45. Encountering God Changes You More Than Trying Harder

Have you ever tried to change by trying harder, only to end up feeling stuck, discouraged, or frustrated? In this episode, Josh and Corina talk about why true transformation does not come from striving, willpower, or simply gathering more information. Real heart-level transformation happens when we encounter God’s presence. As we behold Him, hear His voice, and make space for Him to speak, He changes us from the inside out. Josh shares a personal story from high school when God met him in an ordinary moment on a choir tour bus and spoke identity, calling, and direction into his life through Scripture. Corina also shares a powerful story of encountering God’s grace during a youth camp moment centered around forgiveness, and how that moment began a deep work of transformation in her heart. You’ll hear biblical examples of people like Moses and Paul, who were marked and transformed by encounters with God, and learn how you can make space to encounter Him in your own everyday life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why trying harder is not enough to produce lasting transformation How God’s presence changes us from the inside out Why encounters with God often impart identity, calling, and grace How Scripture can become a place of personal encounter Why expectation helps us recognize what God is doing How to ask God questions, listen, and write down what He says Why acting on what God speaks is key to transformation Josh and Corina also share practical action steps: Come expectant when you meet with God Give Him room to speak Ask questions and listen Write down what you sense He is saying Act on what He shows you This episode will help you: Stop relying on striving and self-effort Encounter God in everyday moments Hear God’s voice more clearly Receive fresh identity, calling, and grace Partner with God for real transformation Become more like Jesus as you behold Him Clarity Coaching with Josh & Corina Overcome Limiting Beliefs Facebook Group FREE 5-Steps To Overcome Limiting Beliefs PDF Transformed by Truth book 40 Days to Peace devotional Support our podcast Chapters (00:00:00) - Encountering God changes you(00:00:49) - Josh’s choir tour bus encounter(00:05:06) - Corina’s forgiveness encounter(00:09:38) - Biblical encounters that transform(00:13:12) - Beholding God makes us more like Him(00:16:38) - Why daily encounters matter(00:18:24) - Expect to encounter God(00:22:00) - Give Him space to speak(00:26:38) - Act on what He shows you(00:29:05) - Final prayer and blessing