In Totality with Megan Ashley – EP 57: Spiritual Drought
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host: Megan Ashley
Podcast Description:
"In Totality," hosted by Megan Ashley, is dedicated to guiding Christians towards a life wholly devoted to God. Through candid discussions on faith, prayer, obedience, and living out God's purpose, Megan fosters a space for reflection, growth, and deeper connection with the Divine.
Episode Overview: Spiritual Drought
In Episode 57, titled "Spiritual Drought," Megan Ashley delves deep into the challenging season of spiritual dryness, sharing her personal struggles, insights from scripture, and practical advice for navigating periods when God's presence feels distant. This episode serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for listeners experiencing similar spiritual lows.
Key Sections
- Personal Testimony and Struggles
- Understanding Spiritual Drought
- Scriptural Insights and Encouragement
- Practical Steps to Overcome
- Community and Support
- Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement
1. Personal Testimony and Struggles
Megan opens the episode by recounting her experiences following Acts 2:42, a significant spiritual event for her. Despite the initial surge of divine presence, she encountered a profound sense of abandonment and doubt.
- Quote:
"I felt like the Enemy was just doing a really good job at convincing me that God does not love me and that he just used me."
(Timestamp: 28:19)
She describes feeling as though her spiritual vitality diminished drastically after a period of celebration and fellowship, leading to internal battles with faith and self-worth.
2. Understanding Spiritual Drought
Megan defines spiritual drought as a period where individuals feel disconnected from God's presence, leading to feelings of isolation and questioning of divine love and purpose.
- Quote:
"It's okay to tell him, hey, I feel like you've left me."
(Timestamp: 34:45)
She emphasizes that experiencing such dryness is a common and expected part of the Christian journey, reassuring listeners that they are not alone in their struggles.
3. Scriptural Insights and Encouragement
Drawing from the Bible, Megan provides solace and perspective on enduring spiritual droughts. She references Psalms 22 and Hosea 3 to illustrate God's unwavering love and commitment despite human failings.
- Quote:
"In Christ, you are a new creature, that you are no longer a slave to sin and no longer are you just a slave to this gospel. But you are his son and his daughter and that he loves you."
(Timestamp: 43:30)
Megan highlights the story of Hosea and Gomer as a metaphor for God's relentless pursuit and redemption of His children, mirroring the prodigal son's restoration.
4. Practical Steps to Overcome
Megan offers actionable advice for listeners grappling with spiritual dryness:
-
Be Honest with God:
"Be honest with God. Talk to him. Be real with him about how you feel."
(Timestamp: 50:10) -
Preach the Gospel to Your Heart:
"Preach the gospel to your heart. Know that God loved you, loves you, and that he saved you because he loves you."
(Timestamp: 58:25) -
Seek Intimacy Over Performance:
Megan encourages shifting focus from merely serving God to cultivating a personal, intimate relationship with Him, akin to being His beloved child rather than just a servant.
5. Community and Support
Recognizing the power of community, Megan stresses the importance of seeking support from fellow believers during tough seasons. She shares her own experiences of feeling isolated but finding strength through honest conversations and shared faith.
- Quote:
"I want you to hear your fellow sister, your fellow friend in the faith that is experiencing things, and that you feel that you're not alone in this."
(Timestamp: 1:05:00)
6. Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement
As the episode draws to a close, Megan reiterates the message of hope and restoration. She urges listeners to remain steadfast, lean into their faith even when it feels challenging, and trust in God's faithful nature.
- Quote:
"Let us continue to speak God's truth and repeat it over and over again. We're done accusing ourselves. We're going to speak God's truth."
(Timestamp: 1:12:45)
Megan also provides a journal prompt to help listeners reflect on their spiritual journey:
- Journal Prompt:
"Have I been in a spiritual drought? Am I prepared for a spiritual drought? Do I know the gospel so that I am able to preach it to my own heart?"
Notable Quotes
-
"God does drastic things. And it may seem drastic to you, but that's what happened on the cross. It was drastic. He saved us in such a serious way."
(Timestamp: 12:35) -
"In seasons of spiritual drought and spiritual dryness, the enemy can do such a good job at accusing you of something that he will then train you to take his job."
(Timestamp: 33:10) -
"Remember to center Christ. Remember to preach the gospel to your own self."
(Timestamp: 1:10:50)
Insights and Themes
-
Authenticity in Faith:
Megan underscores the importance of being genuine in one's spiritual walk, acknowledging doubts and struggles rather than masking them. -
God's Unchanging Nature:
Emphasizing scriptures like Hebrews 7:25, she reassures listeners of God's consistent love and intercession, even when feelings suggest otherwise. -
Self-Reflection and Humility:
The episode encourages introspection, urging believers to examine their hearts and motives, ensuring that their faith remains centered on Christ rather than personal accolades or content creation. -
Community Support:
Highlighting the strength found in shared experiences, Megan advocates for leaning on the faith community during tough seasons.
Conclusion
Episode 57 of "In Totality with Megan Ashley," titled "Spiritual Drought," offers a heartfelt exploration of enduring periods of spiritual dryness. Through personal anecdotes, scriptural references, and practical advice, Megan provides both comfort and actionable steps for listeners navigating their own faith challenges. Her emphasis on authenticity, introspection, and community support serves as a guiding light for those seeking to deepen their relationship with God, even when the path feels uncertain.
For More Episodes and Resources:
Visit Megan Ashley's website at www.themeganashley.com to explore more content, access podcast episodes, and check out In Totality merchandise.