The Iron Parable Podcast

1 Samuel 16:7 "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

Some people sail through life. David Simmonds was not one of them. From a spinal injury on the football field at Texas Tech that doctors said had less than a 5% chance of recovery, to a ruptured colon and sepsis that nearly killed him — alone in a hospital for 29 days — to a divorce and betrayal that would have broken most men, David has walked through storms that don't make sense. And yet through every single one, his faith never wavered. In this episode of Iron Parable, David shares his story of resilience, radical trust, and what it looks like to keep saying yes to God when life keeps saying no. He also shares how a backyard conversation with nine Jews, eight Muslims, and seven atheists turned into one of the most powerful ministry moments of his life — and why he believes God was preparing him for it through every hard thing he ever endured. If you've ever felt like you've been dealt an unfair hand, this conversation will remind you that God doesn't waste a single trial.   If you want to connect with SEARCH Ministries: https://searchnational.org/fort-worth    

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding."  

Eighteen years of drugs and alcohol. Lost opportunities. Destroyed relationships. Incarceration. Homelessness. Suicidal moments that brough him to the very edge. By every measure, Skylar Bell's story should have ended in tragedy, and he knew it -- because toward the end he came to the grim realizaion that he was probably going to spend the rest of his life in prison.  But God had other plans for him.  Today Skylar works as an electrician and serves in a ministry specifically built to reach the people nobody else knows how to reach-those who hate the way their living and who don't see a why out. Because if God can save Sklylar Bell, he know without a doubt that God can save anyone.

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

What do you do when your life is built on darkness? When depression, addiction, sexual immorality, and even the occult have become your identity? For Nick Honeywell, that was his reality - until a moment of crisis became a divine appointment that changed everything. In this episode of the Iron Parable, Nick shares his raw and powerful testimony of being set free from drug addiction, sexual immorality, and witchcraft through a life-altering encounter with Jesus Christ. It was his wife's grace - and God's unmistakable voice - that led him to a place where he received deliverance and, for the first time, truly surrendered his life to Christ.  If you've ever felt like you're too far gone, too broken, or too deep in your sin to be reached--this episode is for you. Connect:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6eVFlj6G3Dt35g6xrKV4SJ?si=QOKR1GE1RiCjo4HFTl9uMw&nd=1&dlsi=39993bd342da4b52   https://www.audible.com/podcast/44-The-Uncommon-Life/B0FX1FD82Z?srsltid=AfmBOopySS4zuDPIGG8MlZIeC-G_eCeQEZeSBr1lCUJiPI68LrcWnWyA   https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7UFoXp-rMso   If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today. The Iron Parable Podcast Stay Encouraged. Stay Faithful. Stay Sharp. Because God is still writing your story, and every story can be an Iron Parable.

Luke 16:10 "One who is faithful with very little is also faithful with much."

After 45 years of pastoral and missionary ministry spanning four continents, retired Chaplain Earl Murdoch sits down to share the story behind the ministry — a journey that started with childhood faith and was refined through seasons of grief, loss, and profound loneliness. Earl opens up about the moment everything shifted: a word from the Holy Spirit spoken into his darkest hour, and the almost-immediate change it sparked in how he understood God. What emerged was a faith no longer built on performance — on doing enough to please the Father — but on implicit trust in His faithfulness.   "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22-23 Stay faithful. Stay encouraged. Stay sharp. And remember, God is still writing your story. And every story can be an Iron Parable.,

Ecclesiastes 3:11 "God makes everything beautiful in it's time."

In this powerful episode, Brandi Voth shares how a billboard in Melbourne, Australia sparked a calling she never expected. What began as a restless, prayerful season — waking at 3 AM, open hands, open heart — became a decade-long journey into the fight against human trafficking. From leading a 400-woman global skincare team to founding The Power Hat Company, Brandi walks us through what it truly looks like to move your feet and serve where you are. Brandi is the founder of The Power Hat Company, a business intentionally designed to create dignified, sustainable employment for survivors of trafficking. She is also connected with the Freedom Business Alliance, a global network of organizations creating jobs for survivors and addressing the vulnerability of poverty that fuels exploitation. Connect https://www.instagram.com/brandivoth https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandivoth https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandivoth Resources Mentioned A21 — Global anti-trafficking organization founded by Christine Caine: a21.org Freedom Business Alliance — Global network creating jobs for trafficking survivors: freedombusinessalliance.com Walk for Freedom — Annual global awareness walk hosted by A21   If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today. The Iron Parable Podcast Stay Encouraged. Stay Faithful. Stay Sharp. Because God is still writing your story, and every story can be an Iron Parable.  

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

In this inspiring episode, Amanda shares her journey form addiction, brokenness, and searching for acceptance to finding true freedom and healing in Jesus Christ.  Although she grew up in church, Amanda struggled for years with feelings of unworthiness and addiction.   After reaching a place of spiritual bankruptcy, she cried out to Jesus and began a life changing faith journey that transformed her heart and her future.  Amanda's story is a powerful reminder that God is a God of redemption. No matter your past, you are worthy of his love. Amanda's story is rooted in John 10:10.   If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today. The Iron Parable Podcast Stay Encouraged. Stay Faithful. Stay Sharp. Because God is still writing your story, and every story can be an Iron Parable.

In this episode, we sit down with Spud Alford as he share his journey through decathlon training, his battle with cancer, and the loss of his father.   Throughout his story, Spud reflects on how prayer became a steady source of strength and grounding during some of he most difficult times. He opens up about resilience, faith, discipline, and what it means to keep moving forward when life feels overwhelming.  This conversation explores not only physical endurance, but also spiritual endurance - how prayer and perseverance can carry someone through suffering and change. Connect https://www.amazon.com/God-You-Are-Real-Nightmare/dp/1494210193 https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/spurgeonalford/the-world-s-only-18-hole-finger-golf-course?ref=creator_2-346676 https://www.instagram.com/spurgeonalford/   If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today. The Iron Parable Podcast Stay Encouraged. Stay Faithful. Stay Sharp. Because God is still writing your story, and every story can be an Iron Parable.