Welcome to the Encouragement for Real Life Podcast, where we find real hope and encouragement in our everyday real lives. This is our guest episode for the month, so we pause our Summer of Abundance series this week. I have the deep honor of introducing you to someone who has shaped my life and faith in immeasurable ways. She’s an ordained minister, the founder of a local mission, a woman I call a dear friend and mentor—and she’s the one who introduced me to a relationship with Jesus. We welcome Reverend Barbara Furman! Her story is one of deep surrender, unwavering faith, and glorifying God through every season—even in the midst of suffering.

In every season her mission remains the same: to follow Jesus and help others do the same. I believe her words today will stir your heart, strengthen your faith, and remind you of the beauty found in walking closely with Christ—no matter the season.

Click on the player above to listen to the full 37-minute episode.

I appreciate how Barb is real, authentic, and lives our her faith tangibly. With every conversation, I walk away refreshed, renewed, and I glean something new about God.

Barbara Furman doesn’t live an abundant life in the world’s eyes, but in God’s eyes, she does.

And that’s what truly matters.

Can I say that about me? Can you say that about you?

Barb’s life is a testimony of faith that endures. Not just in the easy or the exciting seasons, but also in the hard, hidden, and hurting ones. Her story reminds us that even in suffering, we can glorify God. Even in weakness, His strength shines through.

If you’re longing to live a more abundant life in every season, be sure to check out the rest of our Summer of Abundance series right here on the podcast. Next week we explore how staying close to our Source–God–helps us to live an abundant life, and how we go about doing that.

Until next time, keep walking closely with Jesus—because He’s with you through it all. God bless you!

Links in this episode:

• Last week’s episode, 202, Summer of Abundance Week 2: Train Your Thoughts for Truth
• Find Rev. Barbara Furman’s book It Is Well With My Soul: My Story here
• Looking to grow closer to God? See if my Abundant Life Mentoring is for you here
• Learn more about my books Right Now Matters and the Right Now Matters Bible Study
• Access the Summer of Abundance Companion Pages here

Additional ways to support this podcast:

• Leave a 5-star rating and review!
• Subscribe so you never miss an episode!
• Share this episode with a friend!