You can be right where God wants you—living by faith—and still feel deeply uncomfortable… yet completely at peace in His presence. In this episode, Monica reads never-before-shared journal entries (Aug 13, 2023 & Sept 10, 2023) from the week of Alicia’s hospitalization and the weeks that followed. We talk through grief, gratitude, and how God’s peace guarded our hearts even when circumstances didn’t make sense.

Mentioned in this episode (song): https://youtu.be/OqjGT9BSyJA?si=z9uU0cYGQ80X1bYn

Key idea: Peace isn’t the absence of discomfort; it’s the presence of God in the middle of it.

Scriptures referenced (KJV):
Philippians 4:6–7 • Isaiah 26:3 • John 14:27 • Proverbs 3:5–6 • Hebrews 11:8 • 2 Timothy 1:7 • James 1:2–4 • Psalm 37:23–24 • Romans 15:13 • Psalm 46:10

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Summary
Today we talk about the surprising personal benefit of interceding—praying on behalf of others. From Jesus and the Holy Spirit interceding for us to the command for believers to pray “for all men,” we share how God used prayer to carry our family through grief, build compassion, bring peace, and draw our hearts closer to Him. Monica shares how a simple burden to pray became a lifeline, and Luke unpacks why intercession strengthens both the person praying and the people being prayed for.

Key Scriptures (KJV)
• 1 Timothy 2:1 — A call to supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all.
• Romans 8:26–27 — The Spirit maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
• Hebrews 7:25 — Jesus ever liveth to make intercession.
• John 17 — Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and for us.
• Ezekiel 22:30 — God seeks someone to stand in the gap.
• Job 42:10 — The Lord turned Job’s captivity when he prayed for his friends.
• James 5:16 — Pray one for another… the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
• Philippians 4:6–7 — Prayer and supplication lead to the peace of God.

What We Cover
• What intercession means (standing in the gap; intentional, compassionate prayer)
• How praying for others deepens intimacy with God and builds empathy
• Why intercession often brings unexpected personal peace
• The “Job effect”: blessing and growth that follow praying for others
• Unity in the church when we carry each other’s burdens in prayer
• Our story: how a burden to pray became part of God’s provision

Listener Takeaways
• Start a simple daily list of 3 people to intercede for by name.
• Pray especially for the ones who are hard to love—watch how God changes your heart.
• Celebrate answered prayer with the people you’ve been praying for; it strengthens community.

God Always Answers Prayers… Just Not Always the Way We Pray

God always answers prayers—sometimes with yes, sometimes wait, and sometimes no. In this episode, Luke and Monica share their stories of loss, healing, and God’s sovereignty through it all.

Monica opens up about her cancer journey and the peace that carried her day by day. Luke shares about losing his late wife, Alicia, and how God’s grace met him in heartbreak. Together they talk about why God’s “no” is still love, how He weaves purpose through pain, and what it really means to trust Him when life doesn’t go as planned.

Scriptures (KJV): Isaiah 55:8–9 • 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 • Philippians 4:6–7 • Romans 8:28

If you’re walking through waiting, loss, or unanswered prayers, this episode reminds you that God still hears, still cares, and is always working—for your good and His glory.