Live Big with Derek Grier – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Greater Is Coming
Host: Dr. Derek Grier
Release Date: September 15, 2025
Podcast: Live Big with Derek Grier

Episode Overview

In “Greater Is Coming,” Dr. Derek Grier delivers a powerful, biblically-rooted message centered on purpose, struggle, and divine preparation. Using the life and calling of the prophet Jeremiah as a framework, Dr. Grier explores how challenges and setbacks are essential precursors to growth and promotion. The episode encourages listeners to interpret their current difficulties as necessary preparation for God’s greater plans, and to trust in divine wisdom even when His answers defy human logic.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Calling & Context of Jeremiah

[00:11–03:20]

• Jeremiah’s Unique Burden: Dr. Grier describes Jeremiah as “the weeping prophet”—a man called to proclaim a sorrowful message of judgment to Judah, just as Israel had been judged for idolatry.
• “If God be against you, who can be for you?” Faithful obedience is critical, as turning from God brings serious consequences.
• Pastor’s Kid Pressure: Jeremiah grew up as a priest’s son, facing high expectations and pressure—“If God puts you in a family, He’ll give you the grace to deal with it.”

2. Personal Relationship Over Heritage

[03:40–06:30]

• Divine Individuality: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5) Dr. Grier emphasizes that God doesn’t just know about us—He chose and approved us.
• Purpose and Destiny: Each person has a God-given appointment and purpose; the tragedy is not death, but “living life without purpose.”
• Quote: "Every minute you spent wishing you had someone else’s life is a minute you spend wasting your own." (04:40)

3. Excuses and God’s Response

[06:30–13:10]

• Ordination and Purpose: True ordination is from God, and all of us are uniquely appointed—“All a church can do is recognize it. We can't create it.”
• Doubting God’s Choices: Dr. Grier reflects openly on 20 years spent “second-guessing the perfect, all wise and knowing God.”
  • Memorable line: “Take it from me, whoever argues with God never, ever wins.” (09:10)
• On Excuses: “People who are good at making excuses are seldom good for anything else.” (10:40)
• God’s Patience and Boundaries: Persistent arguing with God can lead to missed opportunities—“I just might never [choose you]. Never take God's patience for weakness.”

4. Facing Opposition & Human Fear

[13:10–18:40]

• God’s Command Overcomes Our Fears: “Stop telling me what you can’t do… You shall go to all whom I send you.”
• Fear of People: “The fear of God makes a hero, but the fear of man makes us all cowards.” (17:30)
• Difficult Paths: Following God brings conflict—Jeremiah faced being beaten, ridiculed, and even imprisoned by his own family and community.

5. The Purpose of Trials and Testimonies

[18:40–22:30]

• Testimonies Demand Tests: “It’s not what I get you into, but what I get you out of that becomes your testimony.”
• Biblical Examples: Joseph’s dream, Daniel’s prayer, and the faith of the three Hebrew boys all led them into trials—then to deliverance and promotion.
• Quote: “With God, the comeback is always greater than the setback. The further the devil tries to pull you back, the more God will use that to launch you forward.” (21:40)

6. Questioning God’s Justice

[22:30–26:00]

• Candid Doubt: Jeremiah questions why the wicked prosper and why God allows them to flourish—“God, where is your justice?”
• Relatability: Even the deeply faithful can struggle with God’s timing and methods.
  • Memorable exchange: “Lord, may I ask you the question? Why does the way of the wicked prosper?” (24:20)

7. Preparation for Greater Challenges

[26:00–32:10]

• God’s Answer: God uses the metaphor of “running with the footmen” before “contending with horses”—small problems prepare us for bigger responsibilities.
• Expecting the Impossible: “God expects you to do things you cannot do… Peter walked on water as long as his eyes were on Jesus.” (30:10)
  • Quote: “If there is a Goliath in front of you, it’s only because God sees a David on the inside of you.” (27:20)
• On Strength & Power: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.”

8. Why Preparation Can Be Painful

[32:10–35:00]

• Comparing Struggles: Problems faced “in the land of peace” are just preparation for the “floodplain” (i.e., future crises).
• God’s Vision Is Bigger: “Your problems are not God trying to punish you. He's simply preparing you. Trust His plan over your pain.”
• Preparation = Promotion: Just like military basic training is hard to prepare for war, tough spiritual seasons prepare for greater assignments.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Sin’s Nature:
  “Sin will at first fascinate you, but give it time, it will eventually assassinate you.” (01:50)

• On Purpose:
  “The greatest tragedy in life is not death. It’s living life without purpose. … The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you learned why.” (05:50)

• On Excuses:
  “People who are good at making excuses are seldom good for anything else.” (10:40)

• On Divine Strength:
  “When I’m weak, that’s when He’s strong.” (31:25)
  “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.” (31:50)

• On Testimony:
  “I don’t want to hear from somebody whose life has always been perfect how wonderful God has been.” (20:25)

• On Preparation:
  “If you only knew where God wants to take you, you’d stop complaining about the problem you’re facing.” (28:35)

• On Vision:
  “You have such a small vision for yourself, you don’t think you’re ever going to need all this preparation. But God has a big vision for your life.” (33:20)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |------------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:11 | Jeremiah’s background and assignment | | 04:40 | Importance of purpose and individuality | | 09:10 | The futility of arguing with God | | 10:40 | On excuses and missed opportunities | | 13:40 | God calls us beyond our personal excuses | | 17:30 | Overcoming fear of people | | 20:25 | Testimonies require tests/trials | | 24:20 | Questioning God’s justice | | 27:20 | Goliath as a sign of hidden David | | 28:35 | Preparation for promotion | | 31:25 | Human weakness and divine strength | | 33:20 | God’s bigger vision for our lives |

Final Message

Dr. Grier concludes with a challenge: see current problems as divine preparation, not punishment. Trust that God’s vision surpasses your own and that the ability to “run with horses” is not in your strength, but in God’s.

“Your problems are not God trying to punish you. He’s simply preparing you. Trust His plan over your pain.” (34:30)

For those who haven't listened:
This episode is a masterclass in finding faith and resolve in the face of adversity. Through poignant stories, biblical exposition, and personal transparency, Dr. Grier offers practical wisdom: our struggles are tools for shaping us into vessels for greater glory and purpose. The message is challenging but deeply encouraging—reminding believers that “greater is coming” for those who stay faithful.