What happens when life goes dark, direction feels lost, and the path forward seems impossible to navigate?

In this episode of Sermons on the Side, Richard shares how a recent viewing of Apollo 13 sparked a powerful spiritual realization that neither of us could shake. As the crew of Apollo 13 fought to survive after catastrophic damage in space, there was one unforgettable moment during their journey home: a manual “slow burn” navigation maneuver where the astronauts had to keep Earth centered in a tiny window in order to stay on course. Lose sight of Earth… and they’d drift into darkness forever.

That image quickly became the heartbeat of this conversation.

Because in so many ways, life can feel the same. Unexpected pain. Uncertainty. Fear. Distraction. Loss. Seasons where it feels like we’re drifting without direction. But through it all, God remains our fixed point of reference - steady, unchanging, trustworthy, and true.

In Episode 67, “Fixed Point of Reference,” we talk about finding clarity in chaos, anchoring your life to truth when emotions are loud, and why keeping in step with a biblical community that loves the Lord changes everything. This is a conversation about faith, perspective, hope, spiritual stability, and learning to trust God even when you can’t fully see the path ahead.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, spiritually disoriented, or simply in need of encouragement, we truly believe this episode will meet you right where you are.

Send us Fan Mail

Sermons on the Side Bible Readings

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK page

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast

Check out our website HERE

Love the show? If you’re enjoying the stories, laughs, and conversations we share here, we’d be so grateful if you’d consider “buying us a cup of coffee” to help keep things brewing. It’s a simple way to show your support and keep the podcast going strong!

Here’s the link: buymeacoffee.com/sermonsontheside

Thank you for being part of the journey with us!

What happens when the story doesn’t get easier - but God is still just as present?

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Elliott and Emily Yancey share the rest of their adoption journey with Jojo - walking through the tension, the unknowns, and the moments that tested everything they thought they could handle. But through it all, one truth remained: their calling wasn’t to control the outcome… it was to live out the gospel right in front of them. And what a story it was, and continues to be!

We also step into another deeply impactful chapter - the closing of First Baptist Church Forest Park in Atlanta. What could have been a story marked by loss instead became a testimony of faith, obedience, and trusting God when the path forward isn’t clear.

This episode is a reminder that God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on our circumstances. Whether you’re facing uncertainty, walking through a difficult season, or simply trying to follow Jesus in the everyday moments - this conversation will encourage you to keep going.

If Part 1 resonated with you, this is the conclusion you’ve been waiting for.

Thank you Elliott & Emily!

Send us Fan Mail

Sermons on the Side Bible Readings

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK page

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast

Check out our website HERE

Love the show? If you’re enjoying the stories, laughs, and conversations we share here, we’d be so grateful if you’d consider “buying us a cup of coffee” to help keep things brewing. It’s a simple way to show your support and keep the podcast going strong!

Here’s the link: buymeacoffee.com/sermonsontheside

Thank you for being part of the journey with us!

What does it look like to follow God… when you don’t know how the story ends?

In this powerful first part of a two-part conversation, we sit down with one of Richard’s dearest friends, Elliott, and his wife, Emily, as they share their journey into the world of fostering and adoption - a path filled with uncertainty, surrender, and deep trust in God.

This isn’t just a conversation about outcomes. It’s about obedience. It’s about choosing to keep the gospel at the center, even when the road ahead feels unclear. And it’s about treating people with the kind of selfless love that Jesus calls us to - regardless of how the story unfolds.

Elliott has been a mega-supporter of Sermons on the Side from the early days (firmly on the Mount Rushmore of fans), and this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

Part 2 drops next week - make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss the rest of this incredible story.

Send us Fan Mail

Sermons on the Side Bible Readings

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK page

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast

Check out our website HERE

Love the show? If you’re enjoying the stories, laughs, and conversations we share here, we’d be so grateful if you’d consider “buying us a cup of coffee” to help keep things brewing. It’s a simple way to show your support and keep the podcast going strong!

Here’s the link: buymeacoffee.com/sermonsontheside

Thank you for being part of the journey with us!