Trusting God With Uncertainty: Finding Peace in Matthew 6 | Bite-Sized Biblecast

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I share a vulnerable snapshot of what it means to seek God first when life feels anything but certain. I open up about a tough season - navigating my husband’s end of a decade-long career, ongoing battles with cancer, financial unknowns, co-parenting struggles, and house drama. I dig deep into Matthew 6, reading not just verse 33 but the whole encouraging passage about worry, God’s provision, and the invitation to surrender my version of “good” and instead take on His. I reflect on a listening prayer moment in the backyard, unexpected blessings like apples from our tree, and choosing gratitude even when life doesn’t make sense. My heart for you: you’re not alone in the hard, and there’s good to discover, even here.

Key Points with Timestamps:

1. Only Have a Minute for Scripture? (00:00): Short encouragement on taking in scripture, even on busy days, and introduction of guest appearance from Ranger the dog.
2. A Tough, Uncertain Season (00:15): Real-life update on job loss, cancer, insurance, and ongoing struggles - honestly acknowledging the uncertainty.
3. Matthew 6 in Context (01:20): Reading and unpacking Matthew 6:25–34, including the famous verse about seeking first the kingdom.
4. Facing Anxiety with God’s Promises (03:10): Explores Jesus’ advice about worry and why simply “not being anxious” doesn’t always work in practical life.
5. Surrendering My Own Definition of Good (04:00): Discussion on how God’s definition of good sometimes feels different from our own, and how surrender brings peace.
6. Listening Prayer in the Backyard (04:40): Detailed, poetic description of what God spoke to me in the quiet, realizing God’s life and provision in the midst of chaos.
7. Seeing Blessings in Little Things (05:07): Discovering unexpected gifts (like apples from the backyard), and recognizing provision in uncertain times.
8. Eyes on Jesus, Not the Waves (05:40): Story of Peter walking on water, parallel to keeping focused on Jesus in the middle of uncertainty.
9. Honest Gratitude in Hard Seasons (06:17): The tension of grief and gratitude coexisting, concluding with an invitation for continued encouragement.

Mentioned Links:

• Bible Project
  https://bibleproject.com
  Deep-dives into biblical themes and context - great for further study.

Supporting Verses:

1. Matthew 6:33, ESV
   “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
   Supports the theme of refocusing on God above life’s anxieties, with a promise that He will provide.

2. Matthew 6:25–34, ESV
   (Partial) “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. … But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
   Directly grounds the episode’s teaching and encouragement.

What’s Next?

1. Notice and name the numbing behaviors you’re drawn to when life feels overwhelming.
2. Instead of avoiding anxiety, invite God to gently show you His definition of good, even when it doesn’t match your own.
3. Re-read Matthew 6:25–34 this week and ask God what He wants you to see or surrender.
4. Look for blessings in small things: write them down, even if they seem ordinary.
5. If you need encouragement or a listening ear, reach out for a conversation or community.

Topics Covered:

• Navigating uncertainty
• Faith in tough seasons
• Surrender and listening...

Stuck in the Refining Fire? Me Too. | Trusting God When Storms Rage On

Transcript here.

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I am raw and real about being in a relentless season of refining fire. I share my experience - what it looks like to walk in faith when there's no break between crisis after crisis: brain cancer, job loss, legal battles, and the daily struggle to not numb out from it all. I dig into Jeremiah 17:7, talk about listening prayer, and how God keeps bringing me back to trust, even when I don’t see the purpose or outcome. If you’ve felt abandoned, exhausted, and unsure how to keep going - pull up a seat, friend. I’m right there with you, and I hope a little commiseration and a big dose of encouragement makes a difference in your day.

Key Points with Timestamps:

1. Introduction (00:00:46):
   I jump in unscripted, sharing that I’m in a hard season and inviting anyone feeling the same to join me.
2. Scripture Meditation & Listening Prayer (~00:03:00):
   How I use Jeremiah 17:7 as an anchor verse, plus what listening prayer has shown me about trust and feeling the drought.
3. Life’s Chaotic Trials (~00:08:00):
   My journey through my husband’s cancer, job loss, single parenting, and tough legal battles.
4. Purpose in the Pain (~00:14:00):
   Honest talk on how pain and instability force me to find my roots in God ... and where I’m seeking stability now.
5. Stop Numbing the Drought (~00:20:00):
   Real confessions about how I’m tempted to numb with social media and snacks, and encouragement to ask God for the strength to feel it all.
6. Practical Encouragement & Community (~00:27:00):
   A call to reach out, cultivate rhythms (not routines!), and build authentic fellowship as we process the hard seasons together.
7. Closing & Subscription Reminder (~00:30:00):
   Hopeful encouragement: this earth isn’t our home, and your story matters. Please subscribe, share, and keep moving “further up and further in.”

Mentioned Links:

• Blue Letter Bible
  https://www.blueletterbible.org
  A free, in-depth Bible study app I love for commentary and word studies.
• The Bible Project
  https://bibleproject.com
  Podcast and videos that help me dig into scripture and context.
• Crafted Prayers by Graham Cooke
  
  
  Book I recommend on creating intentional prayers for your life.

Supporting Verses:

1. Jeremiah 17:7, ESV
   “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.”

What’s Next?

1. Notice and name the numbing behaviors you tend to go to when life feels too hard - whether it’s social media, food, “busy” distractions, or something else.
2. Invite God to help you feel the “drought” (the hard stuff) instead of running from it.
3. Swap one numbing routine - just one - for something nourishing: a prayer, a podcast like The Bible Project, or reaching out to a friend.
4. Ask for community or connection if you need it; shoot me a message or join a group for support.
5. Remind yourself you’re not alone in this refining fire, and it’s okay to not have it all figured out.

Topics Covered:

• Enduring hardships with faith
• Trust and surrender in...

Rachelgrit.com/podcast

Living Counter-Culturally: What If Every Christian Started Driving the Speed Limit?

Episode Summary: In this episode, I explore a seemingly simple but profound question: What would happen if every Christian in the United States started driving the speed limit? Together with my husband, we dive into how this everyday act of obedience could become a powerful testimony of our faith. Through personal experiences and biblical insight, we discuss how small acts of faithfulness can lead to meaningful conversations about our relationship with Christ and our role as witnesses in the world.

Key Points:

Introduction

• Overview of the podcast's mission: Seek, find, and live the abundant life Jesus promises by cutting through life's chaos
• Rachel introduces the central question about Christians and speed limits

The Biblical Rationale for Following Traffic Laws

• Speeding is breaking the law, and scripture calls Christians to obey "laws of the land" unless they lead to sin
• Discusses Romans 13 and why laws and authorities are ordained by God
• Driving the speed limit as an act of obedience to God

Christians as Counter-Cultural Witnesses

• Driving the speed limit would set Christians apart and raise curiosity
• The early church lived counter-culturally, prompting faith conversations
• Reflecting on N.T. Wright's thoughts on political witness

Integrity in Everyday Actions

• Poor driving with Christian symbols undermines faith's reputation
• Christians called to lead lives consistent with faith
• Connection between claiming Jesus and living His teachings

The Concept of Willful Sin

• Exploring disobedience in "minor" areas of life
• The "little voice" that reminds us when we're wrong
• Countering cultural norms that normalize sin

Cultural Impact and Witness

• Examining inconsistency in Christian behavior
• The disconnect between words and actions
• Call to consistency and examining hypocrisy

Practical Application: Slowing Down

• Speed limit as metaphor for trusting God's timing
• Slower pace creates space for spiritual practices
• "Jesus take the gas pedal" reflection

Supporting Verses:

Romans 13:1-7 ESV "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Supports Christians' duty to follow established laws

1 Peter 2:13-17 ESV "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution..." Reinforces biblical mandate to respect authority

Galatians 3:28 ESV "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Supports unity and equal treatment of all people

Topics Covered:

• Christian witness in everyday life
• Biblical submission to authority
• Counter-cultural living
• Christian integrity
• Traffic laws and biblical obedience
• Early church example
• Personal testimony
• Practical faith application

Mentioned Resource: "Jesus and the Powers" by N.T. Wright - Christian political witness and early church example

Headline: Redefining Purity: Moving Beyond Sexual Purity

Episode Summary: In this episode, Rachel and her husband Cameron have an honest, grace-filled conversation about the topic of sexual purity and why it's important to redefine purity beyond just sexual behavior. They discuss the issues with "purity culture" and how it can be damaging, especially for those who have experienced sexual trauma. Rachel and Cameron share their personal experiences and perspectives on maintaining purity in dating and marriage, emphasizing the importance of having a pure heart before God rather than just following rules.

Key Points with Timestamps:

The Issues with Reducing Purity to Just Sexual Purity [0:04:03 - 0:06:21]

The problems with the "purity culture" narrative that equates purity solely with sexual behavior [0:04:03 - 0:04:43]

How this narrow view can be damaging, especially for those who have experienced sexual assault or trauma [0:04:43 - 0:05:23]

The importance of recognizing that purity is about so much more than just sexual activity [0:05:23 - 0:06:21]

Purity of the Heart Over Outward Physical Purity [0:06:21 - 0:10:00]

Why purity of the heart and a genuine relationship with God is more important than just physical/sexual purity [0:06:21 - 0:07:21]

How an excessive focus on rules and technical adherence can miss the point of true obedience [0:07:21 - 0:08:40]

The need to redefine purity as a holistic concept, not just sexual behavior [0:08:40 - 0:10:00]

Maintaining Purity Through Relationship with God, Not Willpower Alone [0:14:26 - 0:19:17]

How relying on willpower and discipline alone is not enough to sustain purity [0:14:26 - 0:15:47]

The importance of having a genuine relationship with God as the foundation for purity [0:15:47 - 0:17:25]

Examples of physically removing themselves from tempting situations [0:17:25 - 0:19:17]

The Danger of Lukewarm, Cultural Christianity [0:35:00 - 0:40:00]

How "cultural Christianity" can miss the mark of true discipleship [0:35:00 - 0:37:19]

The difference between being a true disciple versus a nominal Christian [0:37:19 - 0:40:00]

Reflecting on Motivations for Purity [0:44:00 - 0:46:00]

The importance of examining the deeper reasons behind one's desire for purity [0:44:00 - 0:45:15]

Using journaling prompts to uncover the true state of one's heart [0:45:15 - 0:46:00]

Mentioned Links:

Garden City by John Mark Comer
The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken

Supporting Verses:

"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34, ESV)
This verse supports the idea that purity of the heart is foundational to true purity.

“Do not bring worthless offerings again, [Your] incense is repulsive to Me; [Your] New Moon and Sabbath [observances], the calling of assemblies— I cannot endure wickedness [your sin, your injustice, your wrongdoing] and [the squalor of] the festive assembly." (Isaiah 1:13, AMP)

This verse shows God's desire for our hearts over simply the action of obedience.

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15, ESV)
This verse shows that obedience flows from a heart of love for God, not just a desire to follow rules.

Action Steps:
- Reflect on the reasons behind your desire for purity
- Evaluate the state of your relationship with God
- Consider areas where you may be relying on willpower over relationship with God

Topics Covered:
- Sexual purity
- Purity culture
- Relationship with God
- Lukewarm Christianity
- Discipleship

Bite-Sized Biblecast: A Few Steps off the Path

Episode Summary: In this episode of the True Grit podcast, host Rachel Grit explores the dangers of straying from God's path, even by just a little. She discusses Proverbs 14:12, which warns that "there is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." Rachel emphasizes the deceptive nature of the enemy and how he can present temptations that seem right, but ultimately lead us astray. She shares her own personal experience of taking small steps off the path, and the significant consequences that followed. Rachel challenges listeners to examine the paths they are considering and the voices they are listening to, urging them to intimately know God's voice to discern it from deception. She encourages regular scripture reading and the use of resources like the Bible app's verse of the day to stay on the narrow path God has for them.

Key Points with Timestamps:

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast - 0:00:00 - 0:01:43
Rachel introduces herself and the purpose of the True Grit podcast, which is to help listeners seek, find, and live an abundant life with Jesus, even in the midst of busy lives.

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 14:12 - 0:01:43 - 0:04:30
Rachel discusses the scripture for the day, Proverbs 14:12, and her initial thoughts on the concept of being "true to oneself" versus the importance of not trusting one's own heart.

The Deceptive Nature of the Enemy - 0:04:30 - 0:08:00
Rachel emphasizes the craftiness of the enemy and his ability to present deceptive paths that appear to be right, but ultimately lead to death.

Personal Experience and the Consequences of Deviating from God's Path - 0:08:00 - 0:10:30
Rachel shares her own story of straying from her expected path due to small deviations, and the significant challenges she faced as a result.

Discerning God's Voice from Deception - 0:10:30 - 0:13:00
Rachel discusses the need to intimately know God's voice to discern it from the enemy's deception and one's own intuition, using examples to illustrate the subtlety of the enemy's tactics.

Challenge and Resources for Staying on the Right Path - 0:13:00 - 0:13:43
Rachel challenges listeners to examine their paths and the voices they are listening to, and encourages them to use resources like regular scripture reading to stay on God's path.

Mentioned Links:

Rachel Grit's Website
https://rachelgrit.com/
Rachel's website, which includes a free guided journal to help identify and reduce sources of noise and chaos in one's life.

Bible App
https://www.youversion.com/
The Bible App, which provides a verse of the day and other resources for daily scripture engagement.

Supporting Verses:

Jeremiah 17:9, ESV
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

Matthew 7:13-14, ESV
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

Action Steps:

1. Take a look at the path you are on and the paths you are considering, and examine the voice you are listening to.
2. Learn to hear and discern your Shepherd's voice about all else by studying His word daily, even if it's quick like the YouVersion verse of the day or a bite-sized biblecast.

3. Download the free guided journal to...

Episode Summary: In this episode, I open up about my experience as part of a blended family and the challenges I've faced within the church community. I share my discomfort with the term "broken family" and emphasize the potential for redemption and wholeness, even in non-traditional family structures. I call for the church to be more aware and accommodating of diverse family dynamics, providing space and validation for those who don't fit the traditional mold. As a traditional family, you may have certain privileges, and I encourage you to use your voice and seat at the table to ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued. For those in non-traditional families, know that you are seen, heard, and valid. I invite both traditional and non-traditional families to join the conversation and share their thoughts and experiences, as we work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment within the church.

Key Points with Timestamps:

Blended Family Experience and Terminology 0:00:00 Rachel introduces the podcast and her background as part of a blended family. 0:03:00 Rachel discusses her discomfort with the term "broken family" and the importance of finding redemption and wholeness.

Challenges of Non-Traditional Families in the Church 0:06:00 Rachel shares the difficulty of feeling isolated and othered in church groups primarily for traditional families. 0:08:00 Rachel calls for the church to be more aware and accommodating of non-traditional families.

The Importance of Community and Fellowship 0:10:00 Rachel shares her positive experience with her church, Mile City, and its emphasis on inclusivity. 0:11:00 Rachel encourages traditional families to be more inclusive and welcoming of non-traditional families.

Privilege and Awareness in Traditional Families 0:13:00 Rachel addresses the concept of privilege within traditional families and the need to use that privilege to create inclusive spaces.

Encouragement for Non-Traditional Families 0:15:00 Rachel reassures non-traditional families that they are seen, heard, and valid within the church. 0:16:00 Rachel suggests the creation of groups for non-traditional families to foster community and support.

Call to Action for Both Traditional and Non-Traditional Families 0:17:00 Rachel invites feedback and ideas from both traditional and non-traditional families to improve inclusivity.

Mentioned Links: Rachel Grit's Website ⁠https://rachelgrit.com⁠/ Instagram: http:/instagram.com/rachelgrit

Tiktok: http://tiktok.com/@rachel.grit

Youtube: http://youtube.com/@rachelgrit

Download the Cut the Noise guided journal here!

Supporting Verses:"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV) This verse supports the idea of the church as a diverse body, where each member has a unique role to play, and the importance of embracing that diversity.

Action Steps: