Saying "yes" to God's calling often feels exciting at first. We imagine the impact, growth, opportunities, and fulfillment that might come from stepping into the work He has placed on our hearts.

But what happens when reality looks different?

What happens when the dream takes longer than expected, progress feels invisible, comparison creeps in, and discouragement starts whispering that maybe you heard God wrong?

In this honest conversation, the Saved You a Seat panel shares what it looks like to trust God in the messy middle between calling and fulfillment. Together, they talk about disappointment, waiting, loneliness, comparison, and God's faithfulness when the outcome doesn't look like what they imagined.

If you've ever wondered whether your work matters, questioned your calling, or felt discouraged by the gap between expectation and reality, this episode is for you.

Because sometimes the part nobody posts about is the very place where God is doing His deepest work.

• What happens when a dream doesn't unfold the way you expected
• Navigating discouragement, disappointment, and comparison
• Why waiting seasons can feel so difficult
• The danger of feeling isolated in your creative calling
• Learning to trust God's timing instead of forcing outcomes
• How community helps us stay grounded when we're struggling
• Practical ways to move forward when you're stuck in the messy middle
• Fixing our eyes on Jesus when the journey feels harder than expected

Listen In To Learn More: [0:04:24] Losing a Career, Losing Yourself

[0:06:43] Spotting the Slide into Discouragement

[0:13:48] Trapped by Comparison and Highlight Reels

[0:20:52] Trusting God in the Messy Middle

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

Follow along and stay connected:

Instagram: @SavedYouASeatCreative

Heather Riggleman

Racquel Lopez

Joni Rosebrock

Cristina Slabic

Today's episode is produced and sponsored by Wildfire Creative.

At Wildfire Creative, we help creators find the clarity and confidence they need to spread their message like Wildfire.

Download their FREE Podcast Launch Guide at Wildfire Creative

New episodes of Saved You a Seat release on the 3rd Thursday of every month. In July, we will start a 4-part series about the money beliefs we carry, where they came from, what they may be costing us, and how God’s Word brings us back to truth.

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Saved You a Seat Podcast! We’re a group of creative women who love Jesus, value authenticity, and want to talk honestly about what it looks like to follow God in the middle of everyday life.

This episode marks one full year of the podcast, and we’re taking time to celebrate and reflect. Host Tammy Munson is joined by Heather Thompson, Michele Wilbert, and Rose Jordan as we look back on the journey of building something together, what surprised us, what stretched us, and how God met us along the way.

We revisit the heart behind why this collaboration started (if you haven’t listened yet, go back to Episode 1: You’re Not Alone: Real Talk on Calling and Collaboration) and share what we’ve learned about staying at the table—even when it’s uncomfortable, stretching, or requires us to grow.

This conversation is honest, reflective, and full of gratitude for the work God has done not just through the podcast, but within each of us.

• What one year of creative collaboration has taught us
• The beauty (and challenge) of working with people who think differently
• Letting go of control, ego, and the need to be “right.”
• How collaboration has reshaped our understanding of community and obedience
• Why growth often comes through listening, not agreement
• The courage it takes to stay at the table when things feel uncomfortable

Listen In To Learn More:

[0:00:04] – The Table Was Never Meant to Be Comfortable

[0:03:12] – Stop Doing All the Things

[0:06:30] – If You Take All the Roles, It’s Not Collaboration

[0:10:24] – You Weren’t Called to Do This Alone

[0:11:50] – From Project Team to Real Community

“Maybe the table was never meant to be comfortable… maybe it was always meant to be transforming.”

• Ephesians 4:1–3 – “Lead a life worthy of your calling… Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube
• Follow us on Instagram: @SavedYouASeatCreative
• Connect with today’s guests:
  • Tammy Munson – host, founder of Wildfire Creative
  • Heather Thompson – writer and encourager
  • Michele Wilbert – creative mentor
  • Rose Jordan – author, podcast host, and founder of Beneath The Fig Tree

Join us next month for another grace-filled conversation as we continue exploring what it looks like to create faithfully in every season.

This episode was produced by and made possible through the support of Wildfire Creative—helping creators find clarity and confidence to spread their message like wildfire.

Hard seasons have a way of making God feel quiet.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Joni, Rose, and Tammy get honest about what it really looks like to follow God when life feels overwhelming, unexpected, or just plain hard. From navigating divorce to caregiving, burnout, and major life transitions, this episode dives into the moments when clarity feels out of reach and how God is still moving, even when we can’t hear Him clearly.

Because sometimes He isn’t louder… He’s just already been at work.

• What to do when God feels silent in overwhelming seasons
• Why forcing clarity often makes it harder to hear Him
• How God prepares you before the hard season hits
• The role of community when you can’t think clearly on your own
• Trusting God’s faithfulness when you don’t have answers yet
• What obedience looks like when you’re unsure but still moving forward
• Returning to the last place you had clarity with God
• Practical ways to quiet the noise and start listening again

Psalm 119:11 (CSB) “I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you.”

Psalm 119:15–16 (CSB) “I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”

Follow along and stay connected:

Instagram: @SavedYouASeatCreative

Joni Rosebrock

Rose Jordan

Tammy Munson

Today’s episode is produced and sponsored by Wildfire Creative.

They help creators find clarity and confidence to share their message with purpose. Learn more: wildfirecreativecompany.com

New episodes of Saved You a Seat drop on the third Thursday of each month.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who’s walking through a hard season. You never know who needs this reminder.