Faith Conversations Podcast

In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Katie Simpson, who shares her journey of surrender, loss, and discovering her identity in Christ.Although Katie grew up knowing about Jesus, she spent years searching for fulfillment apart from a fully surrendered faith. Through friendships, a powerful moment of obedience, and seasons of miscarriage and transition, she learned to trust God even when life didn’t go as planned.Her story is a reminder that our identity is not found in our roles or circumstances, but in who we are as children of God—and that we can rest in His goodness, even when we don’t have everything figured out. Related Bible Verses Ephesians 2:10 (NASB) Daniel 3:17 (NASB) Galatians 2:20 (NASB) Romans 8:28 (NASB) Matthew 11:28-30 (NASB) New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John (NASB) Do you want a relationship with God too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus' offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to a relationship with God, now is the time. Read more here: What is the Message of the Gospel The importance of a Biblical faith community All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community. Listeners in Northern Virginia are welcomed at Burke Community Church. To stay connected Follow the show: @faithconversationspodcast Sign up for updates: jessicacabrera.org/sign-up

In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Beth Flecker, who shares her powerful story of faith, surrender, and discovering God’s sovereignty through life’s highs and lows.Raised in a Christian home, Beth had an early understanding of faith but believed she needed to fix her life before fully committing to Jesus. At the age of 12, she learned that salvation is not about perfection, but about accepting Christ as Savior.Through college and early adulthood, Beth’s faith remained present but not fully surrendered. Looking back, she now sees how God was guiding her every step of the way, leading her through prayer, decisions, and seasons of growth.During a difficult season of infertility, Beth came face to face with the reality that she was not in control. In surrender, she discovered that God is enough—and in His perfect timing, He blessed her family with twins.Even in deep loss, including the passing of her sister, Beth experienced God’s presence and was drawn into deeper faith through Bible Study Fellowship. Through every season, she has come to understand that God is faithful, His timing is perfect, and He is always at work.This conversation is a powerful reminder that if we seek God, we will find Him—and that He is always near, always present, and always faithful. Related Bible Verses Romans 8:38–39 (NASB) Romans 8:28 (NASB) Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) Psalm 139 (NASB) Matthew 7:7 (NASB) New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John (NASB) Do you want a relationship with God too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus' offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to a relationship with God, now is the time. Read more here: Message of the Gospel The importance of a Biblical faith community All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church. Listeners in Northern Virginia are welcomed at Burke Community Church. To stay connected Follow: @faithconversationspodcast Sign up: Engage Faith Updates

What happens when faith feels more like doing the right things than truly knowing God? In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera talks with Tia Nelson about growing up with faith, questioning whether religious activity was enough, and eventually discovering a deeper relationship with Jesus. Raised in small-town South Carolina, Tia was introduced to faith early through conversations with her grandfather and chose to be baptized at six years old. But as she grew older, she began to wrestle with whether faith was meant to be more than following rules and staying busy with the right activities. Her search for deeper understanding led her to Scripture, Christian authors like John Piper, and Christian involvement at Clemson University. A turning point came during six months in Australia, where she encountered a bold example of authentic faith that helped her see faith not as performance, but as relationship. Later, while living in Washington, D.C., personal trauma and distance from Christian community left her questioning her identity and place in church. Yet even there, God was still pursuing her. Through the love of a small group community, Tia experienced healing, repentance, and freedom through understanding her identity in Christ. Her story is a reminder that faith is not about perfection or performance—it is about knowing and trusting a God who continues to pursue us. Related Bible Verses (NASB) Ephesians 2:8–9 (NASB) Romans 8:1 (NASB) Psalm 34:18 (NASB) 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB) New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John Do You Want a Relationship with God Too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, which is a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica’s Engage Faith column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Read the message of God’s good news for mankind and find a sample prayer you can pray today. The Importance of a Biblical Faith Community All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church, and anyone seeking an online church service can find one there as well. We are not designed to be alone—we’re designed for a community of faith. Stay Connected Follow the show on Instagram @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica’s Engage Faith communications here for updates and inspiration.

In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Whitney Howell shares the deeply personal story of how God restored and revived her faith. Through seasons of searching, uncertainty, and spiritual questions, Whitney experienced what she describes as the 'resurrection' of her faith—a renewed relationship with God that transformed the direction of her life.Looking back, Whitney can see how God was patiently pursuing her even when she didn’t recognize it at the time. Through people, circumstances, and moments of reflection, the Lord was guiding her heart and drawing her back into a relationship with Him.Her story is a powerful reminder that God never stops pursuing us. Even when faith feels distant, uncertain, or lost, He is still working—calling us back to Himself with grace, love, and patience.Whitney’s journey offers encouragement to anyone who feels spiritually dry, discouraged, or unsure where they stand with God. The resurrection of faith is possible, and God is always ready to welcome us home. Related Bible Verses 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB) Luke 15:20 (NASB) Ephesians 2:4–5 (NASB) Romans 8:38–39 (NASB) Acts 17:27 (NIV) New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John Do You Want a Relationship with God Too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, which is a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica’s Engage Faith column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Read the message of God’s good news for mankind and find a sample prayer you can pray today. The Importance of a Biblical Faith Community All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church, and anyone seeking an online church service can find one there as well. We are not designed to be alone—we’re designed for a community of faith. Stay Connected Follow the show on Instagram @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica’s Engage Faith communications here for updates and inspiration.

In this episode of Faith Conversations, host Jessica Cabrera interviews Deborah White about growing up without a Christian foundation, wrestling with performance-based faith, and discovering the life-changing truth that God’s love cannot be earned.After losing her father at age ten, Deborah struggled with grief and identity. Though she attended church and repeatedly rededicated her life, she believed she had to perform to earn Christ’s love. It took years for her to truly understand that Jesus could not love her any more than He already did.During a difficult season in her marriage, a pastor reminded her that even if her marriage fell apart, God would never abandon her. Through community and faith, God restored her marriage and deepened her trust in Him.In the summer of 2021, while interviewing vulnerable children, Deborah cried out to God for Him to act. God responded by calling her to be the answer. This led her to advocate for children on Capitol Hill and witness miracles that reminded her we serve a limitless God.Deborah’s story encourages listeners not to give up — because God redeems pain and shows His power through our weakness. Related Bible Verses 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 Romans 8:38-39 Psalm 34:19 Ephesians 2:8-9 New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John Do You Want a Relationship with God Too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, which is a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica’s Engage Faith column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Read the message of God’s good news for mankind and find a sample prayer you can pray today. The Importance of a Biblical Faith Community All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church, and anyone seeking an online church service can find one there as well. We are not designed to be alone—we’re designed for a community of faith. Stay Connected Follow the show on Instagram @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica’s Engage Faith communications here for updates and inspiration.

In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Dana Hutson about discovering the deeply personal love of God. Raised attending church only on Christmas and Easter, Dana later encountered Christ through a Bible study that freed her from the guilt and shame of her past. But her story doesn’t stop there. Through Scripture coming alive on a beach, unexpected confirmation through Proverbs, and courageous obedience in leaving her job without a clear next step, Dana experienced a God who actively pursues His children and meets them exactly where they are. This episode highlights God’s intimate love, His desire to walk with us personally, and the invitation to be brave enough to notice how He is pursuing you. Related Bible Verses (NASB) Luke 19:10 Psalm 139:1-10 Romans 8:1 John 8:36 Proverbs 3:5-6 Matthew 4:19 New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John Do You Want a Relationship with God Too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, which is a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica’s Engage Faith column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Read the message of God’s good news for mankind and find a sample prayer you can pray today. The Importance of a Biblical Faith Community All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church, and anyone seeking an online church service can find one there as well. We are not designed to be alone—we’re designed for a community of faith. Stay Connected Follow the show on Instagram @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica’s Engage Faith communications here for updates and inspiration.

What do you do when God speaks—but what He asks feels uncomfortable, vulnerable, or even frightening?In this honest and deeply personal solo episode, Jessica Cabrera builds on last week’s conversation about how God communicates and turns the focus to a more challenging question: How do we respond to God’s voice?Drawing from Acts 8 and 9, Jessica reflects on the dramatic conversion of the Apostle Paul and the courageous obedience of Ananias. When God asked Ananias to go to Saul—a man known for persecuting Christians—it didn’t make sense. It was risky. It was scary. But Ananias obeyed.Jessica shares her own journey of resistance and surrender. From hesitating to host the podcast, to stepping into public-facing ministry, to speaking in her hometown and branding the ministry with her name—each step required trust and courage. Each step required responding faithfully when God prompted her forward.This episode explores what it means to trust God when obedience feels costly, and why responding to Him with faith writes a better story than anything we could create on our own. Related Bible Verses (NASB) Acts 8:3 (NASB) Acts 9:1–19 (NASB) Proverbs 3:5–6 (NASB) Isaiah 6:8 (NASB) James 1:22 (NASB) New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John Do You Want a Relationship with God Too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, which is a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica’s Engage Faith column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Read the message of God’s good news for mankind and find a sample prayer you can pray today. The Importance of a Biblical Faith Community All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church, and anyone seeking an online church service can find one there as well. We are not designed to be alone—we’re designed for a community of faith. Stay Connected Follow the show on Instagram @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica’s Engage Faith communications here for updates and inspiration.

Is God speaking to us today? And if so—how does God communicate?In this solo episode of Faith Conversations, Jessica Cabrera explores a powerful truth: God is expressive. He is not silent, distant, or detached. He communicates clearly, personally, and purposefully.From the Trinity to creation, from Scripture to Jesus Christ, from the Holy Spirit to the Church—God has made Himself known in unmistakable ways. If you’ve ever wondered how to hear from God or questioned whether He is speaking at all, this episode offers biblical clarity and encouragement.This episode explores six distinct ways God communicates:• Through His identity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit• Through creation and humanity made in His image• Through the written Word of God• Through Jesus Christ—the Word made flesh• Through the Holy Spirit working in believers• Through the Church as the living body of ChristGod reveals Himself so that we may truly know Him. If the living God has something to say—don’t you want to hear it? Related Bible Verses (NASB) John 1:1–3 (NASB) John 1:14 (NASB) John 1:18 (NASB) Psalm 19:1 (NASB) 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NASB) 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NASB) Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John Do You Want a Relationship with God Too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, which is a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica’s Engage Faith column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Read the message of God’s good news for mankind and find a sample prayer you can pray today. The Importance of a Biblical Faith Community All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church, and anyone seeking an online church service can find one there as well. We are not designed to be alone—we’re designed for a community of faith. Stay Connected Follow the show on Instagram @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica’s Engage Faith communications here for updates and inspiration.

Where do you turn when you’re searching for the answers to life? In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Pastor Marty Baker, Senior Pastor of Burke Community Church, shares his remarkable testimony and lifelong conviction that the answers to life are found in the Word of God. Growing up in a Christian home, Marty recalls the moment as a child when he truly understood his need for Jesus—sparked by a conversation with his mom about an image of Christ knocking at the door of the heart. After choosing to open that door, Pastor Marty experienced a miraculous transformation that changed the trajectory of his life, including an unexplainable academic breakthrough that set him on a path of learning, biblical study, and pastoral leadership. From an early age, Marty developed an insatiable hunger for Scripture driven by a desire not only to know the truth, but to defend it. Looking back, he sees how God was sovereignly guiding his life through moments of uncertainty and statistically impossible circumstances, reminding us that God's leadership is always perfect and he will do great things through his providential hand. This conversation is an invitation for anyone searching for truth to consider where the answers to life are truly found, and to discover the unmatched joy of knowing Jesus. This conversation encourages listeners to distinguish between having honest questions and questioning God Himself, and it invites anyone feeling God’s gentle pull to discover the unmatched joy of knowing Him. Related Bible Verses Psalm 119:105 (NASB) - Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. John 14:6 (NASB) - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NASB) - All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work. Isaiah 55:8–9 (NASB) – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John Do You Want a Relationship with God Too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, which is a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica’s Engage Faith column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Read the message of God’s good news for mankind and find a sample prayer you can pray today. The Importance of a Biblical Faith Community All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church, and anyone seeking an online church service can find one there as well. We are not designed to be alone—we’re designed for a community of faith. Stay C...

What happens when God pursues you—even when you don’t yet know Him? In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Lydia Van Zandt, Director of Kids Ministry at Burke Community Church, shares her powerful testimony of being rescued by God and discovering the freedom, peace, and purpose she had been searching for in all the wrong places. Growing up without a Christian foundation and moving frequently as a child, Lydia found herself seeking belonging and fulfillment through unhealthy relationships and behaviors. Everything changed when two friends from school invited her to youth group—her first experience with church, worship, and biblical teaching. On Valentine’s Day during a church event, Lydia realized she didn’t know Jesus and decided she wanted to get to know Him. Through discipleship, surrender, and God’s loving redirection, her life began to take a completely new form. Looking back, Lydia now sees God as her Rescuer—faithfully guiding her through college decisions, a difficult breakup, life as a military spouse, motherhood, and ultimately ministry leadership. Her story is a reminder of the power of being courageous enough to be the light for others. Related Bible Verses Isaiah 61:1– God rescues and restores those who are broken John 1:5– The light shines in the darkness Psalm 40:1–3– God lifts us out of the pit Matthew 5:14–16– Called to be the light for others New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John Do You Want a Relationship with God Too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, which is a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica’s Engage Faith column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Read the message of God’s good news for mankind and find a sample prayer you can pray today. The Importance of a Biblical Faith Community All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church, and anyone seeking an online church service can find one there as well. We are not designed to be alone—we’re designed for a community of faith. Stay Connected Follow the show on Instagram @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica’s Engage Faith communications here for updates and inspiration.