Special Episode, Sermon from Christine Caine: Joy in the Impossible & Living Between the Advents

You were created to carry the presence of God into your world—right where you are, just as you are. In this special episode, host Christine Caine delivers a powerful Miracle Sunday message on saying “yes” to God’s assignment, overcoming fear, and stepping boldly into impossible things through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the story of Mary, Christine challenges listeners to embrace divine purpose, trust God beyond circumstances, and live with joy in a broken world. For more weekly sermons, subscribe to Christine’s Equip & Empower podcast. Find the details at ChristineCaine.com/Podcast SHOW NOTES: Living Between the Two Advents We remember Christ’s first coming while longing for His return. This is why believers can face suffering, injustice, and global brokenness with unshakeable hope. Favor Is For Service, Not Status Mary is called “highly favored”—but that favor would cost her reputation, relationships, and comfort. True favor is an invitation to participate in God’s plan, not a promise of ease. Overcoming Fear With “Even If” Faith Mary confronts the fear of the unknown, the fear of loss, and the fear of others’ opinions. Christine teaches the shift from “What if?” to “Even if.” Even if people misunderstand. Even if it costs something. Even if it stretches you beyond yourself. God is faithful. When the Calling Is Impossible on Purpose God doesn’t call us to difficult things—He calls us to impossible things that only He can fulfill. Whether like Mary (young and capable) or Elizabeth (older and barren), both required the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. Why We Need Each Other: Mary & Elizabeth Mary runs to Elizabeth, highlighting how young leaders need spiritual mothers and mature believers need the fire of the younger. Mary’s Song of Joy: Prophesying Your Future Instead of complaining about cost or difficulty, Mary breaks into prophetic praise—declaring generational blessing over her life. Christine challenges listeners to align their confession with God’s promise.

Your life isn’t meant to stagnate—it’s meant to overflow with purpose, conviction, and the life of Christ. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with author and spiritual formation leader Ann Voskamp for a deeply moving conversation about living “given,” guarding against spiritual drift, cultivating a heart of compassion, and staying anchored in Scripture in a distracted world. Ann shares her journey from global activism to deep soul formation—and why believers must reclaim intentional, Scripture-shaped living. If you’re hungry to grow in spiritual depth and purpose, this episode will stir your heart. SHOW NOTES: A Friendship Formed in the Unexpected Christine and Ann revisit their years at Wheaton, how two women from opposite ends of the world became spiritual sisters, and the shared passion for Jesus that bonded them instantly. Seeing the Marginalized Through God’s Eyes Ann reflects on her first global trip to Guatemala City, experiencing the heartbreak of injustice, and discovering that gratitude must overflow into activism. Christine and Ann recall their shared work with A21 and the Roma community in Bulgaria. The Call to Live “Given” A powerful discussion on becoming a conduit, not a reservoir—why gifts from God are meant to flow through us, not be hoarded. They explore how generosity keeps the soul alive and how withholding can slowly deaden the heart. Fighting Drift: One-Degree At a Time Ann unpacks the danger of slow spiritual drift and why intentionality, Scripture saturation, and Christ-centered community are essential. Christine shares how many leaders fall not by sudden rebellion but by subtle neglect. Formation for the Battle Ann describes her doctoral work in spiritual formation and soul care, reframing spiritual disciplines as “means of the Spirit,” not self-powered effort. They discuss how formation fuels mission—and why activists burn out without deep roots in Jesus. Urgency, Eternity, and the Abundant Life Now Christine and Ann discuss numbering our days, rejecting distraction culture, and embracing the abundant life Jesus offers today—not someday. Find Ann on Instagram at @annvoskamp

You were created for influence—not by grasping for power, but by walking in the authority God already placed inside you. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Anglican pastor and leader Rachel Hughes for a profound conversation on calling, spiritual warfare, women’s leadership, and learning to partner with the Holy Spirit in everyday life. Rachel shares her journey from BBC television to pastoring a thriving church, the unseen battle that keeps women small, and why embracing the supernatural is essential for spiritual formation. If you’re longing for clarity, courage, or fresh fire—this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: From TV Sets to Church Leadership Rachel shares her surprising journey from studying film, working at the BBC, and walking away from faith—to rediscovering Jesus, marrying into ministry, and discerning a call she never expected. Calling, Marriage, and Co-Leadership How Rachel and her husband Tim learned to lead side-by-side, honor one another’s gifts, and build a church rooted in authenticity, unity, and mutual calling. Leading in the Anglican Church in 2025 A candid look at liturgy, tradition, structure, and accountability—and how Gas Street Church embraces both spiritual depth and contemporary expression. The Battle for Women’s Voices Rachel speaks directly to the internal and spiritual barriers women face, why misogyny is a spiritual strategy of the enemy, and how Scripture dismantles limiting theology. Intercession, Wailing Women & Spiritual Awakening A deeper dive into Jeremiah’s “skillful wailing women,” the prophetic moment at Empower21, and why God is calling women to a new level of intercession and authority. Find Rachel on Instagram at @remhughes78

When life falls apart, can you still trust God to make things right? In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Lysa TerKeurst for an honest conversation about trusting God through heartbreak, betrayal, and unanswered questions. Lysa shares what she’s learned about walking through pain without becoming bitter, finding peace in the mystery of God’s goodness, and how difficulty and healing can coexist. If you’ve ever felt unseen or left behind in your pain, this conversation will help you find purpose again. SHOW NOTES: When You Feel Like Collateral Damage Lysa shares raw reflections on betrayal, loss, and moments when she wondered if God still cared. Her story reveals the difference between wanting vindication and choosing surrender. Faith in the Face of Mystery Lysa offers a profound look at trusting God’s goodness even when His ways don’t make sense—and how to stay grounded when prayers seem unanswered. Therapy, Theology, and Healing Lysa discusses integrating therapeutic wisdom and biblical truth, and how God uses both to renew our minds and restore our hearts. Raising a Faithful Family After Brokenness She shares how she prioritized becoming a healthy parent and rebuilding joy for her children and grandchildren after profound loss. From Pain to Purpose Christine and Lysa close by exploring how God can redeem even our hardest seasons—and why healing others often begins with being honest about our own wounds. Follow Lysa TerKeurst on Instagram at @LysaTerKeurst

You don’t have to be in ministry to live on mission. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Mimi Chan, a senior leader at Amazon and the co-founder of Christians at Amazon, to talk about what it means to carry your faith into the workplace with courage, integrity, and excellence. Mimi shares how she’s seen God move in the corporate world, how prayer sparked a global movement of faith groups across tech companies, and why your everyday work might be one of the most sacred assignments you’ll ever have. SHOW NOTES: The Sacred and the Secular Aren’t Separate Christine and Mimi unpack the false divide between ministry and the marketplace—and why every believer is called to be salt and light wherever they are. Faith at Work: The Story Behind Christians at Amazon Mimi shares how a small prayer group turned into a global network of 50 chapters uniting believers in some of the world’s largest companies. Work as Worship Learn why excellence, integrity, and love are some of the most powerful forms of witness—and how your daily work can glorify God. The Power of Mentorship From Aunt Margaret’s Friday night Bible studies to spiritual mentors at work, Mimi’s story shows how discipleship multiplies across generations. For Such a Time as This Christine and Mimi discuss how God is positioning women across every industry for a mighty harvest—and why unity and humility are essential for what’s next. Find Mimi Chan on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/mimicychan

Faith doesn’t need fame—it needs faithfulness. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Swedish pastor and author Lina Nielsen for an honest conversation about staying steadfast in a world that’s moved on from church. From leading in one of the most secular nations on earth to raising daughters who love Jesus, Lina shares how she’s kept her fire for God through changing seasons, cultural shifts, and challenges in leadership. You’ll be reminded that purpose isn’t built on popularity—it’s built on daily obedience. SHOW NOTES: Rooted for the Long Haul Christine and Lina reflect on 25 years of friendship and ministry—from early youth conferences to building a thriving church in Stockholm. They discuss how staying close to Jesus is the only way to stay the course. Leading in a Secular Culture In a nation where faith is often forgotten, Lina shares what it’s like to lead a church that’s relevant, relational, and reaching people who’ve never walked into a church before. Faithfulness Over Fame Both Christine and Lina talk about choosing obedience when no one’s watching, serving quietly, and resisting the pull toward performance-based ministry. Reaching a Generation Hungry for Meaning As Sweden’s next generation turns from success to significance, Lina describes how young people are rediscovering Jesus—and why authenticity and hope are transforming lives. Empowering Women and Raising Daughters Lina opens up about writing her book, “Secrets of a Sister” and helping young women find identity, confidence, and purpose in Christ—no matter what culture says. Find Lina Nielsen on Instagram, @LinaMNielsen

Sometimes God’s direction doesn’t make sense—until it does. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with pastor and church planter Katia Adams to talk about how obedience can lead to multiplication, even when it feels like loss. From Boston to Cape Town, Katia shares how God uprooted her plans, expanded her influence, and met her family’s every need along the way. This is a conversation for every leader learning to yield, trust, and follow God through transition and uncertainty.   SHOW NOTES: When God Changes the Plan Katia shares her unexpected journey of leaving Boston for Cape Town—not by choice, but by Divine redirection. What looked like a visa issue became an invitation to multiplication.   Faith Over Formula When God is silent, faith grows. Katia and Christine unpack how God sometimes withholds clarity to deepen trust, and how the “yielded yes” is the seed of every new beginning.   Provision in the Details From finances to tutors to schools, Katia reveals how God’s faithfulness met her family in every practical need, reminding us that when God authors the story, He funds the mission.   The Legacy of Revival Katia’s family history in Iran tells a miraculous story of revival—how her grandfather’s hunger for Scripture sparked a movement that continues to this day.   Spirit and Truth in Every City From Boston’s intellectual culture to Cape Town’s spiritual hunger, Katia describes why the Gospel needs both deep theology and the power of the Holy Spirit.   Leading Without Entitlement Katia and Christine discuss the tension between calling and career—why obedience will always look foolish to the world, and why faithfulness matters more than fame.   Follow Katia on Instagram at @_katiaadams

Joy isn’t the absence of pain—it’s the presence of God. In this episode, host Christine Caine talks with pastor and leader Michelle Mayorquin about walking through unimaginable loss while raising a family, leading a growing church, and choosing joy in the midst of it all. Michelle shares how God met her in grief, sustained her with supernatural joy, and used her daughter’s short life to ignite revival across nations. This powerful conversation will fill you with hope to keep going, no matter your season. SHOW NOTES: From Youth Group to Global Impact Michelle shares how she met Jesus as a teenager, married her youth pastor, and together planted La Roca Church—now spanning 12 campuses across multiple nations. The Miracle of Abriana’s Life Told her baby wouldn’t survive, Michelle chose faith over fear. Abriana lived 11 years—defying all medical predictions and becoming a vessel of joy to everyone she met. Joy as a Spiritual Strategy Michelle reveals how daily time in God’s presence anchored her in supernatural joy—and why joy is spiritual warfare against despair. Grieving With God, Not Without Him Michelle opens up about navigating grief as a wife, mother, and leader—how she and her family took a sabbatical to heal and found God’s grace in the quiet. Turning Pain Into Purpose Michelle explains how her loss gave birth to Aurora, a thriving women’s ministry, and how choosing “why not me” instead of “why me” reshaped her calling and voice. Follow Michelle on Instagram at @mbmayorquin

You are not disqualified. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with author, journalist and advocate Joyce Koo Dalrymple for a powerful conversation about redemption, calling, and discovering purpose on the other side of pain. Joyce shares her journey from feeling unqualified to becoming an adoptive mom, ministry leader, and voice of hope. If you’ve ever felt too disqualified or too wounded to be used by God, this episode will remind you: nothing is wasted when it’s surrendered to Him. SHOW NOTES: Finding Purpose in Pain Christine and Joyce talk about how the very places of deepest hurt can become the places God uses most powerfully for His purposes. The Power of Vulnerability Joyce explains why sharing our stories—especially the broken parts—can unlock healing for ourselves and hope for others. Surrender Over Striving Christine reflects on how striving for perfection can keep us stuck, while surrender opens the door to God’s calling and peace. From Abandonment to Belonging Joyce shares her early story of trauma, adoption, and searching for identity—and how God rewrote her story with belonging and love. Follow Joyce Koo Dalrymple on Instagram @joycekdalrymple

Leadership will stretch you—but it doesn’t have to break you. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with powerhouse author and leader Lisa Bevere for a raw and hope-filled conversation about resilience, identity, and longevity in leadership. Lisa opens up about decades of ministry – the highs, heartbreaks, and hard-won wisdom – that shaped her into a woman who still leads with fire and tenderness. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep showing up when you feel unseen or worn out, this episode will give you courage to stay the course and lead with your whole heart.  SHOW NOTES: Leading Through Longevity  Lisa shares how decades of saying “yes” to God through changing seasons has forged her character, deepened her faith, and built a legacy that lasts.   Boldness and Brokenness Can Coexist  Lisa and Christine talk about how courage doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine—and why vulnerability is essential for healthy leadership.   Battling Comparison and Insecurity  Lisa reveals how she overcame comparison in the early years of ministry and learned to fully embrace her unique voice and assignment.   Staying Tender While Staying Strong  They unpack how to stay soft toward people and sensitive to the Holy Spirit, even when leadership requires tough calls and deep sacrifice.   The Secret to Longevity in Leadership  Christine and Lisa reflect on how intimacy with Jesus—not platform, production, or pressure—is the only sustainable source of strength.   Follow Lisa Bevere on Instagram at @lisabevere Find her books and resources at lisabevere.com