February 3, 2025 • 15 mins
Chapters:
01:13 - The seasons of life
03:02 - Will’s Divorce: learning through the pain
07:42 - Clear the distractions from your life, or they will be cleared for you.
11:13 - Bearing spiritual fruit
13:20 - Trust in God, no matter the season.
To read along with me, you can find the essay here.
In this episode of Blasphemer’s Redemption, we explore the ever-changing seasons of life through the lens of faith. Just as nature cycles through spring, summer, fall, and winter, our spiritual journeys ebb and flow. Sometimes, these seasons are bursting with renewal, other times marked by dormancy and waiting. Through biblical reflection and personal insight, we’ll navigate how to trust God in every season, whether in abundance or trials.
Join us as we uncover the wisdom of Scripture and the steadfastness of Christ, who remains our anchor through every change. If you’ve ever wrestled with spiritual dry spells or wondered how to embrace God’s timing, this episode is for you.
Read all of my essays at RedeemedBlasphemy.substack.com.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hey there, welcome to my podcast.
(00:12):
Blasphemer's Redemption is a free, sub-stack publication, and my essays explore Scripture,
my personal faith journey, and the tensions that shape our walk with Christ.
I'm Will, and this podcast is where I bring my essays to life, narrating one essay each
week.
Writing has always been my way of processing what I'm learning, of organizing the thoughts
(00:36):
that stir within me.
My hope is that these words challenge, encourage, and edify you as you navigate your own faith
journey, as they have me while writing them.
In this episode, I'll be narrating my essay, titled, Between Seasons, Seeking God Amid
Divorce.
(00:58):
If you'd like to read along with me, or explore more of my writing, you can find everything
at redeemed.blasphemy.substack.com.
The human existence unfolds in a series of divinely orchestrated seasons, each of them
(01:19):
imbued with significance and spiritual purpose.
Some of these periods bring abundance and flourishing, while others confront the believer
with trials that test the depth of our faith.
The preacher of Ecclesiastes articulates the cycles of this reality with profound insight
(01:39):
in the third chapter.
For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven, a time to be
born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, a time
to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up.
(02:02):
Verses 1-3.
This passage underscores the universal truth that every season, whether joyful or sorrowful,
falls under the sovereign governance of God.
The apostle Paul echoes this doctrine in his letter to the Romans, where he writes,
We know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called
(02:29):
according to his purpose.
Romans 8 verse 28.
Yet, amid suffering, these assurances can feel distant, even abstract.
The intersection of divine sovereignty and the human suffering presents a challenge for
the believer that is not always easily reconciled.
(02:53):
I encountered this tension during one of the most painful seasons of my life, the end of
my marriage.
When I entered into marriage, I believed I had found the partner whom God had ordained
for me.
Initially, I approached marriage with gratitude, recognizing it as a divine blessing despite
(03:15):
my past seasons of rebellion.
However, over time, I began to replace my devotion to God with an over-reliance on my
spouse.
My gratitude gave way to complacency, and I neglected the fundamental truth that all
good gifts originate from him.
(03:37):
Even my participation in corporate worship became superficial.
I was physically present, but spiritually disengaged.
I would allow myself to stay up all Saturday night, which would result in me dozing during
the Sunday sermon.
This spiritual misalignment fostered an unhealthy emotional dependence on my wife, burdening
(04:02):
her with expectations she was never meant to fulfill.
My estrangement from God, coupled with this misplaced dependency, strained our relationship.
Seeking solace, I turned to secular interventions—psychiatrists, medications, and therapy—while continuing
(04:23):
to neglect the one who alone offers perfect peace.
While I do support and encourage Christians accessing mental health care services, we
must do so in lockstep with God.
When my marriage ultimately unraveled, I felt abandoned, questioning how a union I believed
(04:45):
to be divinely ordained could dissolve so completely.
Though many of my questions remain unresolved, I am learning to embrace peace even in the
absence of understanding.
I also acknowledge that a lot of it is due to my own actions and inability to focus and
seek God.
(05:07):
In retrospect, I recognize that while God did not orchestrate my suffering, He did use
it as a means for sanctification for His purposes.
My idolatrous reliance on my spouse exposed the fragility of a faith not deeply rooted
in God.
(05:27):
Jesus' parable of the sower poignantly illustrates this spiritual reality.
As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the Word and immediately
receives it with joy, yet has no root in himself.
He endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the Word,
(05:52):
immediately he falls away.
Matthew 13, verse 20-21.
This lesson, though painful, has become foundational to my faith.
True spiritual stability is found only in God.
Now, I strive to cultivate a faith deeply anchored in Scripture and nourished through
(06:18):
prayer.
Though I remain aware of my human frailty, I have discovered an unshakable peace grounded
not in circumstance, but in the immutable character of God.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
(06:38):
Psalm 34, verse 18.
Suffering when interpreted through the Christian lens serves as a refining agent, shaping believers
into the image of Christ.
While affliction may initially appear senseless, it frequently functions as an instrument of
(07:00):
spiritual formation.
Throughout redemptive history, God has used our trials for our benefit, when we are willing
and obedient to surrender.
If we respond obediently, these trials deepen our dependence on Him, purifying us, which
(07:21):
prepares us for greater service.
As we navigate the shifting seasons of life, may we remain steadfast in the knowledge that
God's sovereign hand is always at work, orchestrating all things for His glory and
our ultimate good.
(07:43):
But be warned, periods of busyness, while often productive, can also serve as a distraction
from spiritual growth.
Though not inherently detrimental, the demands of vocation, relationships, and personal ambitions
can stifle our faith if they become all-consuming as my marriage did.
(08:08):
Jesus warns of this danger in the parable.
As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares
of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
Matthew 13 verse 22.
(08:33):
Intentionality becomes paramount during such seasons, establishing structured times for
prayer and biblical meditation allows believers to reorient their priorities around God's
eternal purposes.
Even small disciplines, such as beginning and ending the day in prayer, or meditating
(08:55):
on a single verse throughout the day, these disciplines foster spiritual vitality amidst
external pressures.
Job's discourse reminds us of the futility of departing from God.
He is wise in heart and mighty in strength.
Who has hardened himself against God and succeeded?
(09:19):
Job 9 verse 4.
Similarly, Jesus affirms the necessity of prioritizing God above all else.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be
added to you.
Matthew 6.33.
(09:41):
Jesus is telling us to seek God first and then the blessings of the Lord will be added
to us.
To neglect our spiritual disciplines in favor of worldly pursuits is akin to a child who
fails to appreciate his blessings until they are removed.
(10:03):
True spiritual maturity is demonstrated not only in seasons of comfort, but also in times
of trial.
Are we offering God praise amid life's scorching heat?
Or are we like the Israelites in the wilderness?
Are we longing to return to the very chains from which He has delivered us?
(10:27):
When we prioritize time with God, He meets us in our busyness with divine rest and renewal.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11 verse 28.
By fostering a routine of communion with God, even in the busiest of seasons, we find ourselves
(10:52):
strengthened and sustained by His grace.
Thus, each season, whether marked by suffering, growth, or harvesting, becomes an opportunity
for deeper spiritual formation and reliance on the sovereignty of God.
(11:13):
There are also seasons when God's presence and work in our lives become undeniably evident.
These are the times of spiritual fruitfulness, when faith matures and our lives reflect His
transformative power.
Jesus illustrates this again in the parable.
(11:33):
As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands
it.
He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another
thirty.
Matthew 13 verse 23.
But what does it mean to bear fruit?
(11:55):
Biblically, fruitfulness is not merely outward success or good works.
It is the tangible evidence of God's sanctifying work within us in the way that we carry ourselves
and deal with others.
While good works is a natural result, Paul defines this fruit in Galatians.
(12:17):
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
As I said, good works are a natural result of the Spirit's sanctifying work within us.
(12:40):
But what is the spirit in which we are conducting ourselves when we are performing these good
works?
Each of these attributes reflects the character of Christ, and these fruits ripen as we abide
in Him.
Seasons of growth are not times for complacency.
They are opportunities to press deeper into God's calling, using our maturity and gifts
(13:06):
to edify the body of Christ.
For additional scriptural references and insight concerning the fruits of the Spirit, you can
read the full essay published to my sub-stack.
No season of life is wasted in God's hands.
My divorce, though deeply painful, ultimately redirected my heart towards Him.
(13:32):
Whether we find ourselves in trial, transition, or flourishing, our objective remains the
same—to stay rooted in His Word and responsive to His Spirit.
Are you experiencing any trials that you can use to reorient your heart towards God, trusting
in His eternal plan?
(13:55):
Jesus offers this encouragement.
"'In the world ye will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world.'"—John
16.33
So I ask you, what is the condition of your spiritual soil?
Are distractions choking your faith, or are you cultivating faith that endures?
(14:21):
Every season, whether painful, mundane, or abundant, presents an opportunity to deepen
our trust in the One who remains steadfast through it all.
That concludes this episode of Blasphemer's Redemption.
(14:44):
Thank you for listening.
If you found this reflection meaningful, I invite you to explore more of my writing at
redeemedblasphemy.substack.com, where you can also subscribe for future essays.
May these words encourage you in your own journey of faith.
To God be the glory.
Hey there, welcome to my podcast.
(00:12):
Blasphemer's Redemption is a free, sub-stack publication, and my essays explore Scripture,
my personal faith journey, and the tensions that shape our walk with Christ.
I'm Will, and this podcast is where I bring my essays to life, narrating one essay each
week.
Writing has always been my way of processing what I'm learning, of organizing the thoughts
(00:36):
that stir within me.
My hope is that these words challenge, encourage, and edify you as you navigate your own faith
journey, as they have me while writing them.
In this episode, I'll be narrating my essay, titled, Between Seasons, Seeking God Amid
Divorce.
(00:58):
If you'd like to read along with me, or explore more of my writing, you can find everything
at redeemed.blasphemy.substack.com.
The human existence unfolds in a series of divinely orchestrated seasons, each of them
(01:19):
imbued with significance and spiritual purpose.
Some of these periods bring abundance and flourishing, while others confront the believer
with trials that test the depth of our faith.
The preacher of Ecclesiastes articulates the cycles of this reality with profound insight
(01:39):
in the third chapter.
For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven, a time to be
born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, a time
to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up.
(02:02):
Verses 1-3.
This passage underscores the universal truth that every season, whether joyful or sorrowful,
falls under the sovereign governance of God.
The apostle Paul echoes this doctrine in his letter to the Romans, where he writes,
We know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called
(02:29):
according to his purpose.
Romans 8 verse 28.
Yet, amid suffering, these assurances can feel distant, even abstract.
The intersection of divine sovereignty and the human suffering presents a challenge for
the believer that is not always easily reconciled.
(02:53):
I encountered this tension during one of the most painful seasons of my life, the end of
my marriage.
When I entered into marriage, I believed I had found the partner whom God had ordained
for me.
Initially, I approached marriage with gratitude, recognizing it as a divine blessing despite
(03:15):
my past seasons of rebellion.
However, over time, I began to replace my devotion to God with an over-reliance on my
spouse.
My gratitude gave way to complacency, and I neglected the fundamental truth that all
good gifts originate from him.
(03:37):
Even my participation in corporate worship became superficial.
I was physically present, but spiritually disengaged.
I would allow myself to stay up all Saturday night, which would result in me dozing during
the Sunday sermon.
This spiritual misalignment fostered an unhealthy emotional dependence on my wife, burdening
(04:02):
her with expectations she was never meant to fulfill.
My estrangement from God, coupled with this misplaced dependency, strained our relationship.
Seeking solace, I turned to secular interventions—psychiatrists, medications, and therapy—while continuing
(04:23):
to neglect the one who alone offers perfect peace.
While I do support and encourage Christians accessing mental health care services, we
must do so in lockstep with God.
When my marriage ultimately unraveled, I felt abandoned, questioning how a union I believed
(04:45):
to be divinely ordained could dissolve so completely.
Though many of my questions remain unresolved, I am learning to embrace peace even in the
absence of understanding.
I also acknowledge that a lot of it is due to my own actions and inability to focus and
seek God.
(05:07):
In retrospect, I recognize that while God did not orchestrate my suffering, He did use
it as a means for sanctification for His purposes.
My idolatrous reliance on my spouse exposed the fragility of a faith not deeply rooted
in God.
(05:27):
Jesus' parable of the sower poignantly illustrates this spiritual reality.
As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the Word and immediately
receives it with joy, yet has no root in himself.
He endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the Word,
(05:52):
immediately he falls away.
Matthew 13, verse 20-21.
This lesson, though painful, has become foundational to my faith.
True spiritual stability is found only in God.
Now, I strive to cultivate a faith deeply anchored in Scripture and nourished through
(06:18):
prayer.
Though I remain aware of my human frailty, I have discovered an unshakable peace grounded
not in circumstance, but in the immutable character of God.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
(06:38):
Psalm 34, verse 18.
Suffering when interpreted through the Christian lens serves as a refining agent, shaping believers
into the image of Christ.
While affliction may initially appear senseless, it frequently functions as an instrument of
(07:00):
spiritual formation.
Throughout redemptive history, God has used our trials for our benefit, when we are willing
and obedient to surrender.
If we respond obediently, these trials deepen our dependence on Him, purifying us, which
(07:21):
prepares us for greater service.
As we navigate the shifting seasons of life, may we remain steadfast in the knowledge that
God's sovereign hand is always at work, orchestrating all things for His glory and
our ultimate good.
(07:43):
But be warned, periods of busyness, while often productive, can also serve as a distraction
from spiritual growth.
Though not inherently detrimental, the demands of vocation, relationships, and personal ambitions
can stifle our faith if they become all-consuming as my marriage did.
(08:08):
Jesus warns of this danger in the parable.
As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares
of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
Matthew 13 verse 22.
(08:33):
Intentionality becomes paramount during such seasons, establishing structured times for
prayer and biblical meditation allows believers to reorient their priorities around God's
eternal purposes.
Even small disciplines, such as beginning and ending the day in prayer, or meditating
(08:55):
on a single verse throughout the day, these disciplines foster spiritual vitality amidst
external pressures.
Job's discourse reminds us of the futility of departing from God.
He is wise in heart and mighty in strength.
Who has hardened himself against God and succeeded?
(09:19):
Job 9 verse 4.
Similarly, Jesus affirms the necessity of prioritizing God above all else.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be
added to you.
Matthew 6.33.
(09:41):
Jesus is telling us to seek God first and then the blessings of the Lord will be added
to us.
To neglect our spiritual disciplines in favor of worldly pursuits is akin to a child who
fails to appreciate his blessings until they are removed.
(10:03):
True spiritual maturity is demonstrated not only in seasons of comfort, but also in times
of trial.
Are we offering God praise amid life's scorching heat?
Or are we like the Israelites in the wilderness?
Are we longing to return to the very chains from which He has delivered us?
(10:27):
When we prioritize time with God, He meets us in our busyness with divine rest and renewal.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11 verse 28.
By fostering a routine of communion with God, even in the busiest of seasons, we find ourselves
(10:52):
strengthened and sustained by His grace.
Thus, each season, whether marked by suffering, growth, or harvesting, becomes an opportunity
for deeper spiritual formation and reliance on the sovereignty of God.
(11:13):
There are also seasons when God's presence and work in our lives become undeniably evident.
These are the times of spiritual fruitfulness, when faith matures and our lives reflect His
transformative power.
Jesus illustrates this again in the parable.
(11:33):
As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands
it.
He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another
thirty.
Matthew 13 verse 23.
But what does it mean to bear fruit?
(11:55):
Biblically, fruitfulness is not merely outward success or good works.
It is the tangible evidence of God's sanctifying work within us in the way that we carry ourselves
and deal with others.
While good works is a natural result, Paul defines this fruit in Galatians.
(12:17):
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
As I said, good works are a natural result of the Spirit's sanctifying work within us.
(12:40):
But what is the spirit in which we are conducting ourselves when we are performing these good
works?
Each of these attributes reflects the character of Christ, and these fruits ripen as we abide
in Him.
Seasons of growth are not times for complacency.
They are opportunities to press deeper into God's calling, using our maturity and gifts
(13:06):
to edify the body of Christ.
For additional scriptural references and insight concerning the fruits of the Spirit, you can
read the full essay published to my sub-stack.
No season of life is wasted in God's hands.
My divorce, though deeply painful, ultimately redirected my heart towards Him.
(13:32):
Whether we find ourselves in trial, transition, or flourishing, our objective remains the
same—to stay rooted in His Word and responsive to His Spirit.
Are you experiencing any trials that you can use to reorient your heart towards God, trusting
in His eternal plan?
(13:55):
Jesus offers this encouragement.
"'In the world ye will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world.'"—John
16.33
So I ask you, what is the condition of your spiritual soil?
Are distractions choking your faith, or are you cultivating faith that endures?
(14:21):
Every season, whether painful, mundane, or abundant, presents an opportunity to deepen
our trust in the One who remains steadfast through it all.
That concludes this episode of Blasphemer's Redemption.
(14:44):
Thank you for listening.
If you found this reflection meaningful, I invite you to explore more of my writing at
redeemedblasphemy.substack.com, where you can also subscribe for future essays.
May these words encourage you in your own journey of faith.
To God be the glory.
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