The Unfolding

What do you do when life takes everything, your home, your job, even your hope? Cory Nickols knows those struggles intimately. Raised in a Christian home, he thought he understood who he was, but trauma, loss, and doubt left him questioning everything, including his value. One heartfelt prayer, "God, I want to know You," set him on a journey through what he calls The Breaking, The Crushing, and The Stripping. These seasons challenged everything he knew about God and himself, ultimately revealing his true identity: loved, chosen, and a child of God. Today, Cory helps rescue children trapped in human trafficking, showing how God can transform brokenness into purpose. Content caution: This episode includes references to suicidal ideation, childhood sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Show Notes: Website: https://corynickols.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corynickolsministries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corynickols/ Destiny Rescue: https://www.destinyrescue.org/ Cory's book: https://www.amazon.com/More-God-Not-Done-You/dp/B0F4Z3QHHH

"My little boy, who was one, was in our goldfish pond." A fall afternoon on the farm turned from laughter to panic. When Sarah Philpott's one-year-old slipped toward danger, her four-year-old daughter heard a whisper from God that changed everything. This short story is about paying attention, seeing God's mercy, and staying present in the life He has given. Sarah's latest children's book: Wake Up, Little Seed Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

When country artist Granger Smith and his wife, Amber Smith, lost their three-year-old son, River, their world shattered. In her darkest moments, Amber found herself on the bathroom floor, crying out to God, desperate for hope. That heartbreak became the beginning of redemption. Now the author of "The Girl on the Bathroom Floor" and host of the Arise with Amber podcast, Amber shares how God met her in unimaginable pain, how He brought beauty from ashes, and how she learned to live with both grief and joy. This episode of The Unfolding is a story of faith, healing, and the hope that only God can bring when life falls apart. Show Notes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberemilysmith/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmithsTV Amber's Website: https://arisewithamber.com/ Amber's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Bathroom-Floor-Together-Everything/dp/1400347890 Granger's episode on The Unfolding: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/page-185-granger-smith-country-music-star-finds-faith/id1460841077?i=1000720200985 Water Safety resources: https://www.infantswim.com/ https://ndpa.org/ Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

"I don't trust eyewitnesses. Eyewitnesses often lie." Homicide detective J. Warner Wallace was on a search for truth that changed his life. Reading the Gospels through the lens of investigation, he discovered that the eyewitness accounts of Jesus aligned just the way truthful testimony does. In this episode, the respected apologist and author of Cold Case Christianity shares how evidence led him to Christ and why every believer can become a thoughtful defender of the faith. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

Peter Burton was a young kid with a loving family and a faith-filled childhood, but by middle school, anxiety and OCD began to creep into his life. For years, therapy and treatment helped him manage, but by the time he hit adulthood, the weight of fear and panic attacks became overwhelming. As a worship pastor, he would lead people in songs about God's goodness, then get in his car and break down in tears. He begged God to heal him, but healing didn't come. In this episode of The Unfolding, Peter shares his journey through anxiety, the questions that challenged his faith, and the discovery of a God who sustains even in the hardest seasons. Peter is a singer, songwriter, and worship leader who recently signed with Integrity Music and Matthew West's Story House Collective. Show Notes: Website: https://www.peterburtonofficial.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterburtonmusic/ Craig Groeschel Book: https://www.craiggroeschel.com/books/winning-the-war-in-your-mind

"I love you, and there's nothing you can do about it." Kids make mistakes. Sometimes accidents leave scars that last forever. For John O'Leary, one choice with fire left him burned and disabled. What should have been only tragedy became a story of grace. His family and his community surrounded him, but it was his father's voice in the hospital that changed everything: "I have never been so proud of anyone in my entire life. I love you, and there's nothing you can do about it." That is grace. That is the gospel. John's journey is now a feature film, Soul on Fire starring William H. Macy, opening October 10. Learn more at soulonfiremovie.com.

Abused, rejected, and in foster care by 15, Phillis Dewitt's life was marked by childhood sexual abuse, trauma, and loss. By her teens, she was self-harming, suicidal, and convinced she was unwanted. But God wasn't finished with her story. Through a long journey of faith and healing, Phillis found belonging, became a foster mom to more than 100 children, and discovered how God can bring beauty out of even the darkest places. Phillis shares her journey in her book "I'm Still Standing" and on this episode of The Unfolding. If you've ever wondered if your pain could have a purpose, Phillis' powerful story will encourage you that trauma doesn't have to define you, and that God can redeem even the hardest chapters of your life. Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, self-harm, and trauma. It may not be suitable for younger listeners. Show Notes: Website: https://phillisdewitt.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phillis.dewitt Book: https://www.amazon.com/Im-Still-Standing-Turned-Purpose/dp/B0BCXKCTGP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdewitt/

"All these years later, that baseball has become an anchor for my faith." As a boy growing up in poverty on the South Side of Chicago, Mike Signorelli found escape in baseball. When his mom prayed a bold prayer for a signed White Sox ball, God answered in a way that would anchor Mike's faith for decades to come. Today, Mike leads V1 Church in New York, Miami, and Indiana, and he still carries that baseball as a reminder of God's faithfulness. Here's Mike's latest book, Fire Starters: Igniting Revivals and Sustaining Spiritual Awakening.

Content Warning: This episode deals with sexual addiction and mature themes; it may not be appropriate for younger listeners. Blaine Bartel was a rising star in Christian ministry, hosting the nationally televised Fire by Nite, writing best-selling books, and leading one of the largest weekly student gatherings in America. But behind the platform and applause, Blaine was trapped in a 23-year struggle with pornography and sexual addiction, living a secret double life that ultimately destroyed his career, marriage, and reputation. In this episode of The Unfolding, Blaine shares his journey from despair and scandal to true freedom. He talks about the devastating consequences for his family, church, and friends, and how, through God's grace, he was led not just to recovery, but to a resurrected life in Jesus. Today, Blaine helps men, ministers, and marriages break free from sexual addiction and walk in hope through House of Resurrection. Show Notes: Website: https://www.blainebartel.com/ Website: https://www.houseofresurrection.life/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blainebartel99/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blainebtv6712

Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries has spent years helping young people face hard questions, discern truth, and find their identity in Christ. Charlie Kirk longed to be remembered for courage in his faith, and part of that courage was speaking to students directly. His voice has now been silenced, but the legacy of reaching the rising generation continues. In this episode, Jeff shares stories of young adults moving from confusion to conviction, from hardness of heart to lives transformed by Jesus. God is still raising up voices. And the hope of tomorrow is clear: He is not done with young people. Jeff also introduces his new book with Dr. Kathy Koch, Raising Gender Confident Kids.