Podcast Summary: Stay True with Madison Prewett Troutt
Episode: Waiting on God with DawnCheré Wilkerson
Release Date: May 19, 2025

In this heartfelt episode of Stay True with Madison Prewett Troutt, host Madison Prewett Troutt engages in a profound conversation with DawnCheré Wilkerson, an esteemed author, speaker, and pastor. The duo delves deep into the theme of "waiting on God," exploring the challenges, purposes, and spiritual growth that accompany waiting seasons in life. This summary captures their insightful dialogue, enriched with notable quotes and actionable advice for listeners navigating their own periods of waiting.

1. Introduction and Personal Connection

Madison opens the episode by introducing DawnCheré Wilkerson, highlighting her new book "Sleep Slow Burn," which focuses on waiting seasons. The hosts share a personal bond, reminiscing about past interactions and mutual admiration, setting a warm and authentic tone for the discussion.

Madison (01:05): "I remember the first time we got to actually hang and have just, like, good chill convo. It was such a sweet, just full circle moment."

DawnCheré (03:33): "I think for everyone watching or listening, the reminder that God tells stories over the span, not just of our lives, but over generations."

2. Defining Waiting and Its Purpose

The conversation shifts to understanding what it means to wait on God. Both hosts articulate that waiting is a universal human experience marked by longing and anticipation for something greater.

DawnCheré (12:44): "Our life is marked by a yearning and a longing that only God can fill."

Madison (09:10): "So, what is waiting? And what is the point of waiting? Like, why does God call us to wait?"

3. The Struggle with Impatience and Bitterness

Madison shares her personal struggles with impatience during her pregnancy, a relatable anecdote that underscores the emotional toll of waiting. DawnCheré emphasizes the inevitability of waiting seasons, regardless of life events like securing a job or starting a family.

DawnCheré (25:38): "You don't need something new in the wait. Jesus is enough."

Madison (05:49): "It's really hard not to grow impatient or angry with God or be like, God, what the heck, where are you?"

4. Obstacles to Effective Waiting

The hosts identify key obstacles that hinder a faithful waiting experience, including societal pressures for immediate gratification, distractions, and the temptation to seek fulfillment outside of God.

DawnCheré (35:18): "Distractions. We gotta shut out distractions. I still struggle with this."

Madison (41:33): "What are the obstacles that we have to overcome in order to wait?"

5. The Role of Scripture and Personal Relationship with God

Emphasizing the importance of grounding oneself in Scripture, DawnCheré advises listeners to engage deeply with the Bible to find strength and guidance during waiting periods.

DawnCheré (16:44): "Our framework for life, our identity, our mindset, comes from finding ourselves in the word."

Madison (28:59): "In his presence is fullness of joy."

6. Building and Sustaining Community

Both speakers highlight the significance of community support. Sharing one's struggles and waiting journey with trusted friends and family fosters mutual growth and strengthens faith.

DawnCheré (21:19): "Share it with someone. When you share your story and your journey with others, you're inviting them in, but you're also impacting their faith."

Madison (19:45): "We're all a part of the same body to lift up the same one, the same name."

7. Practicing the Presence of God

The discussion moves to cultivating a continual awareness of God's presence in daily life. DawnCheré recommends practices like prayer, journaling, and intentional moments of reflection to maintain intimacy with God during waiting.

DawnCheré (27:11): "It's practicing the presence of God as we go about our day."

Madison (28:59): "Your joy is found in being in the presence of God."

8. Transformation Through Waiting

Waiting is portrayed not as a passive experience but as a transformative process that refines character and deepens faith. Both hosts share insights on how waiting shapes individuals to better steward future blessings.

DawnCheré (30:05): "Transformation always begins from the inside out."

Madison (26:35): "How do we encourage the person that he is, the point of waiting? And how do we grow in intimacy with Jesus in the waiting seasons?"

9. Embracing Eternal Perspective

An eternal perspective is encouraged to remind listeners that waiting seasons are temporary and part of a larger divine plan. This outlook helps in maintaining hope and trust in God's timing.

DawnCheré (56:21): "Eternity reminds us of who we are. It reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven."

Madison (60:08): "They greeted their inheritance in heaven from afar. So even as I wait and you can do the same, you can greet your inheritance."

10. Practical Steps for Navigating Waiting Seasons

The episode culminates with actionable advice for listeners:

• Engage with Scripture Daily: Deepen your relationship with God through daily Bible reading and meditation.
• Foster Community: Share your waiting journey with trusted individuals who can provide support and pray with you.
• Practice Presence: Integrate moments of prayer and reflection into everyday activities, turning mundane tasks into sacred interactions.
• Journal Your Journey: Document your thoughts and prayers to create a record of God's faithfulness and your spiritual growth.
• Embrace Transformation: Focus on personal growth and character development rather than solely on the awaited outcome.

Madison (44:10): "But I'm being taught in the night. And I think the night often can represent the way when you can't see anything, but there's still an invitation to trust."

DawnCheré (45:29): "Jesus is the word made flesh. Talk to God in the middle of your day."

11. Conclusion and Prayer

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, invoking God's presence, peace, and strength for listeners experiencing hardship and waiting. Madison and DawnCheré affirm the importance of staying true to one's faith and trusting in God's perfect timing.

DawnCheré (64:17): "God, we come to you as your kids, Lord, and we surrender this day to you."

Madison (66:18): "Guys, be sure to stay you stay true. We love you."

Key Takeaways:

• Waiting as a Universal Experience: Every individual faces waiting seasons, whether in career, relationships, or personal growth.
• Centrality of Jesus: Amidst waiting, maintaining a close relationship with Jesus provides strength and purpose.
• Importance of Community: Sharing struggles with a supportive community enhances faith and resilience.
• Scripture and Presence: Regular engagement with the Bible and practicing God's presence in daily life are crucial for navigating waits.
• Transformation and Growth: Waiting seasons are opportunities for personal and spiritual development, preparing individuals for future blessings.
• Eternal Perspective: Viewing life through an eternal lens helps in maintaining hope and trust during uncertain times.

This episode serves as a compassionate guide for listeners, offering both spiritual wisdom and practical strategies to remain steadfast and faithful during periods of waiting. Madison and DawnCheré's candid and inspiring dialogue encourages embracing the journey with trust in God's unfailing love and perfect plan.