251: Is There A Difference Between Needing And Wanting God? | Lisa Whittle

Lisa Whittle

LISA WHITTLE is a bestselling author, speaker, podcast host, and ministry leader. She has authored nine books, including Jesus Over Everything, God Knows, and her most recent book, I Want God: How to Love Him with Your Whole
Heart and Revive Your Soul.

Lisa is a sought-after Bible teacher and host of the popular Jesus over Everything podcast.

She has founded two online communities: Ministry Strong, for ministry leaders, and Called Creatives, for writers and speakers.

Lisa is a wife and mom, a lover of laughter, good food, and the Bible, and a feisty work in progress.

Learn more at lisawhittle.com/IWantGod

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In this episode of the Grace Enough podcast, host Amber Cullum interviews author Lisa Whittle about the re-release of her book ‘I Want God’ and the personal journey behind it.

A decade ago, Lisa found herself burdened by the pressures of motherhood, a stalled writing career, and societal expectations to be a successful Christian leader. This led to a period of internal desperation, not for lack of external success, but from an inner longing for something more meaningful.

Lisa discusses how she was consumed by the need for recognition, security, and control, but eventually realized that her true desire was to live freely, unattached to these worldly pursuits.

This realization propelled her into a deeper relationship with God, prompting a personal revival that inspired the book.

Throughout their conversation, Lisa and Amber delve into various topics including the difference between needing and wanting God, the power of prayer, and the significance of personal revival.

Lisa also talks about her own experience with fasting from shopping as a spiritual discipline.

The episode touches on the contemporary relevance of Lisa’s message, especially in light of the widespread search for meaning and the recent Asbury revival, underscoring the timeless need for a genuine desire for God.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the distinction between needing God and wanting God, and how this impacts your spiritual journey.
Learn why Lisa’s prayer life now consists more of silent prayer.
Explore the significance of personal revival and how it can ignite a deeper passion for your faith.
Learn how fasting extends beyond food and discover the spiritual discipline it can bring to your life.

Quotes:

“I didn’t really want those things. What I wanted at the core was to be free from wanting those things. I wanted to live free from caring what people thought, from needing a career, from needing to be seen and heard.” – Lisa Whittle

“Our knowledge of need will only get us so far. If we don’t want something, it will never, ever result in action.” Lisa Whittle

“I’ve loved Jesus since I was six years old, but I have also loved me. This is the entire rub of my life…Ultimately, we have the flesh warring with the spirit.” -Lisa Whittle