Podcast 🎙️Description
In this episode, we dive into the raw and transformative journey of faith, trust, and surrender. From grappling with the challenges of parenting through addiction to uncovering the hidden idols in her heart, Dawn shares how God called her into deeper obedience and trust. Through personal encounters, biblical study, and divine heart surgery, she learned to let go of control and embrace God’s sovereignty. This episode offers practical encouragement, biblical insights, and a reminder that no matter the trial, God has a plan for your life.
Author Bio:
Dawn Ward is a speaker, writer, and biblical life coach. She is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry offering support and encouragement to women with addicted loved ones. Dawn also equips women to live transformed lives through inspiring teaching, mentoring, and biblical resources. She is married to Steve and mom to three adult children. Her book, From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children, published September 2024, is now available.
In this episode, we dive deep into powerful aspects of faith, healing, and transformation that you won’t want to miss:
🌱Addiction & Idolatry: How even good intentions can turn into stumbling blocks.
🌱Discovering Lies & Uprooting Unbelief: How God exposes and dismantles the lies we believe about ourselves and others.
🌱God’s Grace in Our Weakness: Why Christ’s power is made perfect when we surrender.
🌱Spiritual Warfare: Practical ways to reclaim your home and stand firm in Christ’s authority.
🌱The Power of Labels: Replacing man-made labels with God’s truth about identity and worth.
🌱Intimacy with Christ: How trusting God transforms not only our trials but also our relationship with Him.
🌱Healing & Hope: Finding hope in God’s faithfulness when loved ones are struggling.
Detailed Podcast Outline:
I. Introduction
• A. Context:
• Struggles as a mother of a child battling addiction.
• Turning to God in desperation.
• B. Central Message:
• Moving from self-reliance to complete trust in God.
• Allowing God to address personal heart issues.
II. Early Struggles and Realizations
• A. The Initial Approach to Scripture:
• Using the Bible as a self-help tool rather than a means to know God.
• Transitioning from “What’s in it for me?” to “Who is God?”
• B. Desperation vs. Hunger:
• Losing spiritual hunger amidst trials.
• Desperation for answers replacing genuine desire for relationship.
III. God’s Call to Heart Surgery
• A. A Divine Directive:
• God’s personal call: “Let Me work on you.”
• Recognizing how outward focus on fixing others masked inward idolatry.
• B. Searching for Help:
• Finding community through Christian resources for parents of children with addiction.
• Realizing your worth and relationship with God are independent of outcomes.
IV. The Deep Dive into God’s Word
• A. Shifting Perspective:
• Studying scripture to understand God’s heart, not just solve problems.
• Exploring Hebrew and Greek for richer insights.
• B. God’s Revelation on Idolatry:
• Defining idolatry as anything more important than God (Timothy Keller).
• Recognizing modern idols, such as control, relationships, or self-image.
• C. Biblical Insights:
• Ezekiel 14:3: Idols in the heart and their stumbling blocks.
• Themes from Hosea and God’s faithfulness to His people despite unfaithfulness.
V. The Reality of Modern Idolatry
• A. Idolatry in Unexpected Places:
• How inferiority complexes and self-focus can also be forms of pride and idolatry.
• B. Examples from Life:
• Prioritizing her child’s struggles over her own relationship with God.
• Conviction: “You matter too, and I have a plan for your life.”
VI. Practical Applications
• A. Heart Checks:
• Questions to ask:
• “Am I trusting God or something else?”
• “What idols are hidden in my heart?”
• B. The Role of Obedience:
• Faith without works is dead (James 2:26).
• Asking God, “What does trusting You look like in this situation?”
• C. Reframing Self-Care:
• Self-care as stewardship, not selfishness.
• Feeding one’s spiritual life to be effective for others.
VII. Encouragement and Hope
• A. God’s Constant Presence:
• “There’s no matter on this planet God is silent about.”
• B. Trusting the Process:
• The importance of surrendering outcomes to God.
• Building intimacy with Christ to discern His voice.
• C. Final Reflections:
• God’s Word offers freedom, healing, and purpose, even in life’s hardest battles.
Call to Action
• For Listeners:
• Reflect on your own idols and areas of mistrust.
• Engage with God’s Word not just for answers but for relationships.
• For Community:
• Share this episode with someone struggling to surrender control.
• Join the conversation on trusting God in trials.
Share this post