The most valuable life lessons often emerge from our most difficult circumstances. While these experiences give us insight into our own lives, they also provide meaningful stories to share with others and point them towards God, who can ultimately give them comfort through their darkest moments. 

This week, we’ll hear from Jesse Hutch, a Canadian-born American film and television actor, who recalls how a near-death experience taught him the peace that comes from fully trusting in God’s control and the importance of using scripture and prayer to ground your beliefs. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Randy Frazee, author of The Story, which arranges the Bible chronologically so that readers can experience it as one, whole narrative. He shares how his journey through depression deepened his empathy and reliance on God, and how he now uses this experience to support others facing similar struggles.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Jeff Allen

Upcoming interview: Taraji P. Henson

Jesse Hutch

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

Randy Frazee

The Story

Philippians 1:3-6 NIV

www.randyfrazee.com

The Joy Challenge

Interview Quotes:

“It really is a miracle that I'm alive, and I owe all that to God.” - Jesse Hutch

“You still have an option. If you're still breathing, if you're still above ground, you have an option, and that option is to completely give it all over to God, because that honestly is the most peaceful place you can be.” - Jesse Hutch 

“I'm very interested in the human heart. I think God made it very unique and it's awesome and it's amazing and special. And so I can go play a character that I've never done in real life, and yet I can understand hurt and pain and sadness, joy, jealousy, and all these different emotions that we all go through at times, and you bring that to the table.” - Jesse Hutch 

“God has this beautiful way of never taking you back on the same trail you walked on. He always brings you back to Him in a new, fresh way.” - Jesse Hutch  

“I really am mindful to stop and to speak into the life of somebody, whether it's a kid or an adult, a person who is discouraged, because that speaking vision into them, what you see, could really change the outcome of their life.” - Randy Frazee 

“I think it's important for people to realize that the feelings of anxiety or depression are not sinful. These are emotions that God has given us to alert us and to allow us to go through seasons of difficulty.” - Randy Frazee 

“He is going to carry us along. He's going to encourage us. He's going to walk us through it. And He factors in our weakness in selecting us.” - Randy Frazee 

“God offers us in our relationship with Jesus, a joy that's despite our circumstances, despite other people, despite our past, and a level of joy that can actually defeat worry in our lives.” - Randy Frazee 

“God is writing a story. And you are a character in that story, He deeply loves you and He wants you to look up. And if you look up, He promises that everything is going to turn out just all right for you, it’s going to turn out great for you, and He wants to give you His joy.” - Randy Frazee

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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!

Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 

Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw 

Jesus Listens: Stori