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The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast

For over 25 years Proverbs 31 Ministries' mission has been to intersect God's Word in the real, hard places we all struggle with. That's why we started this podcast. Every episode will feature a variety of teachings from president Lysa TerKeurst, staff members or friends of the ministry who can teach you something valuable from their vantage point. We hope that regardless of your age, background or stage of life, it's something you look forward to listening to each month!

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Tuesday · 28 min
“Unbreakable Courage in a Season of Stress and Anxiety” With Max Lucado
If you’re running a race that feels much longer and harder than what you signed up for ... this episode is for you. Bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado joins Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson to share a powerful message from the life of Elijah. You’ll discover how to stand firm when society's values shift, why fatigue and discouragement often follow our greatest steps of faith, and how God lovingly responds when you are out of fuel and ready to give up. You’ll learn: Why standing strong in a changing culture starts with knowing who you stand before. How to identify the physical and spiritual signs of depletion before you burn out. What is God’s practical, gracious response when you feel overwhelmed, depressed, or isolated. Why the most courageous thing you can do today might simply be showing up and taking the next step. Resources From This Episode: Get your copy of Max Lucado’s new book, Unbreakable Courage: Strong Faith in an Age of Anxiety, Chaos, and Exhaustion, available anywhere books are sold. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. You can learn more by visiting Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 today. Click here to donate to Proverbs 31 Ministries and to share your story with us! Download a copy of this episode transcript here. Want More on This Topic? Listen to previous conversations with Max Lucado, like this one, in The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast episode archive.
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October 20 · 34 min
“When Life Won’t Let Up: Finding Strength To Keep Going” With Kaitlin Chappell Rogers, Meredith Brock, and Kaley Olson
Have you ever walked through a season where it wasn’t necessarily one big thing — it was just one thing after another? The unexpected bill. The hard conversation. The appointment you didn’t want to make. The kid who needs you. The work deadline. The thing you thought would finally get easier … but somehow didn’t. Eventually, even the strongest among us can find ourselves thinking, Lord, can I please just catch a break? In this episode, Kaitlin Chappell Rogers joins Meredith and Kaley to talk about what it looks like to keep going when life keeps wearing you down. Through her own experience of what she calls “a thousand little cuts,” Kaitlin reminds us that biblical perseverance isn’t about pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps or finding a little more strength somewhere inside ourselves. It’s learning to depend on the strength and grace of God, who has never stopped holding us. You’ll learn: Why coming to the end of your own strength doesn’t mean you’ve failed. How knowing the end of the story changes the way you live in the messy middle. One simple practice for the days when everything feels like too much. Resources From This Episode: Get Kaitlin Chappell Rogers’ new book, She Just Won’t Quit. If you’re tired of feeling like you have to manufacture the strength to keep going, Kaitlin will help you discover what everyday perseverance looks like when it’s rooted in the faithfulness of God. Join COMPEL Pro Writer’s training here. Sign up to receive free Encouragement for Today devotions here. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. You can learn more by visiting Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 today. Click here to download a copy of the episode transcript. Want More on This Topic? Listen to this Therapy & Theology conversation where Lysa TerKeurst; counselor Jim Cress; and resident theologian, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, talk through what to do when God seems silent and healing is slow.
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October 6 · 30 min
"What if This Hard Season Isn’t Wasted?” With Jennifer Rothschild, Meredith Brock, and Shae Hill
When life feels heavy, it can be hard to believe anything good could come from what you’re carrying. In this episode of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, Jennifer Rothschild joins Meredith Brock and Shae Hill for a conversation about what it looks like to face real hardship with an eternal perspective. Walking through 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Jennifer reminds us that trusting God doesn’t mean minimizing what hurts or pretending everything is fine. Instead we can acknowledge what’s hard, believe God is still working with purpose, and remember what feels permanent right now is temporary in light of eternity. If you’re in a season that feels especially difficult, disappointing, or uncertain, this episode will help you see your circumstances through the hope of what God has promised. You’ll learn: Why accepting what God allows is different from pretending it doesn’t hurt. How God can use even painful circumstances with purpose. Why remembering “Earth is short and heaven is long” can change the way we carry what feels heavy today. Resources From This Episode: Get Jennifer Rothschild’s devotional Heaven for Today: 60 Devotions on How the Life to Come Changes Your Life Right Now. Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, the passage Jennifer teaches from in this episode. Listen to the newest season of the Therapy & Theology podcast for more biblical conversations about spiritual warfare, discernment, suffering, heaven, and the unseen realities behind the battles we face. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. You can learn more by visiting Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 today. Click here to download a copy of the episode transcript. Want More on This Topic? Read an Encouragement for Today devotion titled “Hope in God’s Goodness.”
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September 15 · 38 min
"Grasping for Guarantees" With Lysa TerKeurst
Sometimes the hardest part of trusting God isn’t believing that He has a plan ... It’s wondering whether His plan will be anything like the one we hoped for. In this episode, Lysa TerKeurst shares the first chapter of her new book, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control, and names a fear many of us may be carrying: What if God allows something I don’t know how to live with? Listen in to discover how to trust God when you don’t have the answers and how releasing the need to know what happens next can actually create a deeper relationship with Him. You’ll Learn: The difference between relying on God and trying to create the certainty we wish we had. Why bringing our honest questions, fears, and doubts to the Lord can draw us closer to Him even if we don't get the outcome we're praying for. What it looks like to live with uncertainty without immediately trying to solve, fix, or explain it. Resources From This Episode: Click here to get your copy of Making Peace with What I Can't Control, and check out the other resources mentioned! Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Click here to see the transcript of this episode. Want More on This Topic? Listen to "Why Your Need for Control Is Wearing You Out" with Lysa TerKeurst.
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September 8 · 46 min
“How To Apply God's Wisdom to Everyday Moments” With Alicia Bruxvoort, Kaley Olson, and Meredith Brock
Maybe we’ve made wisdom more complicated than God intended it to be. In this episode, Alicia Bruxvoort joins Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson to show us what the book of Proverbs actually teaches about becoming wise. You’ll discover why wisdom isn’t just about making the “right” decision — it’s about knowing God well enough to trust His ways, follow His Word, and keep walking with Him one decision at a time. And if you’re worried you’ve already made the wrong choice ... you’ll be reminded that one decision is never bigger than the God who is leading you. You’ll learn: Why biblical wisdom starts with who you know, not what you know. How the small choices you make every day shape the person you’re becoming. Why wisdom requires more than knowing God’s Word — it means living it out. What to remember when you’re afraid you heard God wrong or made the wrong decision. Resources From This Episode: Get your copy of 31 Days Through Proverbs, and spend the next month learning how to apply God’s wisdom to the decisions, relationships, and everyday moments you’re navigating. Sign up for our free Encouragement for Today Devotions for biblical Truth and practical encouragement delivered to your inbox every weekday and Saturday. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 . Read more from Alicia Bruxvoort through her devotions for Encouragement for Today on Proverbs31.org. If this episode encouraged you, leave a rating and review for The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Your review helps more women find biblical Truth for whatever they’re facing. Download a copy of this episode transcript here. Want More on This Topic? Read an Encouragement for Today devotion on wisdom by Alicia Bruxvoort here.
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August 18 · 39 min
"Why Your Need for Control Is Wearing You Out" With Lysa TerKeurst
Are you feeling worn out from constantly overthinking, trying to fix the people around you, or attempting to figure out every detail of your future? In this episode, hosts Kaley Olson and Cailah Garcia sit down with Proverbs 31 Ministries President Lysa TerKeurst for an exclusive preview of her book Making Peace with What I Can't Control. Together, they unpack an unexpected aspect in the story of Judas in Matthew 26, revealing how a subtle desire to force immediate relief can lead us to take control into our own hands rather than trust God. Listen in to discover how making one foundational shift in perspective can help you release the weight you were never meant to carry and bring true rest to your heart today. You’ll learn: How Judas’ story highlights our own tendency to try to control the details when God doesn't move on our timeline. Practical ways to stop wasting mental energy on managing other people's choices and circumstances that are out of your hands. How to shift from a high-pressure control mindset to a healthy stewardship mindset that surrenders ultimate outcomes to God. Resources From This Episode: Preorder Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Making Peace with What I Can't Control, download a free resource on control, and more here! Listen to the Therapy & Theology podcast with Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on all podcast platforms, or watch on the Proverbs 31 Ministries YouTube Channel. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Download a copy of the transcript here. Want More on This Topic? Watch this clip from Therapy & Theology where Lysa TerKeurst unpacks why we have the urge to solve someone else's problem.
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August 4 · 35 min
“What's Holding You Back From God's Calling? | Lessons From the Life of Moses” With Becky Murray, Kaley Olson, and Meredith Brock
Have you ever sensed God leading you toward something, only to immediately feel unqualified, afraid, or unsure? Maybe you've wondered, Who am I to do what God is asking? In this encouraging conversation, Becky Murray joins Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson to explore the story of Moses in Exodus 3-4 and the excuses that often keep us from stepping into God's calling. Drawing from her own journey as the founder of One by One, Becky shares how God met her fears, insecurities, and feelings of inadequacy — and how He can do the same for you. If you've been holding back because of intimidation, fear of rejection, or your own perceived weaknesses, this episode will remind you that God has never called you to rely on yourself. He's simply asking you to keep your eyes fixed on Him. You’ll learn: Why intimidation, rejection, and insecurity are some of the enemy's greatest tools to keep you from God's calling. What Moses' excuses reveal about the struggles we all face when God asks us to take a step of faith. How to stop letting your past define your present and embrace the freedom Christ has already won for you. Why God often calls ordinary, imperfect people so His strength — not theirs — gets the glory. How intimacy with God gives you the courage to keep saying "yes," even when the path feels impossible. Resources From This Episode: Learn more about Becky's ministry to prevent human trafficking and protect vulnerable children at onebyone.org. Connect with Becky Murray: Website: beckymurray.org. Book: Embrace the Journey. If today's episode encouraged you, leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your review helps more women discover biblical encouragement through The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Download a copy of this transcript here. Want More on This Topic? Listen to this podcast episode with Lysa TerKeurst on the topic of obedience.
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July 21 · 37 min
“Before God Changes Your Situation, He Does This First | Ezekiel 37” With Oghosa Iyamu, Melissa Taylor, and Cailah Garcia
Have you ever looked at your circumstances and wondered, God, will things ever change? Whether you're walking through grief, disappointment, unanswered prayers, or a season that feels impossibly long, today's conversation is a reminder that God is still at work — even when nothing around you seems different. In this powerful episode, Bible teacher Oghosa Iyamu joins Melissa Taylor and Cailah Garcia to walk through the breathtaking vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. Together, they unpack what it means to lift your eyes off your circumstances and onto the God who brings life, restoration, and hope. You'll discover that God's restoring work often begins long before your situation changes — through His Word, His Spirit, and His presence with you in the valley. If you've been feeling weary, discouraged, or like hope has dried up, this conversation will remind you that the God who brought life to dry bones is the same God who is still bringing life today. You’ll learn: The surprising place where restoration begins (and why it isn't always your circumstances). How to stop fixating on what's broken and start fixing your eyes on the God who restores. Why God's Word and His Spirit are essential when you feel spiritually weary or emotionally depleted. How the Psalms can give you language to bring your grief, disappointment, and questions honestly before God. Why confession isn't about condemnation — it's an invitation back into intimacy with God. Resources From This Episode: Read Ezekiel 37 and reflect on how God brings life into places that feel dry and hopeless. Spend time praying through Psalm 121, reminding yourself that your help comes from the Lord. Read a few Psalms this week, allowing Scripture to give voice to both your grief and your hope as you learn to lift your eyes back to God. Connect with Oghosa Iyamu for more biblical teaching and encouragement: Website: https://oghosaiyamu.com. Instagram: @oghosaiiyamu. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31. Share how God is using The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast in your life by leaving us a review wherever you listen! Find all related resources we mention in this episode here. Download a copy of the transcript here. Want More on This Topic? Check out “How To Escape the Comparison Trap” from The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast archives!
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July 7 · 59 min
"There's Always a Meanwhile" With Lysa TerKeurst | Special Anniversary Episode
What if, in the hardest season of your life, God is doing work you can't yet see? The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast hosts Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson relisten to the very first episode of the show and celebrate all God has done through the last eight years and 31 million downloads. You'll hear them react to Lysa TerKeurst's original teaching where she unpacks the story of Joseph to explore a powerful truth: Pain and God's purpose often operate on two different tracks at the same time. While we experience rejection, betrayal, disappointment, and injustice, God may be accomplishing something deeper ... preparing, protecting, and positioning us for what's ahead. If you're struggling to make sense of a difficult season, this conversation will help you: Trust God's unseen work by understanding the significance of the "meanwhile" in Joseph's life. Learn how to release the weight of past hurts without minimizing them. Find hope that your story isn't over yet. Resources from this episode: Click here to check out what we've recently mentioned on the show. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Download a transcript of this episode here. Want more on this topic? Listen to "Why Do Bad Things Happen to God's People?" with Dr. Joel Muddamalle.
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June 16 · 41 min
“The Hidden Cause of Your Insecurity and How To Break Free” With Sharon Hodde Miller, Kaley Olson, and Cailah Garcia
Do you ever feel trapped by insecurity, comparison, or the pressure to prove yourself? In today’s episode, Kaley Olson and Cailah Garcia sit down with author, pastor, and speaker Sharon Hodde Miller to discuss a surprising source of insecurity that many women overlook. Through personal stories, biblical teaching, and practical wisdom, Sharon explains why some insecurity stems not from thinking too little of ourselves but from thinking about ourselves too much. Drawing from Moses’ story in Exodus 4 and her own journey through ministry, Sharon shares how God invites us to shift our focus away from our limitations and back to His sufficiency. If you've ever wondered whether you're enough for what God has called you to do, this conversation will remind you where true confidence is found. You’ll learn: The difference between low self-esteem and self-preoccupation. Why affirmation alone cannot heal every insecurity. What God's response to Moses teaches us about our limitations. How to identify whether insecurity is revealing an unhealed wound or misplaced focus. A practical way to shift your eyes off yourself and back onto Jesus. Resources From This Episode: Get Sharon Hodde Miller’s book Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It’s Not About You. This bestselling book explores the freedom that comes when we stop making life all about ourselves and start focusing on God’s greater purpose. Get Sharon Hodde Miller’s devotional Gazing at God: A 40-Day Journey to Greater Freedom from Self. This devotional helps readers identify areas of self-focus, find healing for their wounds, and cultivate a life centered on Christ. Learn more about the She Speaks Conference. Join us from July 16-18 in Charlotte, North Carolina, for powerful teaching, practical training, and encouragement to help you step confidently into the calling God has placed on your life. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Download a transcript of this episode. Want More on This Topic? Check out “How To Escape the Comparison Trap” from The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast archives!
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June 3 · 41 min
“When You Finally See the Impact of Your Yes” With Jennie Lusko, Meredith Brock, and Kaley Olson
Have you ever wondered if your small act of obedience is really making a difference? In today’s episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with author and pastor Jennie Lusko to talk about the moment her “yes” became deeply personal. When Jennie and her family traveled to Bolivia to meet three children they sponsor through Compassion International, what they experienced was far more than meaningful — it changed the way they see faith, generosity, and the people God has placed right in front of them. Through honest storytelling and spiritual insight, Jennie shares how stepping outside her everyday rhythm opened her eyes to what God had been doing all along. If you’ve ever questioned whether your obedience matters — this conversation will remind you that it does. You’ll learn: Why it’s easy to lose sight of the impact of your everyday obedience. How meeting her sponsored children reshaped Jennie’s understanding of generosity. What children living in poverty taught her family about contentment and joy. How God uses simple acts of faith to create lasting, eternal impact. Why stepping outside your comfort zone can open your eyes to what God is doing. Resources From This Episode: Sponsor a child through Compassion International. When you sponsor a child, you help provide access to education, medical care, nutritious food, clean water, and the hope of Jesus — all delivered through a local church in their community. Get Jennie Lusko’s devotional Fresh Mercies Every Day. This 40-day devotional offers encouragement to help you build breathing room for your soul and experience God’s fresh mercies in your everyday life. Download a copy of the transcript for this episode. Want More on This Topic? Listen to “Am I Really Called to THIS?” with Nicki Koziarz.
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May 19 · 43 min
“Rerouted: Are You Actually on the Right Road?” With Megan Fate Marshman, Kaley Olson, and Meredith Brock
What’s actually driving your life right now? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Bible teacher and author Megan Fate Marshman to unpack one of Jesus’ most sobering teachings: the narrow road vs. the wide road. But this isn’t just about salvation — it’s about how we’re living every single day. If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to “do all the right things,” or quietly wondered if you’re missing something in your relationship with God … this conversation will meet you right there. Megan brings clarity, conviction, and incredible hope as she reminds you: Following Jesus isn’t about striving harder — it’s about knowing Him and letting Him know you. You’ll learn: Why you can follow Jesus … and still find yourself on the “wide road.” The subtle difference between knowing about God and actually knowing Him. How striving, perfectionism, and performance can quietly replace relationship. What it really means to live on the narrow road (without burnout). The one question that reveals what your life is actually built on. Resources From This Episode: Relaxed by Megan Fate Marshman. If you’ve been living under pressure — trying to get it right, do more, and be better — this book will help you experience a different way: one rooted in God’s presence, not your performance. She Speaks Conference (July 16-18, Charlotte, NC). If you know God is working in your life and you feel the nudge to share it, don’t ignore that. Join us for a weekend that will equip and encourage you to step into your calling with confidence. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Download a transcript of this episode. Want More on This Topic? Whether you're someone who believes you have let God down or you've carried wounds from your earthly father that make it hard to trust your heavenly One, this conversation will meet you right where you are.
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May 12 · 43 min
“Are You Carrying More Than God Asked You To Carry?” With Kaitlin Chappell Rogers, Kaley Olson, and Meredith Brock
Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try … it’s still not enough? In today’s episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Proverbs 31 Ministries team member Kaitlin Chappell Rogers to talk about the quiet pressure so many of us carry — the pressure to do more, be better, and somehow hold everything together. But what if the reason you feel stuck isn’t because you’re falling behind … but because you’ve been carrying more than God ever asked you to? Through powerful storytelling, biblical Truth, and a fresh look at Exodus 16, Kaitlin helps us uncover the root of our overwhelm and invites us into a different way of living — one that’s marked by surrender, not striving. If you’ve been exhausted by trying to “get it right,” this conversation will feel like a deep breath for your soul. You’ll learn: Why “doing better” might not mean what you think it does. How comparison has shifted from stealing joy to distorting identity. What the story of manna reveals about overconsumption and overwhelm. How to recognize what’s actually distracting you or fueling discontent. A simple, practical way to audit your life and refocus on what matters most. Resources From This Episode: Get Kaitlin’s upcoming book: She Just Won’t Quit: Embracing the Practice of Everyday Perseverance. Preorder your copy wherever books are sold, and be encouraged to keep showing up, even when it feels hard. Join us at the She Speaks Conference (July 16-18, Charlotte, NC). If you’ve been feeling the nudge to step into what God is calling you to — this is your moment. Join us for a life-changing weekend of equipping, encouragement, and connection. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Follow Proverbs 31 Ministries on social media. Let us interrupt your scroll with truth that meets you right where you are. Download a transcript of this episode here. Want More on This Topic? If today’s episode inspired you to evaluate the thoughts that keep you stuck, check out this Therapy & Theology episode titled “What Does It Mean To Be Mentally Healthy?” with counselor Jim Cress.
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May 5 · 43 min
“The Simple Shift That Will Change Your Prayer Life” With Wendy Blight, Kaley Olson, and Meredith Brock
Do you ever feel like you want to pray … but don’t know what to say? In today’s episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Wendy Blight to talk about a simple but powerful shift: praying God’s Word. Because when emotions run high — especially in the relationships that matter most — it’s easy to default to reacting, fixing, or striving for change. But what if the most impactful thing you could do is pray differently? Wendy shares honestly about a hard season with her daughter and how learning to pray Scripture didn’t just change her prayers — it changed her heart, her words, and the atmosphere in her home. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your prayer life or unsure how to pray for someone you love, this episode will give you a clear place to start. You’ll learn: Why praying Scripture brings clarity when you don’t have the words. How to identify the heart issue behind what you’re praying for. A simple way to turn Bible verses into personal prayers. What it looks like to pray in both everyday moments and hard ones. How God uses prayer to shape your heart, not just your circumstances. Resources From This Episode: Download “15 Prayers for Your Son or Daughter.” If you’re not sure where to begin, this resource will help you start praying Scripture over your child in a simple, meaningful way. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Listen to Therapy & Theology Season 12: “Fight for Your Family.” Get practical, biblical insight to help you strengthen your relationships and fight for what matters most. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Want More on This Topic? With so much against us and our families in today's world, how can we build a family rooted in biblical Truth and a strong sense of belonging? Listen to this episode of Therapy & Theology to learn how. We’re nearing the end of this mid-year season, still working toward our $760,000 goal, with $213,000 already given. And right now, your gift can go twice as far thanks to the generous friends who have paved the way. If this is stirring something in you, don’t wait! Give now and help put Truth in front of her right when she needs it most.
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April 21 · 32 min
“What If Your Yes Could Change a Life?” With Dr. Nujerling Vargas, Kaley Olson, and Meredith Brock
What if one small act of obedience could change the entire trajectory of someone’s life? In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Dr. Nujerling Vargas — a neurosurgeon from the Dominican Republic whose story is nothing short of remarkable. From walking barefoot to school and sharing a single notebook between siblings … to performing brain surgery and leading in her field, Nujerling’s journey is a testimony of what happens when someone is given the chance to dream. Through the support of Compassion International, her physical needs were met, her faith was formed, and her future was forever changed. If you’ve ever wondered whether your impact really matters, this conversation will remind you that it does — more than you know. You’ll learn: What it looks like to grow up in extreme poverty — and how it shapes your understanding of God. The life-changing impact of being sponsored through Compassion International. Why encouragement and simple words like “I love you” can transform a child’s future. How God uses ordinary obedience to accomplish extraordinary things. The powerful truth that you don’t have to be in ministry for God to use your life. Resources From This Episode: If you feel the nudge, don’t wait. Step in today, and sponsor a child at compassion.com/proverbs31. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Click here to download a transcript of this episode.
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April 7 · 40 min
“A Gentle Shift for the Girl Who’s Asking ‘Why Me?’” with Sharon Jaynes, Kaley Olson, and Cailah Garcia
What if the way you see your life could shift — not because your circumstances change but because your perspective does? In this powerful and story-rich episode, Cailah Garcia and Kaley Olson sit down with longtime friend of Proverbs 31 Ministries Sharon Jaynes to talk about the life-changing impact of gratitude. With humor, honesty, and deeply moving personal stories (including a travel day gone completely wrong), Sharon shares how gratitude isn’t just a feeling — it’s a practice that can reshape how we experience God in our everyday lives. If you’ve been feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle of negativity, this conversation will gently reframe your perspective and remind you that even in hard moments, God is still at work. You’ll learn: Why gratitude is less about your circumstances and more about your perspective. How gratitude helps you recognize God’s presence — even in difficult moments. How your attitude can impact the people around you more than you realize. Simple, practical ways to build a daily habit of gratitude (that actually stick). Resources From This Episode: Download the FREE Journal: Unpolished. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start sharing your story. This guided journal will help you take small, meaningful steps forward — without the pressure to be perfect. When You Don’t Like Your Story by Sharon Jaynes. What if your hardest chapters could become part of your greatest victory? This powerful book will help you see how God is still writing your story — even in the parts you wouldn’t choose. ESV Bible (Crossway). Ground yourself in Scripture with a trusted, word-for-word translation designed to help you read, understand, and apply God’s Word to your everyday life. American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). Looking for deeper support? AACC offers trusted, faith-based counseling resources to help you navigate life’s hardest seasons with wisdom and care. Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Click here to download a transcript of this episode Want More on This Topic? Listen to an episode from the Therapy & Theology archive titled “How To Accept a Future You Never Wanted.”
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March 17 · 31 min
“What To Do When You’re Afraid of Making the Wrong Decision” With Grace Valentine, Meredith Brock, and Cailah Garcia
Have you ever felt stuck trying to make the right decision — afraid one wrong move could mess everything up? In this honest and practical conversation, Meredith Brock and Cailah Garcia sit down with author and speaker Grace Valentine to talk about what it looks like to make decisions with God instead of with anxiety. Through personal stories (including a hilarious texting mishap), biblical wisdom, and a deep dive into Proverbs 3:5-6, Grace reminds us that decision-making was never meant to be something we navigate alone. When we try to decode every outcome or gather endless opinions, we often spiral into chaos instead of stepping into wisdom. If you’re facing a big decision right now — or simply feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty — this episode will help you pause, seek God’s voice, and move forward with faith instead of fear. You’ll learn: Why trying to figure everything out on your own often leads to anxiety and overthinking. How Proverbs 3:5-6 gives a clear framework for navigating life’s decisions. What the difference is between seeking opinions and seeking godly wisdom. Why surrendering control is often the first step toward peace. How God can give you peace even when the decision in front of you feels uncomfortable. Resources From This Episode: Connect With Grace Valentine. Follow her for more encouragement and biblical wisdom on navigating life’s biggest decisions. Instagram: @thegracevalentine Facebook: @GraceValentine Website: https://www.gracevalentine.org Encouragement for Today Devotions. Start your day grounded in God’s Word. Subscribe to receive short, Scripture-based devotions delivered straight to your inbox each morning — meeting you with biblical Truth right when you need it Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Click here to download a transcript of this episode Want More on This Topic? Listen to Dr. Joel Muddamalle answer the question, “Why Am I So Afraid of Failure?” on The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast.
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March 3 · 30 min
“When You Don’t Know What To Pray — And You’re Wondering if God Is Near” With Lysa TerKeurst, Kaley Olson, and Cailah Garcia
If you’ve ever sat down to pray and felt unsure of what to say — or wondered whether God is actually listening — this episode is for you. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Kaley Olson and Cailah Garcia sit down with Lysa TerKeurst to talk about what prayer really is: not a performance, not perfect words, but daily dependence on a God who is already near. Together, they explore how to pray when you’re spiritually tired, how to discern whether you’re hearing God or just your own thoughts, and why asking for “daily bread” might be the most grounding prayer you can pray. If you’ve been wrestling with big unanswered prayers or quiet doubts, this episode gently reminds you that Jesus already came close to you — and He is not waiting for you to have it all together before you come to Him. You’ll learn: Why prayer is meant to be a conversation — not a performance. How praying Scripture helps you align your heart with God’s will. A simple daily prayer Lysa prays before her feet hit the floor. How to discern whether a thought is consistent with God’s Word and His ways. Resources From This Episode: Click here to download a transcript of this episode Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31 Want More on This Topic? If you’re wrestling with what you’re walking through, listen to this episode: “When God Doesn’t Remove the Hard Thing — But Meets You in It.”
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February 17 · 31 min
“Taming Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind” With Max Lucado
Our thoughts are busy places — full of worries, assumptions, memories, and what-ifs that can quietly shape how we live and respond to the world around us. And while no one has a perfectly manicured mind, Scripture reminds us that we don’t have to be ruled by every thought that shows up. In today’s episode, our friend Max Lucado joins us to share a hopeful, practical message about renewing your mind and learning to take your thoughts captive. Drawing from Romans 12 and other powerful passages, Max walks us through three simple but life-changing tools to help us identify toxic thought patterns, uproot lies, and replace them with God’s Truth. You’ll learn: How to recognize patterns and start interrupting the destructive cycles in your life before they take hold. Tools to help you renew your mind and walk into lasting transformation. Ways you can uproot the underlying negative beliefs behind your emotions and develop ways to replant truth in their place. You don’t have to accept every thought you have. Partner With Us: If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by anxious thoughts, stuck in negative self-talk, or frustrated by emotional overreactions, this conversation will give you language, clarity, and next steps for moving forward with greater peace and freedom. That’s why we created a free downloadable resource called “I’ll Go First.”It is a simple, guided conversation tool designed to help you open honest, meaningful dialogue about what’s really going on beneath the surface. Whether you’re wrestling with your own thoughts or walking alongside someone who is, this resource gives you practical questions and biblical encouragement to begin the journey toward healthier thinking together. Resources From This Episode: Continue doing deep work by also listening to “Tools to Fight Anxiety and Better Your Mental Health” with Rebecca Maxwell, available on the Therapy & Theology podcast and on YouTube. If you’re looking for a practical next step to help quiet anxious thoughts, check out Tame Your Thoughts by Max Lucado. Each time you support Proverbs 31 Ministries, your gift helps empower women and transform entire communities with God’s Word. Send this episode to a friend who needs encouragement and God’s Truth today. Subscribe to The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast to never miss an episode of hope-filled stories as we unpack the Truth and learn to live it out together. Click here to download a transcript of this episode
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February 3 · 30 min
“When God Doesn’t Remove the Hard Thing — But Meets You in It” With Sarah Freymuth, Meredith Brock, and Kaley Olson
If you hoped this year would feel lighter by now — but you’re still in the same hard place — this episode is for you. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Sarah Freymuth to explore what God may be doing when the struggle doesn’t lift. Through Scripture and personal experience, Sarah reminds us that unanswered prayers aren’t signs of God’s absence — they can be invitations to deeper trust. If you’ve been asking “Why me?,” this episode gently invites you to shift the question to “What now, God?” and discover how God meets us in the valley. You’ll learn: Why God doesn’t always remove the hard thing — and what He may be doing instead. How pain can reveal where we’ve placed our dependence. The heart-shifting difference between asking “Why me?” and “What now?” to God. How Scripture can become a lifeline when faith feels exhausted. What it looks like to experience God’s presence even when circumstances don’t change. Resources From This Episode: All the Hard Things: by Sarah Freymuth Walking through a season that feels heavy and unending? This 50-day devotional offers scripture, honest reflection, and gentle encouragement to help you keep going — one faithful step at a time — when the valley feels long. Therapy & Theology Podcast If today’s conversation stirred up deeper emotions or questions, this podcast can help. Hosted by Lysa TerKeurst, licensed counselor Jim Cress, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle, Therapy & Theology helps you work through what you’re walking through with biblical Truth and therapeutic insight. Click here to download a transcript of this episode Want More on This Topic? Listen to a deep dive on trusting God in hard situations in this episode of the Therapy & Theology podcast: “How Can I Trust God When I Don’t Understand What He Allows?”
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