In this episode:
In this episode of Life Repurposed, Michelle and guest Kate Battistelli discuss the challenges and rewards of stepping out in faith and following God's calling. From battling doubts to learning to trust in God's timing, Kate shares her personal journey of obedience and the incredible transformations that have unfolded as a result. They cover topics such as overcoming guilt and shame, embracing forgiveness, and finding purpose amidst waiting seasons. Join Michelle and Kate as they encourage listeners to take action, trust in God's plan, and live a life repurposed for his glory.
About today's guest:
Kate Battistelli is living proof that God will use anyone if they’re willing to be used. She’s the author of the bestseller, The God Dare: Will You Choose to Believe the Impossible and Growing Great Kids: Partner with God to Cultivate His Purpose in Your Child’s Life. She’s mom to GRAMMY award-winning artist Francesca Battistelli and Mimi to her 6 children. Kate experienced infertility, miscarriage, an abortion at 18, and four failed adoption attempts, which all wreaked havoc on her life. As a young actress in New York City, Kate had a life-changing experience, going from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and her husband laid down their careers in the Broadway theatre in answer to their first “God Dare,” moving out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and home business. She’s married to her husband, Mike, and lives in Franklin, TN.
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Show Notes
One of the themes that emerges from their discussion is the importance of trusting in God's timing and seasons. Kate shares her personal journey of being in a waiting season, where she had to learn to patiently trust in God even when nothing seemed to be happening. She emphasizes the need for listeners to have a roadmap and to discern the steps they need to take in order to achieve their goals. Waiting too long may cause missed opportunities, so starting to take action is crucial.
She shares a poignant anecdote about evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, who preached in South Africa. She illustrates that if someone doesn't take on a task, someone else will. It serves as a reminder to not let fear hold us back and to understand that we have been chosen for a purpose. The conversation also delves into Kate’s personal struggles with self-doubt and anxiety. She allows listeners to see her vulnerability and shares how she overcame these obstacles with God's encouragement and by starting even when she felt intimidated.
Furthermore, the episode explores the power of forgiveness and release from guilt and shame. Kate bravely shares her own experience of getting pregnant at a young age and having an abortion. She highlights the importance of understanding that Jesus does not remember or hold our sins against us, encouraging others to release their guilt and shame.
In conclusion, episode 166 of the Life Repurposed podcast provides invaluable insights and encouragement to listeners who may be struggling with doubts, fears, or the need to take action in their lives. Kate Battistelli's story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that it is never too late to embrace God's calling and trust in His plan for our lives. So let go of the obstacles that hold you back, lean into God's guidance, and watch as your life is repurposed for His glory.
Topics
00:02:29 Unexpected opportunity on a big Broadway tour.
00:04:21 Transformed into leading lady, unexpected opportunity, found faith, laid down previous life, started homeschooling.
00:12:53 Saying yes to writing changed her life.
00:18:37 Overcoming anxiety, writing despite self-doubt, abortion experience.
00:25:19 Obey, listen, and hold things lightly.
00:28:39 Biggest challenges: laziness, comfort, mistakes
00:30:12 Trusting God's timing requires patience, stillness.
00:34:02 Prepare, start, don't be afraid, step out.
00:37:12 Leaving pride behind, pursuing God's calling.
00:41:42 Sacrifices, persistence, and taking action pay off.
00:45:48 What is your big dream?
Resources
Kate's book: The God Dare
A worksheet on goals and reams for this episode went out to Michelle's mailing list. If you missed it, past resources are available forever to Patreon monthly subscribers to Life Repurposed Plus at patreon.com/LifeRepurposed. You can get a 7-day trial membership to see what resources are in the growing library there.
(Please note: many books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book.)
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