The Harder Way Podcast

#108 - Embracing God's Timing

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, Scott and Mattie explore the spiritual significance of waiting and how God uses these periods to shape our character and faith. Listeners will gain insights into the dangers of rushing God's timeline, illustrated by biblical examples such as Abraham, Joseph, and Esther. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith, expressing gratitude, and seeking strength during life's waiting seasons.
Join us as we look at the reasons behind God's delays and learn how to wait well, trusting that His plans are ultimately for our good. This inspiring conversation offers encouragement for anyone in a season of waiting, reminding us that God moves in the waiting and His delays are never in vain.

#107 - Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Welcome to The Hardaway Podcast, where hosts Scott and Mattie tackle one of life's most challenging questions: Why does God allow suffering?
In this episode, they examine the personal and theological aspects of suffering, drawing wisdom from religious texts and personal experiences. The discussion explores how suffering can refine faith, the difference between punishment and discipline, and how trials can ultimately lead to a deeper relationship with God. Join us as we seek comfort and understanding from scripture, learning to trust in God's plan even amidst life's toughest moments.

#106 - The Subtle War on Spiritual Growth: Recognizing Everyday Battles

In this episode of The Hardaway Podcast, Scott and Mattie examine the often-overlooked realm of spiritual warfare, focusing on how subtle distractions and fears can hinder our spiritual growth. They explore common tactics used against Christians, such as busyness and self-doubt, and discuss how to combat these challenges by staying rooted in Scripture and engaging in sound faith communities. Listeners will learn how to identify and overcome the everyday battles that prevent us from fully experiencing the life God intends for us.

#105 - Light Into the Darkness - A Call to Prayer

Join Scott and Mattie in this compelling episode of the Harder Way Podcast, as they share their experiences and challenges faced while embarking on a critical mission to deliver Bibles to persecuted Christians in communist nations. Discover the physical and spiritual hurdles the team encounters, from severe power outages to the constant need for prayer and protection.
Here’s how you can specifically stand with us in prayer:
Cover our in-country partners – That they will remain safe, protected, and unnoticed by those who would oppose them. Pray for their courage and endurance as they serve alongside us.
Provision in the midst of scarcity – That God would miraculously provide food, water, and rest for our team and those helping us. That we would remain healthy and strong despite the conditions.
Power in the darkness – Even as electricity is stripped away, we ask for spiritual power to be evident in every encounter. Pray that our mission is unhindered by the physical lack of resources.
Safe passage for the Bibles – We are believing in faith that 100% of the Bibles will get through at the border and that they will land in the hands of those who desperately need them.
Divine connections – That God will lead us to the exact people He has prepared, that we would discern the meaning of their testimonies, and that this mission will bear lasting fruit.
Wisdom, boldness, and discernment – That we will walk in the Lord’s wisdom in every decision, speak when we need to, and stay silent when necessary.
Thank you for joining our missionary work through prayer.

#104 - Seven Words into the Void

In this episode of the Harder Way Podcast, Scott and Mattie explore the challenges of living a faith-filled life in a world that often demands certainty and control. Using the powerful phrase "I do not know, but God knows," they explore biblical examples like Job, Abraham, and Joseph, who trusted in God's plan despite not having all the answers.
The hosts discuss the significance of surrendering control, embracing uncertainty, and finding peace in God's character and promises. With real-life applications and insights from Scripture, they encourage listeners to step out in faith, confident that God holds the whole picture, even when we see only a piece.
Join them as they uncover how to navigate life's uncertainties by relying on a sovereign and faithful God, letting go of fear, and embracing the freedom that comes with trust.

#103 - Life is Precious and Precarious

Welcome to the Harder Way Podcast, where hosts Scott and Mattie explore the challenges of living faithfully in a world of uncertainty and change. This week, they share personal experiences of unexpected health scares and discuss the paradox of holding onto life's temporary nature while embracing the eternal promises of faith.
Through the lens of Christian perseverance, Scott and Mattie emphasize the importance of prioritizing spiritual life over fleeting material pursuits. They examine the call to live each day purposefully, focusing on actions that reflect eternal values rather than transient successes.
Join them as they reflect on how faith guides believers to live boldly in the face of life's brevity, encouraging listeners to anchor themselves in the timeless word of God while building for a future that transcends the present.

#102 - Faith Over Fear: Standing Strong Against Compromise

Welcome to the Harder Way podcast, where hosts Mattie and Scott explore the challenges Believers face when pressured to compromise their faith in today's culture. This episode explores the inspiring stories of Christians who have demonstrated unwavering faith, including acts of courage by actor Neil McDonough and the founder of Voice of the Martyrs, Richard Wurmbrand. Additionally, biblical examples such as Daniel and the apostles highlight the power of faith over fear.
Discover how small daily decisions shape our ability to stand firm in larger tests of faith. Mattie and Scott emphasize the significance of declaring, "I don't know, but the Lord knows," to navigate uncertainties while trusting God's providence. The episode challenges listeners to evaluate their own faith responses to life's pressures, encouraging a steadfast journey on the narrow path with Christ.

#101 - The Missionary's Field Manual Explained

Episode 101 (New 5-ish Minute Format) 
In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, Scott and Mattie explore the transformative power of viewing the Bible as a field manual for everyday life. They challenge listeners to see themselves as missionaries in their own communities, emphasizing the importance of active participation in God's mission. By drawing from the experiences of persecuted Christians, our hosts encourage Believers to approach their faith with a mission-driven mindset, where the church is about equipping and sending rather than just personal enrichment. Discover how this shift in perspective can activate a more profound commitment to living out your faith in today's world.
Show Notes:
Using the Bible as a field manual in your own life means approaching it not just as a collection of teachings or theological ideas but as a practical guide for everyday living. Here’s how you might do that:
Daily Application: Just as a soldier uses a field manual for immediate guidance in real-world situations, you can apply Bible passages to the challenges and decisions you face each day. For instance, when dealing with stress or conflict at work or home, passages like Philippians 4:6-7 ("Do not be anxious about anything...") can guide how to respond with peace and trust in God.
Actionable Insights: Instead of just reading the Bible for knowledge, focus on how it calls you to act. When Jesus talks about loving your neighbor (Matthew 22:39), don't just see it as a nice sentiment; see it as a command to be actively kind, patient, and selfless toward those around you, even when it's difficult.
Equip Yourself for Challenges: The Bible provides wisdom and strategies for navigating tough situations. For example, James 1:2-4 talks about persevering in trials and seeing them as opportunities for growth. When facing difficult circumstances, you can use this verse as a guide for maintaining perspective and finding purpose in your struggles.
Strengthening Your Faith: When you’re in a tough spot, you can turn to passages that remind you of God’s faithfulness and promises. Psalm 23:1-4 can remind you that God is with you, guiding and protecting you, no matter what you’re going through. These passages can serve as spiritual ammunition to keep you steady.
Living Out the Great Commission: The Bible isn’t just about personal growth; it’s also about sharing God’s love with others. When Jesus gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), He wasn’t just giving orders to a select few—He was speaking to all believers. You can use this as a field manual to live missionally in your neighborhood, workplace, or beyond by looking for opportunities to share the gospel and make disciples.
Spiritual Disciplines: The Bible also outlines the "how" of living out your faith through spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and Bible study. In a sense, these are like your training exercises in the field. By consistently engaging in these practices, you’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges and stay aligned with God's mission.
Community and Accountability: The Bible encourages us to be in community and to hold each other accountable (Hebrews 10:24-25). Just like soldiers in a field need to work together, you’re not called to live out God’s mission alone. Engaging with others in small groups, Bible studies, or accountability partnerships can help you stay focused and grow stronger in your Kingdom mission.
Dealing with Persecution: Many turn to the Bible for comfort and strength in times of trial or opposition. Just as soldiers need a field manual to understand their purpose in battle, you can look to passages like Romans 8:18-39 to remind yourself that suffering isn’t in vain and that God works through all things for His glory.
Using the Bible as a field manual means making it a practical tool that equips you to live out God’s will daily in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. It’s not just about knowing the Scriptures but about actively living them out as a missionary in your own life, wherever God has placed you.