The Next Faith-Filled Step

What does it look like when God reaches into deep brokenness and completely rewrites a life? This week, Sunny Cain sits down with Stephen McWhirter—worship leader, songwriter of Come Jesus Come, and author of Radically Restored. Stephen shares his journey from growing up in a home marked by abuse and religious hypocrisy… to years of addiction and running from God… to a radical encounter with Jesus that changed everything. In this conversation, we talk about: Praying for prodigals—and not losing hope When pain and hypocrisy make trusting God difficult The weight of unforgiveness—and why it can feel justified What it really means to forgive when it feels impossible How God’s grace meets us in places we cannot fix on our own This is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God’s reach—and that the same grace that rescues us is the grace that enables us to forgive. Featured Book: Radically Restored-How Knowing Jesus Heals our Brokenness  Connect with Stephen McWhirter Website Instagram Facebook Youtube For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio

What happens when life doesn’t go the way you thought it would?When the prayers don’t get answered the way you hoped… and you find yourself asking, “Is God still good, even when my life is falling apart?”  This week, Sunny sits down with Bart Millard—lead singer of MercyMe and co-author of Even If—for an honest conversation about holding on to faith in the middle of disappointment, suffering, and unmet expectations. Bart shares about a season where life was flourishing—until everything shifted. From success and stability into an unexpected valley, he opens up about wrestling with control, identity, and the belief that he was responsible for everything going wrong. Together, we explore: Trusting God when life moves from “green pastures” to the valley Letting go of the pressure to hold everything together The weight of unmet expectations and unanswered prayers Learning to rest in God’s grace instead of striving for approval What it means to say “God is still good”… even if circumstances don’t change Bart also shares the story behind the powerful song Even If, and what it cost him to sing those words honestly. If you’re walking through a hard season…If you’re holding prayers that haven’t been answered…If you’re trying to trust God in the middle of uncertainty—this conversation is for you. Featured Book: Even If; Trusting God Through the Fire & Movie: I Can Only Imagine 2 Connect with Bart Millard Website Instagram Facebook For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio

On this episode of The Next Faith-Filled Step, Sunny Cain sits down with author and speaker Ann White to talk about what it really looks like to walk in courage-not in theory, but in real life. So often, we carry struggles quietly—hiding shame, fear, insecurity, or pain—trying to manage it on our own. But what happens when what we’re carrying starts to feel too heavy to hold? What happens when hiding is no longer working? Ann shares her personal story of moving from a life of hidden struggles and emotional baggage into a place of healing and freedom. Through her journey, she reveals how courage begins with bringing what’s hidden into the light—first before God, and often with a trusted person. In this conversation, we talk about: Healing from emotional pain, shame, and insecurity The courage it takes to be honest about what we’re carrying The power of confession and bringing struggles into the light Ann’s “Seven Steps to Courage” and how to begin walking them out This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or tired of trying to hold it all together alone. There is freedom on the other side of courage—and it often begins with one honest step. Featured Book: Courage For Life Connect with Ann White Website Instagram Facebook Youtube For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio

Have you ever looked up and realized somewhere along the way, you are not as connected to God as you once were? Not because you stopped loving Him. Not because you stopped believing. But because life became busy, heavy, painful, or exhausting—and before you knew it, you did not know how to find your way back. Sunny Cain talks with Tara Beth Leach about the difficult wilderness season that left her weary and disconnected from God. In the middle of that season, the Holy Spirit invited her to rise. Out of that invitation came what Tara calls The Great Morning Revolution—a simple, life-giving practice of beginning each day with God. In this episode: What to do when you feel disconnected from God Why we often overlook the simple things we need most Creating a meaningful morning routine with God How spending time with God can change the direction of your day Finding your way back to intimacy with Jesus Sometimes the simplest things are the most life-giving. This conversation is an invitation to begin again. Featured Book:The Great Morning Revolution For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio Connect with Tara Beth Website Instagram

Courtney Pray Duke joins us to share her story of devastating loss, deep grief, and the restoring power of Jesus. After the sudden death of her husband, Courtney found herself navigating unimaginable heartbreak while raising three young children. In this conversation, she shares what it looked like to wrestle with God in the dark, to hold on through the “in-between,” and to slowly begin to get up again. We talk about: grief and faith after loss “declarations in the dark” the story of Jairus’ daughter and why it mattered so deeply how Jesus meets us in broken places finding hope, purpose, and even new beginnings after pain This is not just a conversation about surviving loss. It is about resurrection in everyday life—the truth that Jesus still brings life where things feel hopeless. If you are in a season of grief, waiting, or wondering whether you will ever feel whole again, this episode offers hope: your story is not over. Featured Book: And She Got Up: Shattered by Loss, Restored by Jesus For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio

Pastor Chad Roberts joins us to share his story of suddenly losing his sight in 2018 while serving in ministry. In this conversation, Chad opens up about what it was like when life went dark, the questions he wrestled with, and how suffering challenged—and ultimately deepened—his understanding of God. Together we talk about: trusting God when life feels unfair unanswered prayers and waiting what worry reveals about our hearts how to keep your faith alive in the middle of suffering why delays are not the same thing as denial Chad also shares practical wisdom for anyone walking through a storm, and for those who want to love someone who is suffering well. If you are struggling to understand where God is in your pain, this episode is a reminder that even in the darkness, God is still present. Featured Book: Blind Faith: Seeing God Through Darkness For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio Connect with Chad Website

We say we trust God, but often live like everything depends on us. In this episode, we explore the gap between what we say we believe and how we actually live. Using the story of the man with the withered hand, we talk about what it means to move from lip-service trust to lived trust. Jesus asked the man to do what seemed impossible: “Stretch out your hand.” His response was not shaped by fear, disappointment, or his condition—it was shaped by trust. We also look at the ways we protect ourselves: control comfort reputation self-sufficiency And how those things can keep us from fully following Jesus. If there is a “withered hand” in your life—a place of fear, shame, uncertainty, or obedience you’ve been holding back—this episode is an invitation to put your whole self in and trust God with it. Key Verse: Matthew 12 / Mark 3 Takeaway: Trust in God was never meant to stay on our lips. At some point, trust moves into our lives. For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play AppleOr stream from Pilgrim Radio

What would change if you lived from your calling instead of striving to prove yourself? Sunny Cain talks with Karrie Garcia about identity, purpose, and learning to live from the calling God has placed on your life. This conversation reminds us that purpose is not something we earn—it is something we learn to live from. In this episode: Discovering your God-given calling Living from identity instead of striving Overcoming fear and insecurity Walking in obedience to God’s leading Finding the courage to take your next step If you have ever felt stuck, uncertain, or unsure of your purpose, this conversation will help you move forward. Featured Book- Free & Fully Alive  For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio Connect with Karrie Garcia Freedom Movement Website– Find More About Freedom Academy & Coaching Resources Instagram The Honest Pod

Healthy relationships do not happen by accident. Sunny Cain and Tammy Claughton talk about how to have better conversations, communicate with greater wisdom, and build healthier relationships. Whether you are navigating conflict, longing for deeper connection, or simply wanting to communicate more clearly, this episode offers practical help. Topics include: How to improve communication in relationships Listening well and responding with grace Navigating difficult conversations Building healthier, more life-giving relationships Why communication matters in every area of life If you want healthier relationships and better conversations, this episode is filled with practical wisdom. For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio Connect with Tammy Website The Porch Movement Instagram Podcast

What does it look like to live as a pilgrim on the journey—not just in theory, but in the everyday choices that shape our lives? Sunny Cain talks with Rich Villodas about honoring God with what we have—and all that we are. When we hear that phrase, it is easy to think only about money. But honoring God with what we have means so much more. It means asking what the way of Jesus has to say about our anger, anxiety, words, desires, relationships, judgments, witness, and yes—even our finances. Drawing from his book, The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Soul, Rich explores Jesus’ invitation in the Sermon on the Mount to live differently in a world chasing success, performance, influence, and being right. In this episode: The difference between the broad path and the narrow path Why the way of Jesus can feel upside down The difference between the “good life” and the “blessed life” What it means to be a peacemaker, not just a peacekeeper How our view of God shapes our anxiety Why hiddenness and slowing down matter in the Christian life How to honor God in the ordinary, everyday places of life The narrow path is not about having more. It is about walking faithfully with what you already have Featured Book: The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Soul, For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio Connect with Rich Villalodos Instagram Website

What does it look like to care for your body in a way that honors God? Sunny Cain sits down with Lisa Whittle to talk about her book Body & Soul and the connection between our physical health and spiritual life. Rather than focusing on appearance or striving, this conversation invites listeners to see their bodies as gifts from God and to approach health with grace, wisdom, and stewardship. In this episode: Caring for your body without shame or striving Understanding the connection between body and soul Honoring God through healthy choices Breaking free from unhealthy patterns and guilt Living with greater wholeness and freedom If you have struggled with your relationship with your body, this conversation will encourage you to see yourself through God’s eyes. **This program originally aired on Pilgrim Radio’s HIs People Podcast. Featured Book: Body & Soul For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio Connect with Lisa Whittle Website Instagram

Brad and Heidi Mitchell share the powerful story of how adultery nearly destroyed their marriage—and how God met them in the middle of the brokenness. Through prayer, honesty, repentance, and growing intimacy with God, they began to rebuild what seemed impossible. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, we talk about: The pain and devastation of betrayal in marriage How prayer became the foundation of healing Learning to trust God in the middle of brokenness Rebuilding intimacy and connection Why no marriage is beyond God’s reach If your marriage is struggling, or if you know someone walking through a difficult season, this conversation offers hope that God can bring healing and restoration. Featured Book: Build Your Marriage with Prayer For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio Connect with Brad & Heidi Mitchell Website- Marriage Resources Instagram

Prayer was never meant to be a performance. It is an invitation into relationship. Sunny Cain talks with Becki Tirabassi about what it looks like to develop a vibrant, authentic prayer life. Becki has been helping people develop a habit of an hour a day in prayer for over 40 years.  Whether prayer feels natural to you or difficult, this conversation will help you understand that God is inviting you not just to speak to Him, but to walk with Him. In this episode: Prayer as relationship rather than performance Listening for God’s voice and responding to Him Practical ways to build a consistent prayer life How to pray Scripture Allowing prayer to shape your everyday life If you long for deeper intimacy with God and a richer prayer life, this episode offers practical encouragement and hope. For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio Connect with Becki Tirabassi Website Instagram Buy the Daily Bible mentioned in this episode

Sometimes the strength to keep going is not found in trying harder. Sometimes it begins by letting go. Sunny Cain is joined by Alexandra Hoover for a conversation about releasing offense, healing from hurt, and moving forward with freedom. Based on Alexandra’s book You Can Let Go, this episode explores how bitterness and unresolved pain can quietly weigh us down and keep us from fully stepping into what God has next. Together, we discuss: Why offense can keep us spiritually stuck How to release bitterness and walk in freedom What it means to trust God with your pain Why letting go is essential to forward movement How God brings healing to wounded places If you are carrying hurt, disappointment, or offense, this conversation offers hope and practical encouragement for taking your next step. Featured Book- You Can Let Go For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio Connect with Alexandra Hoover Instagram Website

Have you ever stopped to think about what has your heart? Not just the big decisions, but the small, everyday leanings—toward worry, ambition, comfort, distraction… or toward God. In this episode of The Next Faith-Filled Step, Sunny Cain sits down with Jen Wilkin for a conversation about wisdom, the heart, and the ways we are formed over time. Too often we rely on willpower, striving, and self-discipline to change our lives. And there is a place for this. But Scripture points us to something deeper. Proverbs reminds us that wisdom is not simply about trying harder—it is about allowing God to shape our hearts from the inside out. Jen Wilkin recently co-authored The Way of Wisdom, a study through Proverbs that explores how wisdom calls to us, how folly competes for our attention, and how what has our heart ultimately shapes the direction of our lives. In this conversation, we talk about: Why what has your heart shapes your life The difference between wisdom and willpower Why Scripture focuses on heart transformation, not just behavior change How Proverbs uses the imagery of paths and walking to describe the Christian life The battle between wisdom and folly for our attention and affection How to recognize when something other than God has quietly captured our hearts What it looks like to trust God instead of leaning on our own understanding Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This episode is an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and ask what is truly shaping your life. If you have ever felt caught between striving and surrender, or if you long to grow in biblical wisdom and walk more closely with God, this conversation will encourage you to take your next faith-filled step. Featured Book: The Way of Wisdom For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio Connect with Jen Wilkin Instagram Website

In this deeply personal episode, Sunny Cain shares part of her testimony of growing up in a cult and enduring abuse. Through honest conversation, Sunny talks about the long journey of healing, the lies that can take root in our minds, and the invitation God gives us to renew our thoughts and steward our minds well. This episode is for anyone who has walked through trauma, painful experiences, or seasons where fear, shame, and unhealthy thought patterns have felt overwhelming. Topics include: Sunny Cain’s testimony of surviving abuse and cult life The impact of trauma on the mind Renewing your mind through God’s truth Learning to identify lies and replace them with truth Taking small, faith-filled steps toward healing No matter what you have walked through, there is hope. God is able to meet us in our deepest places of pain and lead us toward freedom. For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio

What does it look like to faithfully steward the one life God has given you? Sunny Cain sits down with Annie Weber, author of Astounding Truths of the Bible, for a conversation about learning to be faithful, even when you don’t initially see the fruit. In a culture that often celebrates outcomes, this episode reminds us that God is deeply concerned with our faithfulness in the small things. We talk about what it means to live with intention, trust God in the waiting, and faithfully walk out the life He has placed before us. In this episode: Why faithfulness matters more than quick results Learning to steward your life with purpose Trusting God when you cannot yet see the outcome Walking in obedience during ordinary seasons Finding encouragement to keep going If you have ever wondered whether your faithfulness matters, this conversation will remind you that God sees every step. Featured Book: Astounding Truths of the Bible For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio Connect with Annie Weber Instagram Website

Description/Show Notes:  As we begin a new year, many of us are tempted to make resolutions rooted in willpower, striving, and self-effort. But what if there is a different way forward? In this episode of The Next Faith-Filled Step, Sunny Cain invites listeners to step into the new year by choosing revelation over resolutions. Rather than relying on our own strength, we are called to respond to what God is revealing through His Word. Together, we talk about: Choosing wisdom over willpower Responding to God’s leading instead of self-reliance Taking small, faithful steps of obedience Moving forward even when we do not feel ready Learning to trust God one day, one moment, one decision at a time If you are looking for Christian encouragement for the new year, biblical wisdom for moving forward, or a fresh way to begin again, this conversation will strengthen your journey. For more great Faith-Filled, Gospel Centered Content- Download the Pilgrim Radio App today  Google Play Apple Or stream from Pilgrim Radio