#343: Can I Let Go of Striving and Relax in God? With Megan Fate Marshman

“Church hurt” has become such a common phrase that it trends on social media, makes headlines, and is even the subject of a few documentaries. Yet within the church, we often struggle to talk openly about it. Not because we don’t care, but because we don’t always know how. Well, if you’re one of the precious many who have been touched by church hurt, you’ll be encouraged by this honest and insightful conversation. Today’s guest, Pastor Joe Dobbins, brings compassion, wisdom, and practical advice to help you understand the nature of church hurt, begin the journey of healing, and find the courage to re-engage in a faith community. He also shares how we, as the body of Christ, can be part of the solution—without church bashing. The pain of church hurt is real, my friend, but so is the hope of healing—healing that can begin today! SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/349  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Calling all Bible study geeks—or anyone who’s ever been curious about the Bible! On this episode of the 4:13, Bible teacher Mikella Van Dyke joins us to break down common misconceptions and reservations so many of us have about studying Scripture. Spoiler Alert: You don’t need a seminary degree to understand the Bible—you just need an open heart! Mikella will teach you the Inductive Bible Study Method, which is a practical, empowering way to engage with Scripture. Plus, she’ll answer some common questions about Bible study, including what translations can be trusted, how prayer plays a role in studying Scripture, and what resources are available to help you along. So, if you’ve ever felt intimidated by Bible study, this episode will equip and encourage you. Open your heart … and let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/348 Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

In this very special BONUS episode, I’m taking you on a cozy visit to the College of the Ozarks where I got to sit down with author, speaker, and First Lady of the college, Laura Johnson.  In honor of the National Day of Prayer, we’re talking about all things prayer journaling—how it helps us stay faithful in prayer, recognize God’s work in our lives, and grow spiritually through even the most challenging seasons. Laura shares how prayer journaling has become such a powerful practice in her life and offers thoughtful encouragement for anyone who has ever felt stuck or discouraged in their own prayer life. With stories, laughter, and even the sweet scent of waffle cones in the air, this episode is both a gentle challenge and a heartfelt invitation to keep praying—no matter what season you're in. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/prayer  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

We live in a world that has become disciples of the internet. We’re addicted to distraction, consumed by endless notifications, and we idolize our instant access to a never-ending avalanche of information. But if all this connectivity is supposed to make life better, why are we more anxious, dissatisfied, and weary than ever? New York Times bestselling author and counselor John Eldredge joins me today to offer a way out of the digital overwhelm.  He introduces a path to experiencing real, deep communion with Jesus by making room for Him daily. Together, John and I will unpack why our souls are starved for intimacy with God, how to disconnect and break free from distraction, and simple practices to restore our childlike faith and wonder. Plus, be sure to listen to the very end because I’m sharing a beautiful song from Michael O’Brien that features a Scripture reading by Alistair Begg. It’s the perfect way to seal this life-giving message. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/347  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Can you truly trust again after betrayal? According to today’s guest, New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst, you can—but it takes wisdom, discernment, and healing.  In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the complexities of trust, exploring whether or not trust should be unconditional, what red flags to watch for within relationships, and how to avoid “living hurt” after you’ve been hurt. You’ll discover you can manage your skepticism and find a way forward. Plus, Lysa shares why she has an issue with the phrase “trust issues,” and she explains how you can still trust God even when He allows something you don’t understand.  So, if you’ve ever been let down, betrayed, or found yourself questioning who—or what—you can trust, listen in! This conversation will give you clarity, encouragement, and practical steps toward healing.  SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/346  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

On this episode of the 4:13, we’re diving into the joy-filled adventure of chasing whimsy—a path to discovering the uplifting, inspiring, and unexpected possibilities that await you every single day. With his signature storytelling and winsome take on life, bestselling author Bob Goff reveals how whimsy isn’t just about enthusiasm—it’s a deeply purposeful way of living. It’s where intentionality meets curiosity, where interruptions become invitations, and where delight flips the script on your bad days. You’ll learn how to embrace spontaneity with anticipation and wonder, use humor as a tool to broaden your perspective, and see life’s mundane moments as onramps to meaningful experiences.  So, if you’re ready to wake up to the marvelous adventure that is your life, hit play, and let’s chase some whimsy together! SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/345 Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

For centuries, people have been searching for the good life. And more than that, they’re trying to live their highest good. But what does that look like? And is it even possible when life isn’t always good? Well today’s guest, Mary Wiley, explains that God alone is our highest good, and anything we consider to be good in this world is simply an outflow of Him. So, living your highest good can only come from spending time in the presence of God. Mary shares how an intimate, ongoing relationship with God can shape how you see and experience your highest good, even when things aren’t so good. Plus, she’ll give you three very practical ways to live your highest good every single day. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/344  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

We often try to do a lot for God, and we often try to do it all … without Him. Wouldn’t you love to let go of spiritual performance and reject the cultural expectation to live under pressure? Oh, my friend, me too!  So today, Bible teacher Megan Marshman explores what it means to set aside our addiction to trying to figure everything out and relish a slower, compelling, powerful, and relaxed life with God. Instead of striving and trying to be like Him without Him, she’ll help you relax, release your self-reliance, and rest in your Heavenly Father who has already done it all. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/343  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

During times of transition—a move, a divorce, or a new season of life—the changes we face can really rattle us and shake us to our core. Sometimes it feels like we’re in the middle of a “lifequake,” and it can be scary.  Well, today’s guest, author Tracie Miles, will equip you to say goodbye to the way things once were so you can embrace God’s future for you … even if it isn’t the future you expected. She’ll help you see that when your life is falling apart, God is still in control, and this lifequake may be exactly what He has allowed to shape you and remake you. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/342  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Are you tired of being stuck in the same self-defeating cycle of sin? Well, my friend, you can be free! On this episode of the 4:13, author Kirby Kelly will give you a real-life battle plan to break the spiritual bondage of habitual sin. You’ll discover you are not alone in your struggle, and it’s not impossible to get unstuck. Kirby explains how through the power of Christ and His provision within the body of Christ, you can find grace, forgiveness, and deliverance from a cycle of defeat. This conversation is warm, honest, full of hope, and super practical, and if you’ve ever found your sin struggle stuck on repeat, then this conversation is for you! SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/341  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.