.” - Christian Dearman

“It doesn’t matter what you’re going through—Jesus already accomplished the ultimate goal. He fought the ultimate battle, and we are saved by grace.” - Christian Dearman 

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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!

Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 

Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw 

Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C 

Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj 

Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u 

What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj 

Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY 

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