app01 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:33:04 +0000 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “God's Providence” https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/god's%20providence Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500 At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us. Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ. This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace. en episodic Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another. Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us. Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ. This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace. no Faith; Christ; Podcast; Catholic; Friends; Draw Near Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell drawnear.me@gmail.com Fred's Journey to Christ: From Brokenness to Beloved https://drawnear.fireside.fm/243 e4d9cf94-e139-4f1d-be14-608fe84061fa Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell Many listeners have asked to hear more of Fred's story, and in this episode, he shares it. From a difficult childhood and experiences that left deep wounds, to the moments that shaped his faith, Fred reflects on why he often says, "I shouldn't be alive." More importantly, he shares where Christ was in the midst of the suffering—even when he couldn't see Him. This is a story of pain, survival, grace, and the relentless love of God that pursues us through every chapter of our lives. 1:05:11 no <p>TRIGGER WARNING! Many people have asked to hear more of Fred's story. In this episode, he opens up about parts of his life he doesn't often share publicly.<br> This episode of Draw Near contains adult themes; we do not recommend listening in the presence of children. </p> <p>Through an honest conversation with Kara, Fred reflects on his childhood, the hardships he experienced, and the wounds throughout his early life. He shares why he often says, <em>"I shouldn't be alive,"</em> and how there were moments when his future seemed uncertain.</p> <p>Yet this episode is about far more than suffering or past wounds. Looking back, Fred can now see how Christ was present even in the darkest seasons: through unexpected people, quiet moments of grace, and circumstances that helped lead him toward healing and faith. What once seemed like random events now reveal a story of God's providence and relentless pursuit.</p> <p>In this episode, we discuss:</p> <ul> <li> Fred's childhood and family experiences</li> <li> The challenges and wounds that marked his early years</li> <li> Why he says he "shouldn't be alive"</li> <li> The lasting impact of suffering and brokenness</li> <li> Where Christ was present throughout the journey</li> <li> How God works even when we cannot see Him</li> <li> The path that eventually led Fred to deeper faith and conversion</li> <li> Hope for anyone who feels trapped by their past</li> </ul> <p>Whether your story is marked by loss, pain, disappointment, or unanswered questions, this conversation is a reminder that God is never absent. He is often working in ways we cannot yet understand.</p> <p>As Jesus says in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (and Kara referenced in the episode): <br> "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." (Luke 15:24)</p> <p>No wound is beyond Christ's reach. No story is beyond redemption.</p> <p>*<em>Resources Mentioned<br> *</em></p> <ul> <li> OCIA curriculum from Ascension: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeJl-lPwCsQ" rel="nofollow noopener">INVITED Webinar</a></li> <li> <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop/p/the-surrender-journal" rel="nofollow noopener">The Surrender Journal</a></li> </ul> <p>*<em>Listen Next<br> *</em><br> If this episode resonates with you, consider listening to Fred's other testimony episodes, where he shares more about his conversion, his Catholic faith, and the ways God continues to work in his life today.</p> <ul> <li> Fred's First Testimony Episode: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6umqaZpjeLTE7AtTN9hYxt?si=Phe_mSs-TE2TXpzu1RAP1w" rel="nofollow noopener">From Heathen to Heaven</a></li> <li> "Why are you Catholic?" <a href="https://drawnear.fireside.fm/9" rel="nofollow noopener">Testimony</a></li> </ul> <p>For reflections, formation, and community, <strong>FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media:</strong> @drawnearbygrace<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@drawnearbygrace" rel="nofollow noopener">YouTube</a> <br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnearbygrace/" rel="nofollow noopener">Instagram</a><br> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drawnearbygrace/" rel="nofollow noopener">Facebook!</a></p> <p>Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)</p> <p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow noopener">Click here</a> to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support! <br> Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow noopener">home page. </a></p> <p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell </p> Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, Christian testimony, conversion story, faith journey, Catholic testimony, Catholic conversion, personal testimony, overcoming adversity, healing from childhood trauma, childhood trauma and faith, finding God in suffering, God's grace, God's providence, redemption story, hope after suffering, Christian encouragement, Catholic podcast, Christian podcast, spiritual healing, healing and faith, encountering Christ, relationship with Jesus, journey to Christ, brokenness to beloved, God's love, Christian discipleship, faith and suffering, testimony of God's faithfulness, spiritual transformation, Draw Near Podcast, Fred Shellabarger, where was God in my suffering, how God works through suffering, Christian story of redemption, Catholic conversion testimony, overcoming a difficult childhood, finding hope after trauma, God's presence in suffering, healing childhood wounds through faith, personal journey to Jesus Christ, Christian testimony podcast, Catholic faith journey, how Christ changes lives TRIGGER WARNING! Many people have asked to hear more of Fred's story. In this episode, he opens up about parts of his life he doesn't often share publicly.
This episode of Draw Near contains adult themes; we do not recommend listening in the presence of children.

Through an honest conversation with Kara, Fred reflects on his childhood, the hardships he experienced, and the wounds throughout his early life. He shares why he often says, "I shouldn't be alive," and how there were moments when his future seemed uncertain.

Yet this episode is about far more than suffering or past wounds. Looking back, Fred can now see how Christ was present even in the darkest seasons: through unexpected people, quiet moments of grace, and circumstances that helped lead him toward healing and faith. What once seemed like random events now reveal a story of God's providence and relentless pursuit.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Fred's childhood and family experiences
  • The challenges and wounds that marked his early years
  • Why he says he "shouldn't be alive"
  • The lasting impact of suffering and brokenness
  • Where Christ was present throughout the journey
  • How God works even when we cannot see Him
  • The path that eventually led Fred to deeper faith and conversion
  • Hope for anyone who feels trapped by their past

Whether your story is marked by loss, pain, disappointment, or unanswered questions, this conversation is a reminder that God is never absent. He is often working in ways we cannot yet understand.

As Jesus says in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (and Kara referenced in the episode):
"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." (Luke 15:24)

No wound is beyond Christ's reach. No story is beyond redemption.

*Resources Mentioned
*

*Listen Next
*
If this episode resonates with you, consider listening to Fred's other testimony episodes, where he shares more about his conversion, his Catholic faith, and the ways God continues to work in his life today.

For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media: @drawnearbygrace
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook!

Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)

Click here to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support!
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> TRIGGER WARNING! Many people have asked to hear more of Fred's story. In this episode, he opens up about parts of his life he doesn't often share publicly.
This episode of Draw Near contains adult themes; we do not recommend listening in the presence of children.

Through an honest conversation with Kara, Fred reflects on his childhood, the hardships he experienced, and the wounds throughout his early life. He shares why he often says, "I shouldn't be alive," and how there were moments when his future seemed uncertain.

Yet this episode is about far more than suffering or past wounds. Looking back, Fred can now see how Christ was present even in the darkest seasons: through unexpected people, quiet moments of grace, and circumstances that helped lead him toward healing and faith. What once seemed like random events now reveal a story of God's providence and relentless pursuit.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Fred's childhood and family experiences
  • The challenges and wounds that marked his early years
  • Why he says he "shouldn't be alive"
  • The lasting impact of suffering and brokenness
  • Where Christ was present throughout the journey
  • How God works even when we cannot see Him
  • The path that eventually led Fred to deeper faith and conversion
  • Hope for anyone who feels trapped by their past

Whether your story is marked by loss, pain, disappointment, or unanswered questions, this conversation is a reminder that God is never absent. He is often working in ways we cannot yet understand.

As Jesus says in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (and Kara referenced in the episode):
"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." (Luke 15:24)

No wound is beyond Christ's reach. No story is beyond redemption.

*Resources Mentioned
*

*Listen Next
*
If this episode resonates with you, consider listening to Fred's other testimony episodes, where he shares more about his conversion, his Catholic faith, and the ways God continues to work in his life today.

For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media: @drawnearbygrace
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook!

Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)

Click here to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support!
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

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