Have you ever felt like your beliefs about God and your experiences of Him are worlds apart? In this special guest episode of the “I Used to Think” season, Lisa Whittle invites Pastor Steve Cuss to explore the complex relationship between our expectations and the reality of God’s love. Drawing insights from his book, “The Expectation Gap: The Tiny, Vast Space Between Our Beliefs and Experience of God,” Steve and Lisa delve into the struggles of doubt, vulnerability, and the importance of authenticity in the faith journey. Discover how you can confront your misconceptions, embrace the gifts God provides, and learn to receive His love more fully.

Listen in to learn more:
(0:22) - Meet Steve Cuss: Understanding the chaplain and pastor perspective
(4:50) - A candid look at the relatable struggles of doubt and fear
(11:02) - The biggest challenge facing those in vocational ministry
(19:02) - Finding divine gifts tailored for you within your journey
(31:51) - The lasting impact of agreements we make throughout life
(35:18) - Why downplaying pain can hinder growth and healing
(41:39) - Debunking the myth: “strong people” vs. “weak people”

Mentioned in the episode:

The Expectation Gap: https://a.co/d/bOXAIVX

Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/Plus

Prep Dish: https://prepdish.com/JOE

Called Creatives: https://www.calledcreatives.com

Resources:

Special thank you to this season’s sponsors of the Jesus Over Everything show:

Crossway: “The Story of Jesus: A Guided Journey Through the Gospel of John” shares the gospel message in an inviting, book-like format that's accessible for both nonbelievers and new Christians. Pick up a copy wherever books are sold or visit the link above to learn how you can get 30% off with a Crossway+ account.

Prep Dish: Prep Dish is the best way for busy people to get nourishing meals on the table, without the stress. Listeners of the JOE Show can enjoy a FREE two-week trial of Prep Dish meal plans by visiting the link above.

Connect with Steve:
Website: http://www.stevecusswords.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/stevecusswords
Being Human (Podcast): https://www.christianitytoday.com/podcasts/being-human

Connect with Lisa:

Website: https://www.lisawhittle.com

Substack: https://letsbeclear.substack.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial