The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Episode Summary

Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 21: Walking with God
Date: January 21, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)

Episode Overview

On Day 21, Fr. Mike Schmitz leads listeners through readings from Genesis 39–40, Job 31–32, and Proverbs 3:33–35. The episode centers on the theme of "walking with God," especially during times of trial and adversity, as exemplified in the lives of Joseph and Job. Fr. Mike reflects on how God’s presence persists with us even in suffering, disappointment, or injustice, and encourages listeners to recognize divine companionship beyond favorable circumstances.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Scripture Readings and Central Narratives

• Genesis 39–40: The story picks up with Joseph in Egypt—now a slave in Potiphar's house. Despite betrayal and later, false accusation by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph maintains righteousness and integrity. Even after being unjustly imprisoned, Joseph is consistently described as favored and accompanied by God.

  • Notable refrain: “But the Lord was with Joseph…” (09:40, paraphrased)

• Job 31–32: Job completes his long speeches by defending his innocence and integrity before God, reciting the many ways he has acted rightly. Following this, a new voice enters—the young Elihu—who, angry with both Job and his friends, sets the stage for a fresh perspective.

  • Notable line: “Ah, that I had one to hear me. Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me.” (19:45)

• Proverbs 3:33–35: Brief wisdom sayings contrast God’s relationship with the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing themes of humility and honor.

2. Fr. Mike’s Reflection and Theological Insights

• Parallels Between Josephs: Fr. Mike notes the many parallels between the Old Testament Joseph and St. Joseph of the New Testament—both men marked by righteousness and trust in God despite adversity. (22:40)

• Faithfulness Amid Brokenness: The episode highlights how the Bible—and salvation history—unfolds through “normal, broken families” and imperfect people. Joseph stands out as “one of the most virtuous” characters, maintaining moral integrity and faith despite terrible circumstances. (22:55)

• God’s Hidden Presence: Fr. Mike draws attention to the scriptural refrain, "the Lord was with him," emphasizing its importance:

  “But the Lord God was with him. And I think sometimes for myself, I can only recognize the Lord God being with me when things go the way I want them to go. … The Lord can still use me even in the midst of my brokenness.” (23:44)

• Victim or Victor: Joseph is held up as an example of not succumbing to a "victim mentality" despite real suffering, but rather living as a “victor” by maintaining his relationship with God. (24:40)

• Even When It Doesn’t Feel Like It: Both Joseph and Job demonstrate that God’s faithfulness is not absent during hardship. Job, despite his pain and confusion, still clings to God.

  “I have walked with God, I have been righteous, and yet it feels like God is not with me...” (25:35)

• Relevance for Today: Fr. Mike connects these Old Testament accounts to Christian life, reminding listeners that God’s faithfulness is fulfilled and made explicit in Jesus Christ through the New Covenant.

  “God declares, not just with his words, but with his very self, that I am faithful to you, that you can count on me, that I fight for you.” (26:00)

3. Memorable Moments and Notable Quotes

• Joseph’s Integrity:

  “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
  (Joseph, in Genesis; 05:16)

• Reflection on God's Presence:

  “It is so easy for us to forget that in all situations and all circumstances, the Lord is with us. Even when, as Job pointed out … I have walked with God, I have been righteous, and yet it feels like God is not with me. But I declare that in some ways he's saying God is still with me because I have not left him and he will not leave me.”
  (Fr. Mike, 25:32)

• Living as Victors, Not Victims:

  “He did not live like a victim. What he lived like—he lived like a victor, right? He lived walking with the Lord, and the Lord was with him.”
  (Fr. Mike, 24:46)

• Humility and Wisdom (Proverbs):

  “The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous. … The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.”
  (Proverbs 3:33–35, 21:03)

4. Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:04] – Introduction and Reading Plan Reminder
• [01:50] – Genesis 39–40 (Joseph in Egypt, Potiphar’s House, Prison, Interpreting Dreams)
• [13:44] – Job 31 (Job’s Integrity and Defense of Innocence)
• [19:36] – Job 32 (Elihu Introduced, Rebukes Silence of Job’s Friends)
• [21:00] – Proverbs 3:33–35 (Contrasts: Wicked & Righteous, Fools & Wise)
• [21:20] – Guided Prayer (Giving Thanks and Asking for Grace)
• [22:32] – Reflection: Parallels Between the Josephs, Faithfulness Amid Brokenness, God’s Presence
• [24:40] – Living as Victors, Not Victims
• [25:32] – Relevance of God’s Faithfulness Today
• [26:15] – Tease for Tomorrow’s Episode (Elihu and Beyond in Job)

Episode Takeaways

• God’s presence is constant—even when our circumstances are painful or unjust, as seen in Joseph’s life.
• Maintaining integrity and refusing to sin, no matter the external pressures, demonstrates authentic faithfulness.
• Job’s bold desire to approach God and declare his integrity foreshadows the eventual arrival of a new perspective (Elihu) and ultimately, God’s response.
• Old Testament stories deepen our understanding of Christ and inspire us to trust God’s faithful love today.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Fr. Mike’s reflections provide encouragement for anyone feeling let down, betrayed, or forgotten, affirming that God’s love and presence do not depend on favorable circumstances. The lives of Joseph and Job illustrate how to walk with God both in blessing and adversity—a truth both timely and timeless for the Christian journey.

Notable Closing Quote:

“All of us in our situations that are broken … can know with absolute confidence that the Lord is still with us.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (26:09)