Transitions can be daunting yet necessary for growth. In this episode, Bethany and Andy discuss transitions in life, emphasizing the importance of faith, resilience, and personal growth. The conversation highlights the challenges faced during transitions in life and jobs, such as fear and comparison, while also identifying allies and enemies of transition. They share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these changes with trust in God, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace the unknown and find peace in uncertainty.

Takeaways

• “Beward of harking back to what you once were when God wants you to be something you have never been.” - Oswald Chambers
• Faith plays a crucial role in navigating transitions.
• Are you leaning into the enemies or allies of transition?
• Transitions prepare us for future opportunities.
• It's vital to focus on the present and be faithful where you are.

If faith is hard, this is for you. In this episode Bethany explores the concept of pioneering your faith drawing inspiration from the life of Adoniram Judson, a missionary to Burma and the first foreign missionary from the United States. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, embracing suffering, and living out your faith in everyday life. The discussion highlights that true pioneering often occurs in our own communities and that success is not solely defined by visible achievements. Instead, it is about obedience to God's calling and the willingness to share the gospel, regardless of the challenges faced. If faith is hard, you aren't alone... Onward Still.

Takeaways:

• Pioneering is about commitment to a life trajectory.
• Suffering can be a significant part of our journey.
• Success is not always indicative of doing things right.
• Adoniram Judson's life exemplifies resilience in faith.
• The trajectory of our lives can be shaped by obedience.
• Onward still is a call to keep moving forward in faith.

• The Bible says "Do not be afraid" 365 times.
• God's word is a lifeline for overcoming fear.
• You must know God's Word to withstand the enemy.
• You live what you believe by faith.
• The Word is your weapon against fear.

Day 4 discusses the pervasive issue of insecurity, emphasizing that it stems from finding our identity in anything other than God. Bethany highlights how insecurity can manifest in various forms and how it can control our actions and thoughts. The short time encourages listeners to build their confidence in Christ rather than in themselves, promoting the idea that true freedom comes from faith in God. Bethany calls on listeners to confront insecurities and embrace identity in Christ.

Takeaways

• Finding identity in anything but God leads to insecurity.
• Insecurity gives a false sense of control.
• The world's way to overcome insecurity is self-confidence.
• God's way to overcome insecurity is confidence in Him.
• Pioneers keep moving forward despite their insecurities.

In this conversation, Bethany explores the pervasive fear of rejection, drawing on the biblical story of Bartimaeus to illustrate how individuals can confront and overcome this fear. She emphasizes the importance of faith and calling out to God for healing from the wounds of rejection, encouraging listeners to reject the labels and assumptions placed upon them by society.

Takeaways

• Fear of rejection can create walls that isolate us.
• Bartimaeus chose to engage despite his rejection.
• Faith can empower us to overcome feelings of rejection.
• We have the opportunity to reject the fear of rejection.
• We should not accept the labels placed on us by others.
• Rejection does not define our worth or potential.

On day 2 of Field Notes vol. 2 focuses on the fear of doubt. She shares personal experiences growing up in an environment where doubt was stigmatized, and discusses the disciple Thomas as a representation of those who grapple with belief. The conversation emphasizes that doubt is a common struggle, but it is essential to overcome it through faith and a relationship with God. Bethany encourages listeners to seek reassurance in God's word and to not let doubts hinder their spiritual journey.

Takeaways

• Doubt is a common struggle for many believers.
• Thomas will encourage those who need proof to believe.
• Doubt can disguise itself as fear, leading to paralysis of faith.
• Social media and self-help can undermine faith.
• It's possible to overcome doubt by prioritizing faith.
• Doubts can divide us from God's truth.
• We must be willing to pioneer overcoming doubt in our lives.

In vol.2 of Field Notes, Bethany Barr Phillips introduces the theme of 'Facing Your Fears' and discusses the significant impact of expectations on our lives. She shares a personal experience and insight on how unmet expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy and fear. The conversation emphasizes the importance of rooting our expectations in faith and God's promises, encouraging listeners to shift their perspectives and focus on their spiritual journey.

Takeaways

• Facing Your Fears is essential for growth.
• Our expectations must be rooted in the Word.
• Shift your expectations to the Lord.
• We often place expectations on ourselves that end in disappointment.
• Remember who He is and what He said and place your faith in Him.

In this heartfelt conversation, Bethany introduces her husband, Andy, and together they share about their first years of marriage which featured much adversity and a committed choice. They recount the challenges they faced early on, particularly the unexpected cancer diagnosis that tested their faith and solidified their relationship. Through emotional turmoil, isolation, and the struggle to maintain their composure, they share on how they found strength in the familiar and unseen places. Their story highlights the importance of being all in with faith, even in the face of uncertainty, and reflects on God's faithfulness throughout their trials. They finish with the question every pioneer must ask themselves: "Are you in or out?"

Takeaways

• Isolation can complicate the struggle during tough times.
• Surrendering to God's will will bring peace amidst uncertainty.
• Reflecting on God's orchestration provides hope.
• Choosing to trust God is essential in difficult times.
• Am I willing to truly live for God in the middle of literal uncertainty?