The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast: "Will God Really Give Me the Desires of My Heart?" Featuring Priscilla Shirer

Release Date: December 10, 2024

Introduction and Guest Welcome

In this heartfelt episode of The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast, host Candace Cameron Bure welcomes renowned speaker and author Priscilla Shirer to discuss the profound question: "Will God Really Give Me the Desires of My Heart?" The conversation delves deep into personal experiences, spiritual growth, and the transformative power of faith.

Personal Journeys in Marriage

Candace and Priscilla begin by sharing personal stories about how they met their husbands, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and involving family in the relationship process.

Priscilla recounts her meeting with her husband, Jerry Shirer, describing the initial reluctance and eventual pursuit:

"When I showed Jerry Shire, this young executive, your information, he laughed and said, I do not want to meet her because she is my pastor's daughter." (00:00)

Candace parallels her own experience, highlighting the significance of parental involvement:

"To me, it's a big thing when it's possible to have that connection." (09:29)

Both women reflect on the joys and challenges of long-term relationships, stressing gratitude for enduring marriages in a time where lasting relationships are rare.

Cultivating Desires Aligned with Faith

The conversation shifts to the central theme of the episode: understanding and aligning one's desires with God's will. Priscilla discusses how God desires more than mere obedience; He longs for authentic love and connection.

Priscilla explains:

"He's that powerful that he can change the innermost part of you to desire things that you actually do not have an appetite for right now." (15:30)

Candace adds her personal struggles and prayers for aligning her desires:

"I can go back into all of my journals and I've seen a consistent prayer for 10 years saying, God, help me know you. Help me desire you like using that specific word." (16:45)

They explore the concept of sanctification, where spiritual growth leads to a transformation of desires, making individuals crave a deeper relationship with God.

Overcoming Habitual Sin through Accountability

Addressing the practical aspect of spiritual growth, Candace and Priscilla discuss strategies to overcome recurring sinful habits, such as gossip and slander. They emphasize the critical role of accountability in breaking these cycles.

Priscilla advises:

"Accountability piece is critical." (34:02)

Candace shares her personal experience with accountability groups, highlighting how having a supportive community can help maintain spiritual victories:

"I'm with you." (36:59)

They stress the importance of proactive measures, such as removing temptations from one's environment and enlisting trusted individuals to provide support and hold one accountable.

Preparing for Future Seasons with Faith

As the conversation progresses, both women reflect on personal transitions and preparing for future seasons of life with faith and grace.

Priscilla speaks candidly about her anticipation of aging gracefully and the peace she finds in trusting God's plan:

"As it's gotten closer and closer, you know, just the aging process, there is an ease, there is a peace, there is a welcoming even of whatever these next seasons entail." (32:21)

Candace relates her thoughts on entering new life stages, encouraging listeners to embrace change with a trusting heart.

Listener Interaction: Addressing Habitual Sin

The episode features a poignant listener question from Brittany:

"What do you do when you keep falling into habitual sin? I have trouble with gossip and slander, and I pray for forgiveness every night, but I fall again the next day. I feel like God is getting tired of this vicious cycle of mine." (33:42)

Priscilla responds with compassion and practical advice, emphasizing that God never tires of us and highlighting the importance of accountability:

"If you have no accountability, and I mean, where you've enlisted it, where you've, like, called so and so and said, girl, look, this is where I'm struggling." (35:10)

Candace reinforces the message by sharing her own journey of overcoming gossip through active accountability:

"Let me know. But I'm with you." (37:07)

Conclusion and Resources

As the episode concludes, Candace and Priscilla reiterate the importance of cultivating a heartfelt desire for God and maintaining accountability to overcome personal struggles. They offer listeners a free personal prayer guide to encourage prayer for their families and provide links to Priscilla's latest book, I Surrender All, which aligns with the season's theme.

Candace leaves listeners with a final note of gratitude and encouragement:

"Be grateful all day, every day." (39:13)

Key Takeaways

• Intentional Relationships: Building strong marriages involves intentionality, involving families, and maintaining gratitude.

• Aligning Desires with God: True spiritual growth involves transforming one's desires to align with God's will, fostering a deeper connection.

• Accountability is Crucial: Overcoming habitual sin requires accountability, proactive measures, and supportive communities.

• Embracing Life's Seasons: Trusting God's plan in every season leads to peace and grace, especially during life transitions.

Notable Quotes

• "He's that powerful that he can change the innermost part of you to desire things that you actually do not have an appetite for right now." — Priscilla Shirer (15:30)

• "If you have no accountability... you've enlisted it, where you've, like, called so and so and said, girl, look, this is where I'm struggling." — Priscilla Shirer (35:10)

• "Be grateful all day, every day." — Candace Cameron Bure (39:13)

This episode serves as a profound exploration of aligning one's heart with God's desires, overcoming personal challenges through faith and accountability, and embracing the transformative journey of spiritual growth.