Your Encouraging 5 Minute Podcast

Have you ever felt that bone-deep weariness that makes even the smallest things in life feel like mountains? 

That mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion that settles in like summer fog, leaving you not just tired but feeling hopeless?

First, know this: you're not weak, lazy, or broken – you're beautifully, perfectly human. 

And you're certainly not alone.

 This kind of tiredness doesn't always come w...

Have you ever found yourself wondering where God is when life feels unbearably difficult? 

We have to acknowle the reality that sometimes life hurts more than we think we can bear.

The truth is that God's goodness isn't dependent on our circumstances. 

When relationships end, doors close, or healing doesn't come as expected, it's natural to question whether God cares. 

This isn't about denying your pa...

Finding hope when we're facing unanswered prayers is one of our greatest spiritual challenges. 

God's no doesn't mean he's rejecting us.

God's silence doesn't mean he isn't listening or disappointed in us.

Ultimately, it can pave a path to deeper trust.

Let's talk about:

• Wrestling with feelings of abandonment when prayers seem unanswered

• Understanding that God's vision exten...

Letting go of our children as they embark on their own journeys might be one of life's most bittersweet transitions. 

Whether they're heading to college, moving into their first apartment, or joining the military, that moment of watching them step forward independently stirs a complex emotional mix of pride, grief, fear, and perhaps even a profound sense of loss.

Ache comes with change - especially the disorientin...

Have you ever felt like your life was falling apart and wondered where God was? 

There are moments when God's plan seems unclear or even nonexistent, but that isn't the truth.

There is a very real and practical hope for navigating life's most challenging times. 

God can transform our most painful circumstances into purpose. Your current struggles might be preparing you for something greater than you can imagine.

Have you ever felt God just can't or won't love you? 

Maybe it's because of something you've done, thoughts you can't shake, or simply because life feels heavy right now. 

Here's the revolutionary truth: Jesus still loves you, right where you are today.

Romans 8:38-39 has one of the Bible's most powerful promises: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demo...

Have you ever felt let down by God? 

You're not alone in those feelings.

Many of us unconsciously slip into viewing Jesus as a cosmic vending machine – insert prayer, receive desired outcome. 

But when life doesn't unfold according to our expectations, disappointment and doubt naturally follow. 

The truth is both challenging and liberating: Jesus never promised a trouble-free life. What He guaranteed us was His pres...

Take a deep breath and remember who God is—and who you are in Him. 

Our productivity-obsessed mindset keeps us running and trying to "earn" rest! rest!

But rest - real rest - isn't something we earn through hard work; it's a divine gift freely given.

As it says in Romans 8:11, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, bringing life and rest when we need it most - during our most vulnera...

Feeling weary, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted? 

You're not alone. 

Join us as we explore Jesus's powerful invitation from Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Now, let's be clear - this isn't just another pep talk about pushing through tough times. 

We dive into the radical nature of Christ's invitation—how He welcomes us exactly as...

Have you ever felt the weight of not being enough? That whisper in your soul suggesting God couldn't possibly love someone like you? If you're carrying those invisible burdens of shame and inadequacy.

Romans 5:8 reveals how God shows His love while we're still in our mess. The profound reality is that Jesus loves you right now—not as you wish you were or hope to become. 

This isn't about religious perfor...

The wounds left by people who claim to speak for God can be devastating. When Christians use hurtful words or judgment instead of love, it doesn't just create personal pain – it can distort your entire understanding of who Jesus truly is.

This episode tackles that raw, often unspoken experience head-on. We examine how Jesus himself actually treated people who were hurting, doubting, or living messy lives. Unlike many ...

Financial anxiety is real, but your security doesn't come from a paycheck.

God sees you in your financial struggles and hasn't forgotten you!

Jake's story of an unexpected job loss and facing mounting bills shares how God provided for him through unexpected means - a neighbor delivering groceries, repaid loans, and a surprising job opportunity.

Philippians 4:19 promises God will meet ALL your needs, and Jesus ...

Have you ever felt like you've forgotten what real joy feels like? When the cold seasons of life stretch on, it can leave your soul feeling like an endless winter!

The world constantly tells us that joy depends on circumstances—success, comfort, and everything going our way. But there’s a deeper truth: authentic joy isn't determined by what's happening around us but by who lives within us. Jesus promised, "I&apos...

Grief hits every single one of us. The overwhelming weight of loss, shattered dreams, or life's disappointments. In this intimate five-minute conversation, we explore how hope often intersects with our deepest sorrows.

What makes our faith unique in times of grief is that Jesus doesn't stand at a distance watching us squirm and struggle. 

Despite knowing He would soon perform a miracle, Jesus wept at the death of ...

Do you feel like you're drowning under the pressure to have it all? That relentless pursuit of society's definition of success – the thriving career, picture-perfect family, passionate marriage, all while maintaining a flawless appearance – can leave us feeling like we're failing at everything.

Sometimes what we feel to be our biggest failure – that moment when people discover we’re not perfect – can become the turnin...

Your world can shatter in an instant. Sarah knew this all too well when her father died unexpectedly, her marriage began falling apart, and she lost her job—all within a few months. Sitting in her car as rain poured down around her, she prayed through tears: "God, where are you? Do you even see me down here?"

What happened next wasn't a dramatic miracle with heavenly spotlights. Instead, an unexplainable pea...

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone.

We're here to remind you that everything is going to be okay.

Don't just take our word for it. We find that reassurance in the promises in God's word. 

God is working behind the scenes and He speaks to us in myriad ways. Whether it's through scripture, uplifting music, or words from friends, His presence can always be felt. 

We'll also encourage you to ...

Hugs play a profound part in reflecting God's love. 

A simple embrace can become a source of healing, comfort, and spiritual connection for both the giver and the receiver!

Hugs can help us understand the concept of God's love in our daily lives – and there’s some science about how hugs help us emotionally, and how hugs are a physical manifestation of support and encouragement for someone who needs it!

If this episode encour...

Feeling overwhelmed by the relentless demands of life? Eric & Heather want to remind you that you were never meant to carry it all alone. 

This episode is a heartfelt nudge toward finding peace in the chaos by letting go and trusting that God is at work!

Join us for a five-minute journey of encouragement and, inspired by the comforting words of Matthew 11:28, we explore the liberating act of laying down your burdens. 

St...