What happens when you don't understand what God is doing, but choose to trust Him anyway?

Jeff Achen has lived a lot of life.

Raised Catholic, Jeff joined the Navy after high school, served aboard a guided missile cruiser, traveled to holy sites in Israel and Rome, served in the Peace Corps in Nepal, became a journalist, and eventually built his own business.

Through each chapter, his faith remained a foundation.

But today, Jeff is walking through one of the most painful seasons of his life: divorce.

In this episode of Why I Believe, Jeff shares honestly about grief, unanswered prayers, seeing his children only half the time, and learning that trusting God doesn't always mean understanding why something happened.

He also shares the moments when God has reminded him that He is still there, from unexpected financial provision at exactly the right time to hearing his 11-year-old son pray over him when he needed it most.

And when Jeff found himself wrestling with whether his anger was justified, one verse in James gave him an answer he wasn't expecting.

Through military service, loss, uncertainty, and healing, Jeff has learned something:

Sometimes you have to trust God when it doesn't make sense...

and let Him surprise you.

In this episode, we talk about:

🙏 Faith during military service
🙏 How life experiences can mature our relationship with God
🙏 Navigating divorce and grief with faith
🙏 Trusting God when prayers aren't answered the way we hoped
🙏 Recognizing God speaking through other people
🙏 God's provision in unexpected moments
🙏 Righteous anger, forgiveness, mercy, and grace
🙏 Learning to surrender when we don't understand

Jeff reminds us that God may not answer on our timeline, or in the way we expect.

But He is still speaking.

We just have to listen.

🎙️ Listen to Jeff Achen: Let God Surprise You on the Why I Believe podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Real Stories. Real Faith. Real Impact.

You can reach Jeff Achen at Jeff Achen | LinkedIn

Want to share your story?

Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe.

👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply

Ready to take the next step?

If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you.

👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden
👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS

Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called.
You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes.

God will meet you right where you are.

"You are the light of the world." — Matthew 5:14

In this week's Faithful Friday, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Matthew with Matthew 5:13–16 — Salt and Light.

Jesus reminds us that we aren't meant to hide the light we've been given.

We are called to let it shine.

Not so that the attention points back to us, but so that through our lives, our words, our actions, and the way we love others, people can see something different—and ultimately see Him.

This week's reflection question is:

How can I reflect Christ's light to someone this week?

Maybe it's through an encouraging word.

An act of kindness.

Forgiveness.

Serving someone who needs help.

Or simply being fully present with someone who needs to know they aren't alone.

Pause. Pray. Listen.

Then ask God:

What do You want me to understand?
Where are You calling me to grow?
What step do You want me to take next?

📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:13–16

Want to share your story?

Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe.

👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply

Ready to take the next step?

If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you.

👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden
👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS

Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called.
You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes.

God will meet you right where you are.

Real Stories. Real Faith. Real Impact.

What if God isn't simply part of your business; what if He's the CEO?

Philippa Channer is a wife, mom of three, business owner, and marketing strategist who helps female entrepreneurs think more strategically about growing their businesses.

But behind her own strategy is a question she has learned to keep asking:

God, what do You want me to do?

Philippa's faith journey began when she was 11 years old after her family found a Baptist church willing to help with her brother's wedding. What began as a practical need became a church home, a community, and the place where Philippa began to understand that faith wasn't simply about going to church.

She could have a relationship with Jesus.

That foundation followed her into adulthood, marriage, motherhood, and eventually entrepreneurship.

Today, Philippa is learning what it means to call herself the CEO on paper while recognizing that God is ultimately the One leading the business.

In this episode of Why I Believe, we talk about:

🙏 Inviting God into business decisions
🙏 The difference between praying and actually listening
🙏 What to do when God doesn't answer on our timeline
🙏 Recognizing His answers when they come through other people
🙏 Asking for confirmation when you're unsure
🙏 Bringing biblical principles into business
🙏 Building authentic Christian community
🙏 Letting go of the expectation that following Jesus means living a perfect life

Philippa compares prayer to making a phone call.

Sometimes you leave the message...

and you have to wait for the call back.

His timing isn't always ours.

But that doesn't mean He isn't listening.

And sometimes the answer comes through a conversation, a sermon, a podcast, an opportunity, or another person saying exactly what you've been praying about.

The question is:

Are we listening closely enough to recognize it?

🎧 Listen to Philippa Channer: God Is the CEO wherever you get your podcasts.

Real Stories. Real Faith. Real Impact.

You can reach Phillipa Channer at Philippa Channer, MBA | LinkedIn

Want to share your story?

Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe.

👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply

Ready to take the next step?

If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you.

👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden
👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS

Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called.
You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes.

God will meet you right where you are.

In this week's Faithful Friday, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Matthew with Matthew 5:1–12 — The Beatitudes.

Blessed are the poor in spirit.

Blessed are those who mourn.

Blessed are the meek.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Blessed are the merciful.

Blessed are the pure in heart.

Blessed are the peacemakers.

Jesus gives us a beautiful picture of what life in His Kingdom looks like—but these aren't simply words to read.

They're an invitation to live differently.

As you listen, reflect on this question:

Which Beatitude is God inviting you to live more fully this week?

Pause. Pray. Listen.

Ask God what He wants you to understand, where He is calling you to grow, and what step He may want you to take next.

Then carry His Word with you into your week.

🙏 Scripture: Matthew 5:1–12
💭 Reflection: Which Beatitude is God inviting you to live more fully this week?

Real Stories. Real Faith. Real Impact.

⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, anorexia, restrictive eating, compulsive exercise, and recovery. Please listen with care.

At eight years old, Becca Parrish accepted Jesus into her heart.

Years later, during one of the darkest seasons of her life, she would learn what it truly meant to depend on Him.

At 14, what began as an interest in health and fitness slowly became part of Becca's identity. Healthy eating became restriction. Exercise became compulsion. Eventually, Becca found herself battling a life-threatening eating disorder.

Her body was reaching its breaking point, and Becca knew she couldn't save herself.

One night, she cried out to God and promised that if He let her live through the night, she would eat the next day.

She woke up.

And she ate.

Recovery wasn't instant. Becca had to surrender her fear again and again. She prayed before meals and depended on Jesus to help her do what she was terrified to do.

As Becca describes it, she had to save Jesus a seat at the table.

In this episode of Why I Believe, Becca shares her journey through anorexia and orthorexia, the danger of building our identity around the things of this world, the unconditional love that surrounded her when she couldn't fight for herself, and how surviving changed the way she sees every day God gives her.

Today, Becca is a dance and fitness instructor, pageant queen, and founder of Dance and Shine, a dance program created to give children and adults with special needs opportunities to experience recreation, individuality, and belonging.

Her story is one of identity, surrender, recovery, purpose—and discovering the difference between knowing Jesus and truly depending on Him.

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 — "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

🎙️ Why I Believe
Real Stories. Real Faith. Real Impact.

You can reach Becca Parrish at Rebecca Parrish | LinkedIn

Want to share your story?

Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe.

👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply

Ready to take the next step?

If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you.

👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden
👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS

Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called.
You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes.

God will meet you right where you are.

Welcome to Season 2 of Faithful Friday!

Last season, we journeyed through the Gospel of John, discovering who Jesus is. This season, we're walking through the Gospel of Matthew as we learn what it truly means to follow Him.

In our first episode, we reflect on Matthew 4:18–22, where Jesus calls His first disciples. When Jesus said, "Follow me," they immediately left their nets and followed Him.

His invitation still echoes today.

What might Jesus be inviting you to leave behind so you can follow Him more closely?

After the Scripture reading, you'll have an opportunity to pause for personal prayer and reflection before returning to pray the Our Father together.

📖 Scripture: Matthew 4:18–22

Reflection Question:
What is Jesus inviting you to leave behind so you can follow Him more closely?

Thank you for joining me for the start of a new season. I pray these weekly moments in Scripture, reflection, and prayer continue to draw you closer to Christ.

Want to share your story?

Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe.

👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply

Ready to take the next step?

If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you.

👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden
👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS

Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called.
You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes.

God will meet you right where you are.

What happens to your faith when some of the people who hurt you are people of faith?

For Liz Berry, the answer wasn't walking away from God.

It was running toward Him.

Liz's relationship with Jesus started young. As a little girl experiencing loneliness and instability, she learned that Jesus could be her "forever friend"; someone she could talk to as though He were sitting right beside her.

That foundation would eventually carry her through some of the hardest seasons of her life.

In this episode of Why I Believe, Liz shares openly about an abusive marriage that also included spiritual abuse, why she learned to separate the actions of people from the character of God, and how her faith helped her begin rebuilding her worth.

We also talk about her experience discovering the Holy Spirit in college, her calling to become a chaplain, and the life-changing experiences she had sitting with patients and families at the end of life.

Now Liz finds herself in another season.

Her parents are aging, the roles between parent and child are beginning to reverse, and Liz is using the very faith they instilled in her as a child to help support them through their own difficult days.

Sometimes that means simply asking:

"How can I pray for you?"

Sometimes it means beginning Psalm 23 and hearing her parents join in.

And sometimes it means remembering the words her mother taught her while caring for Liz's aging grandmother:

You will never regret the time you spend caring for someone you love.

Through every chapter, Liz keeps returning to the same truth:

Jesus is there.

In the loneliness.

In the questions.

In the pain.

In the hospital room.

In the caregiving.

And in the moments when you don't know what to pray.

Her message is beautifully simple:

Just call out to Jesus. He's waiting.

🎧 Listen to Why I Believe wherever you get your podcasts.

Real Stories. Real Faith. Real Impact.

You can reach Liz Berry at Liz Berry | LinkedIn

Want to share your story?

Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe.

👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply

Ready to take the next step?

If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you.

👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden
👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS

Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called.
You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes.

God will meet you right where you are.

Three weeks to live.

That's what Kevin Kahl says he was told after years of battling cancer.

He was a nonbeliever.

He had never read the Bible.

He didn't go to church.

Then, in desperation, Kevin opened a Bible for the first time on Good Friday 2020.

And his life changed.

Recorded LIVE at OneFest, this episode of Why I Believe takes you into Kevin's extraordinary story of cancer, hospice, surrender, faith, and the completely different life he says God gave him on the other side.

Kevin shares why he began reading with the death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34, how Joshua 1:9 became foundational to his journey, and why he began seeing himself in the story of Joshua, moving through his own Jordan River and toward a promised land.

But surviving was only part of the story.

Kevin had given away everything he owned when he entered hospice expecting to die. When he came out, he had to start over.

His body needed time to recover.

He couldn't return to the physical work he'd once done.

Relationships changed.

His identity changed.

And eventually, so did his purpose.

Today, Kevin and his wife, Kathy, travel through Kingdom Road Ministries, helping others and sharing the faith that has become the foundation of their lives.

This conversation is about cancer, but it's also about surrender.

Starting over.

Obedience.

Trusting God when you can't see what comes next.

And becoming someone completely different from who you were before.

Kevin entered hospice expecting his life to end.

Instead, he says that's where an entirely new life began.

🎙️ Listen to this special episode of Why I Believe, recorded live at OneFest, wherever you get your podcasts.

Real Stories. Real Faith. Real Impact.

You can reach Kevin at Kevin Kahl | LinkedIn

Want to share your story?

Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe.

👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply

Ready to take the next step?

If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you.

👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden
👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS