What if the thing holding you back isn’t a lack of calling, but a lack of courage?

In this episode, Tim sits down with Simona to explore what it looks like to courageously step into what God has called us to, even when we don't feel qualified or ready.

Simona shares honestly about her own struggle with imposter syndrome and the moment God taught her that the burden of provision wasn't hers to carry. Together, they explore how God can use the gifts and experiences we already have to accomplish his purposes.

Ultimately, the invitation is simple: take the next step. You may not feel ready. You may not have all the credentials. But nothing is wasted in God's kingdom, and courage grows as we say yes to what he is asking of us.

In this episode, we explore:

• What it means to “fan into flame” the gifts God has given us
• Overcoming timidity and imposter syndrome
• Learning to trust God with the burdens we were never meant to carry
• The courage required to follow Jesus when faith comes with a real cost
• What it means to practice creative courage
• Taking the next obedient step, even when you don't feel ready

Simona is a fourth-generation missionary and the executive director of Global Covenant, one of Novo’s international partners focused on disciple-making movements in South Asia. Having grown up as a missionary kid, she now serves among many of the same people and communities she grew up around. A graduate in sculpture and ceramics, Simona brings her creativity and passion for the arts into her work of leading and equipping others for gospel multiplication.

What does it look like to trust Jesus when he calls you beyond what feels safe, familiar, or controllable?

In this episode of Called Beyond, Zach Duke shares the remarkable story of how obedience led him from a place of discouragement and regret into an unexpected journey of pursuing soccer (a sport he had never played) on a professional level. But Zach's story isn't really about soccer. It's about learning to trust God when you don't understand where he's leading.

Reflecting on Jesus washing his disciples' feet in John 13 and Peter's encounter with Jesus in Luke 5, Zach explores what it means to obey before we understand, surrender our need for recognition, and trust God with the outcome.

We may not know why he's asking. We may not know where obedience will lead. We may even wonder whether we're hearing him correctly.

But as we learn to recognize his voice and experience his faithfulness, we become more willing to trust him with what we cannot control.

In this episode:

• Why it's never too late to say yes to God's invitations
• What it looks like to obey God from a posture of humility
• How fear can keep us from obedience and faithful discipleship

----more----Featured Guest Zach Duke is a husband, father, athlete, speaker, and disciple-maker who serves with Big Life. He and his wife live in Indiana, where they also help steward several kingdom businesses. Zach is passionate about helping people hear God's voice, live with courageous obedience, and make disciples. Interested in hearing more from Zach? 📺 From Couch to Soccer Star — a testimonial about the impact Novo's Activating Prayer Cohort had on Zach's spiritual life and his soccer career 🎙️ Teach Us to Pray — a recent episode from the KC Underground podcast featuring more of Zach's story and the role prayer has played in this life

What if we've made following Jesus more complicated than he ever intended?

In this episode of Called Beyond, host Tim Shuck welcomes leadership coach, author, and Arable founder Karl Martin for a conversation about what it really means to be deeply rooted in Christ. Together they explore why true discipleship isn't about doing more for Jesus, but about living more fully with him.

Drawing from Colossians 2 and the imagery of the Parable of the Sower, Karl challenges many of the assumptions we've inherited about leadership, evangelism, and spiritual growth. Rather than striving to produce fruit through greater effort, he invites us to cultivate healthy roots through generosity, obedience, worship, and an ever-deepening awareness of our identity in Christ.

Whether you're wrestling with a major life decision, longing to experience God more personally, or simply tired of performance-driven faith, this conversation offers a refreshing invitation to trust the Spirit's work from the inside out.

When our roots go deeper into Jesus, fruitfulness becomes his responsibility—not ours. ----more----

• How the condition of your heart determines the fruit your life produces.
• A fresh perspective on the Parable of the Sower and spiritual formation.
• How identity shapes leadership, discipleship, and mission.
• Practical encouragement for hearing God's voice and courageously taking your next step.

----more----

Karl Martin is the founder of Arable, a leadership consultancy that helps leaders, teams, and organizations grow from a deeper place through authenticity, courage, kindness, and curiosity. Originally from Scotland, Karl spent more than two decades leading and planting churches before launching Arable to coach leaders across business, ministry, sports, and the nonprofit sector. He is the author of The Cave, The Road, The Table, and The Fire: Leading from a Deeper Place and now lives in Nashville with his wife, Niki. Together they have four grown daughters.