Despite achieving material success, Derek Mason found himself consumed by emptiness and despair—so much so that he considered taking his own life. In a moment of desperate prayer, an unexpected encounter with sparrows led him to Matthew 10:29–31, revealing that he was profoundly seen and cherished by God. This pivotal sign brought radical transformation, shifting Derek’s life from hopelessness to a renewed sense of purpose. His story reminds us that, even at our lowest, God’s love has the power to bring hope and meaning.

Hear Derek on episode 100 of the Manly with Andy podcast on Apple or Spotify. Or learn more about Derek's book, Embracing Our Full Victory in Christ: The Journey from Darkness to Light.

Bob Goff has spent decades trying to convince people God is over the moon about them. If you struggle to believe God loves you and if you long to live a life of adventure, Bob’s story will inspire you. Bob is known as the guy who included his phone number in the back of his first book Love Does, because he loves people and wanted to be available. Since then, he’s written multiple New York Times bestselling books and included his number in every one of them.  Bob says his greatest ambition is to love people and inspire others to follow Jesus into a life of adventure, whimsy, and wonder. In this episode, Bob talks about starting a zoo, getting gored by a cow, shot with a pellet gun, and visiting the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein. His new book is Catching Whimsy.  It’s an invitation to wake up each day expecting to live a more meaningful life, a more engaged faith, and a more intentional future. 

 Show Notes: 

https://www.bobgoff.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/bobgoff/ 

https://www.facebook.com/bobgoffis 

An update from John Karakian, who was featured on Page 45 of The Unfolding. 

John's Unfolding episode on Apple

John's Unfolding episode on Spotify

John Karakian from Novi, Michigan, discovered an unexpected way to share his faith—through the legacy of his late chocolate lab, Buddy. Even years after Buddy’s passing, John’s simple acts of kindness—like calling people by name and treating them with genuine warmth—have opened countless hearts to the gospel. This past Christmas, his church entrusted him with 500 tickets for their production, and within 27 days, every single one was gone. 

Are you looking to grow your prayer life in the new year? Join Christina Hannan on her podcast, and discover a new rich prayer life in Praying Through Scripture.

PTS on Apple Podcasts

PTS on Spotify

This week on Unfolding Short Stories, Christina Hannan shares what she learned teaching science to her kids as a homeschool mom. A planet that rains DIAMONDS! The God who can make a planet rain diamonds, is also the God who cares for our needs. 

Renee Stains recounts a harrowing moment while teaching her young son Andrew to ski. After a mishap on a ski lift, Andrew was left dangling dangerously high above the ground, with no immediate help in sight. In a desperate and chaotic situation, two snowboarders appeared seemingly out of nowhere, skillfully unbuckled Andrew’s harness, and safely brought him down. When Renee turned to thank them, they had vanished without a trace.

The Christmas story is filled with angelic encounters. But are angels still active today? Psalm 91:11 says, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” For many, that verse has come to life. People from all walks of life share their stories of seemingly supernatural encounters on earth in this special Christmas episode of The Unfolding. IT’s one of our most-downloaded episodes of the year! Thanks to Tim Hoerr, Tina Zimmerman, David Egli, Debra Wiese, and Bryan Crum for sharing these life-changing stories! 

Links to previous Angel Story episodes:  

https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/page-31-angels/ 

https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/page-183-2023-angel-stories/ 

"The dream had no expiration date.” 

In this episode, Jim shares how a dream led him to plant churches outside the walls of a mega-church—and how a trip to the world’s largest basilica in Côte d’Ivoire confirmed that God was just getting started. ‘I was comfortable, like Bilbo in The Hobbit…but God had other plans.’ Hear how one vivid dream fueled over a decade of ministry and ultimately redirected Jim to West Africa.” 

Michael Ritchason grew up feeling like he was on the losing end of the comparison game.  Insecurity drove him to chase affirmation and attention. It worked for a time, but then his girlfriend left, his cool car crashed, and the rest of his world seemed to be falling apart.  Soon Michael was falling apart, too. Discouragement led to disconnection, and that led to depression. One night, he began to believe the lie that he was utterly alone. Then God, the One called Immanuel – God with us, did something supernatural.  It was a reminder that Michael wasn’t alone, and God had plans and a purpose for him.  Michael is the lead pastor at Riverside Community Church, a multi-cultural, multi-generational, and multi-socioeconomic church in the heart of Peoria, Illinois.   

Follow Michael on YouTube and Instagram.

To hear In Fulfillment, our Biblical Audio Drama, and go deeper into the Christmas story, go to https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/in-fulfillment/