Podcast Summary

Transformation Church: "Keep The Window Open: Increasing The Window Of Tolerance"

Triggered (Part 3) // Michael Todd
Date: September 28, 2025
Host: Michael Todd, Lead Pastor, Transformation Church

Overview of the Episode

In this continuation of the “Triggered” series, Pastor Michael Todd addresses how to increase one’s “window of tolerance” in times when everyone seems to be on edge or triggered. He draws from Ephesians 4 and Malachi 3, connecting spiritual health to mental and emotional resilience. The main thrust: blessings flow when we mature spiritually and expand our capacity to endure discomfort, opposition, and people’s faults—“keeping the window open” rather than shutting down or reacting impulsively.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Self-Discovery Over Managing Others (00:02-05:00)

• The series focuses not on how to change others but on self-examination and self-control.
• Quote:

  “Everybody is trying to figure out how to change somebody outside of themselves... You can’t change them. The only person you can control is you.”
  — Michael Todd, (02:00)

2. The Ephesians 4 Checklist (04:30-09:30)

• Michael outlines a daily checklist from Ephesians 4:
  • Answer your call
  • Walk humble
  • Live gentle
  • Be patient
  • Give love
  • Fight for unity
  • Find peace
  • Think of eternity
• Quote:

  “Today, I’m going to answer my call. Walk humble, live gentle, be patient, give love, fight for unity, find peace, and think of eternity. And if you would just set that framework for your everyday life, a lot of the craziness that you go through would be eliminated immediately.”
  — Michael Todd, (07:55)

3. Mental Health Needs Spiritual Help (09:30-11:00)

• Pastor Mike emphasizes practical action over mere consumption of spiritual teaching.
• Warns against spiritual immaturity: we can age physically but remain “spiritual children.”
• Introduces the concept of a “crash out”: sudden emotional breakdown due to unaddressed triggers.

4. Defining “Crash Out” and Its Consequences (13:00-15:30)

• A crash out is losing control, either by explosion (anger) or implosion (shutting down).
• Unaddressed emotional triggers are “ticking time bombs.”
• The importance of honesty with oneself and God about what’s really bothering us.

5. Trauma, Triggers & the Window of Tolerance (16:00-20:00)

• Trauma is likened to both emotional and physical hits—some not of our own making.
• Introduces the “window of tolerance” as a mental health concept: our capacity to remain steady in stressful situations.
• Quote:

  “My desire is that you wouldn’t be stuck in the fact that it happened, that you would honestly become one of those that say, because this happened now, I’m going to let God use it to transform me.”
  — Michael Todd, (17:30)

6. Malachi 3: The Spiritual Laws of Windows (20:00-24:00)

• Uses Malachi 3 (“I will open the windows of heaven…”) not just about tithing, but as a principle:
  • Obedience opens the window of blessing.
  • God’s commands always have a condition and a consequence (not always bad—consequence just means outcome).
• Our own actions can close the window on our blessings, even if God opens it.
• Quote:

  “The window of blessing is opened by obedience... The same way God could open it from His side is the same way I can close it from mine.”
  — Michael Todd, (24:00)

7. Opposition & Opportunity Expand Your Window (25:45-31:20)

• The “window of tolerance” is expanded through facing opposition.
• God doesn’t promise a painless, perfect environment but calls us to mature.
• Quote:

  “Opposition is not our enemy; it’s our authenticator. You have no idea if you have peace until you’re in the middle of a storm.”
  — Michael Todd, (43:10)

8. Building Endurance Through Discomfort (32:30-38:45)

• Discomfort is necessary for growth; running from resistance or critique leads to underdevelopment.
• Uses his own story as a 12-year-old drummer: forced to humble himself and master fundamentals, which expanded his real capacity.

9. Tolerance vs. Abuse – Setting Healthy Biblical Boundaries (41:19-43:30)

• Distinguishes tolerance (capacity to endure, as modeled by Jesus) from enduring abuse.
• Our measure: tolerate what Jesus tolerated, judged by the truth of God’s word—not culture or wounded defensive language.

10. Jesus’ Example—Tolerance in Relationships (44:00-49:30)

• Jesus tolerated Judas, gave opportunity to change, didn’t cast him out.
• Christ’s life shows tolerance of people in process, even in their sin, as an opportunity for transformation.
• Calls out believers for being quick to cut off or avoid discomfort, hindering their and others’ growth.

11. How to Increase Your Window of Tolerance (53:19-55:00)

• You need to tolerate:
  • Biblical principles you didn’t create (e.g., love your enemies)
  • Perspectives that challenge you
  • People in their process
• Obedience brings opportunities and expanded blessings, but only to the extent you can endure the challenge.

12. The Window Illustration: Blessings and Limitations (55:00-60:00)

• Uses a live object lesson:
  • God wants to pass blessings through an “open window,” but our unwillingness, intolerance, or disobedience can restrict what we receive.
  • As our tolerance widens, God can give more; with a narrow window, our blessings are limited, not by God's desire, but by our own capacity.
• Quote:

  “There are two sides to every blessing... depending on our window of tolerance, I’m praising for this when something else was available.”
  — Michael Todd, (57:30)

13. Revelation, Altar Call & Last Encouragements (60:53–end)

• Pastor Mike gives a practical and prophetic demonstration by blessing a single mother in the audience, symbolizing “windows open” for her and her child.
• Reminds the church: keeping your window open is for others, too—not just for yourself.
• Encourages the power of community: development, healing, and tolerance happen in honest, accountable relationships.
• Quote:

  “Part of your blessing is people being in your business. Thank you for maturing us, God... Healing comes in community.”
  — Michael Todd, (65:00–end)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On self-discovery:

  “You can’t change them. The only person that you can control is you.” (02:10)

• On the Ephesians 4 life checklist:

  “Today, I’m going to answer my call...and think of eternity. If you would just set that framework… a lot of the craziness that you go through would be eliminated immediately.” (07:55)

• On trauma and transformation:

  “My desire is that you wouldn’t be stuck in the fact that it happened, that you would honestly become one of those that say, because this happened now, I’m going to let God use it to transform me.” (17:30)

• On obedience and blessing:

  “The window of blessing is opened by obedience... The same way God could open it from His side is the same way I can close it from mine.” (24:00)

• On spiritual maturity and tolerance:

  “Opposition is not our enemy; it’s our authenticator... If you don’t develop your relationship to discomfort, you will be underdeveloped when your season comes to be useful.” (43:10/31:20)

• On community:

  “Part of your blessing is people being in your business... Healing comes in community.” (65:00–end)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Time | |-------------------------------|------------------| | Main Theme Intro | 00:02–05:00 | | Ephesians 4 Checklist | 04:30–09:30 | | Mental health & triggers | 09:30–11:00 | | Defining “Crash Out” | 13:00–15:30 | | Trauma, Triggers & Tolerance | 16:00–20:00 | | Malachi 3—Windows of Heaven | 20:00–24:00 | | Closing Your Own Window | 24:00–26:00 | | Opposition Grows Endurance | 25:45–31:20 | | Personal Drum Story | 32:30–38:45 | | Boundaries (Not Enduring Abuse)|41:19–43:30 | | Jesus Tolerated Judas, Sinners| 44:00–49:30 | | How To Increase Tolerance | 53:19–55:00 | | Window Illustration | 55:00–60:00 | | Blessing Object Lesson | 60:53–end | | Altar Call & Community Charge | 65:00–end |

Summary and Call to Action

Pastor Mike powerfully ties together spiritual disciplines and mental health, challenging listeners to pursue maturity, expand their window of tolerance, endure discomfort, and practice radical obedience. He warns that a restricted window—caused by intolerance, pettiness, or avoidance—limits both what we receive from God and what we’re able to give to others. The episode closes with a demonstration of blessing, a call to vulnerability, and a charge to remain engaged in church community—keeping the window open for transformation.

Takeaway:
Keep the window open through maturity, obedience, and love—endure more, tolerate more, grow more—so blessings can flow through you, not just to you.