Podcast Summary: Doubting God with Craig Groeschel | Girls Gone Bible

Podcast Information:

• Title: Girls Gone Bible
• Host/Author: Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma
• Episode: Doubting God w/ Craig Groeschel
• Release Date: March 7, 2025
• Description: Hosted by Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma, the podcast explores all things Jesus and life, featuring conversations with various guests to delve into faith, struggles, and spiritual growth.

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of Girls Gone Bible, hosts Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma welcome Craig Groeschel, the lead pastor of Life Church and co-creator of the YouVersion Bible app. The conversation centers around the theme of doubt in faith, exploring how even seasoned believers grapple with uncertainties and questions about God.

Guest Introduction: Craig Groeschel

Arielle Reitsma introduces Craig Groeschel, highlighting his leadership at Life Church, which boasts 45 campuses worldwide, and his pivotal role in developing the YouVersion Bible app—a tool that has transformed Bible engagement globally.

Notable Quote:

Arielle (02:24): "What would we do without the Bible app? I can't believe that you guys started that."

Craig shares the inception of the YouVersion app, driven by the desire to make God's Word more accessible, and expresses gratitude for its widespread impact, boasting it has reached a billion devices.

Notable Quote:

Craig Groeschel (02:37): "This year, we're going to celebrate the Bible app being on a billion devices. It's an unbelievable honor to give that away."

Personal Testimonies

Craig Groeschel's Journey to Faith (05:44): Craig recounts his transformation from a college athlete involved in a troubled fraternity to a leader seeking spiritual depth. Initiating a Bible study with non-Christian peers, he encountered the grace of Jesus through intensive Bible reading, particularly in Ephesians 2, which led to his salvation.

Notable Quote:

Craig Groeschel (06:00): "When I say you were saved by reading the Word, I was saved by reading the Word. It wasn't a sermon, it wasn't a song. It was reading the Word."

Arielle shares her own struggle with doubt during a challenging tour night, finding solace and understanding in Craig's book, The Benefit of Doubt. This moment underscores the universality of doubt even among fervent believers.

Notable Quote:

Arielle (09:09): "I just felt complete, like Jesus. I felt like I could breathe again. I didn't feel alone."

Main Topics

1. Doubts in Faith

Craig delves into the nature of doubt, emphasizing that questioning God doesn't equate to a lack of faith but rather signifies a deep love and desire to understand. He cites biblical examples, such as Peter walking on water, to illustrate that doubt is a human experience embraced by Jesus.

Notable Quote:

Craig Groeschel (14:32): "You don't doubt because you don't love God. You doubt because you do love God."

2. Deconstruction and Reconstruction of Faith

Discussing the concept of deconstruction, Craig explains it as a process of identifying and removing misconceptions about God and rebuilding faith based on truth and the teachings of Jesus. He likens it to removing mold from a house—eliminating harmful elements without destroying the entire structure.

Notable Quote:

Craig Groeschel (30:01): "Deconstruction is identifying what's not consistent with God's word, what is not true, what doesn't reflect Jesus. And we say, okay, that's not true. We deconstruct it and then we rebuild it with what is true."

3. Prayer and Its Purpose

The conversation shifts to the role of prayer in the life of a believer. Craig emphasizes that prayer is not about persuading God to fulfill personal desires but about aligning one's heart with God's will. He shares his personal struggles with prayer, illustrating that persistence and honest communication with God are vital, even when answers seem elusive.

Notable Quote:

Craig Groeschel (41:48): "Prayer exists to conform my heart to his heart so that I'm actually doing his will."

4. The Goodness of God

Addressing common questions about God's goodness amidst suffering, Craig explains that according to Scripture, bad things don't happen to "good" people because, in a fallen world, everyone has sinned. Instead, God's goodness is reflected in His character and grace, not necessarily in life's outcomes.

Notable Quote:

Craig Groeschel (25:02): "The evidence of God's goodness is his character and his grace for me. It doesn't mean I don't get disappointed if one of my daughters is sick..."

5. Handling Church Hurt

Craig acknowledges the reality of church hurt—pain caused by fellow Christians—and discusses how it can be a spiritual attack aimed at distancing individuals from God's intended community. He encourages separating human failings from God's nature and emphasizes forgiveness and love as responses to such hurts.

Notable Quote:

Craig Groeschel (27:02): "You don't hear about church hurt. I don't have job hurt. I'm never gonna work a job again."

6. Interpreting Difficult Bible Passages

When confronted with challenging Old Testament stories, Craig advocates for focusing on the core truths of Christianity, such as the divinity and resurrection of Jesus. He suggests that while some passages may be difficult, the overarching narrative of the Bible points to Jesus and His redemptive work.

Notable Quote:

Craig Groeschel (35:07): "I'm going to start with what we really, really have to believe. The gospel... is the best news. It changes lives."

7. Presence of God and Emotional Experiences

Arielle shares her experiences of seeking God's presence and the fluctuating emotions that accompany faith. Craig reflects on his own 'honeymoon' phase in faith, where initial enchantment gives way to a deeper, more resilient relationship with God that isn't solely based on emotional highs.

Notable Quote:

Craig Groeschel (56:10): "Anytime you feel more and there are times when you have to pursue more, and all those times are meaningful. It's a part of a relationship."

8. Mental Health and Faith

The discussion touches on the intersection of mental health and spirituality. Craig emphasizes that seeking help through counseling is not a sign of weakness but an act of wisdom. He advocates for a balanced approach that combines faith with practical support systems.

Notable Quote:

Craig Groeschel (66:22): "Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It's a sign of wisdom."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt prayers and mutual affirmations between Craig Groeschel and the hosts. Craig encourages listeners to pray for Angela and Ari's ongoing ministry and protection during their tour. The overarching message is one of hope, resilience, and the affirmation that doubt, when approached with honesty and grace, can lead to a deeper and more authentic faith journey.

Notable Quote:

Arielle (68:29): "Love you so much. Shalom."

Key Takeaways

• Doubt is Natural: Questioning one's faith is a common and healthy part of spiritual growth.
• Define Your Doubts: Identifying the root causes of doubt can help in addressing and overcoming them.
• Prayer as Alignment: Prayer should aim to align one's heart with God's will rather than just presenting personal requests.
• God's Goodness Beyond Circumstances: Recognizing God's character and grace as the true measures of His goodness.
• Handling Church Hurt: Separating human failings from God's nature and responding with forgiveness.
• Balanced Approach to Faith and Mental Health: Combining spiritual practices with practical support systems like counseling for holistic well-being.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Girls Gone Bible with Craig Groeschel serves as a profound exploration of doubt within the Christian faith. It reassures listeners that doubt does not diminish one's faith but can instead deepen it when approached with honesty, openness, and a desire to seek understanding. Through personal testimonies, biblical insights, and compassionate dialogue, Angela, Arielle, and Craig provide a comforting and enriching perspective for anyone grappling with doubts in their spiritual journey.