The Unfolding

Jennie Allen has spent her life helping people follow God, find purpose, and experience freedom in Christ. As a bestselling author, Bible teacher, and founder of IF:Gathering and Gather25, her influence has reached millions. 

But beneath the surface there was a lie she didn't even know she believed. A lie about her identity, her worth, and what she had to prove. In this conversation, Jennie shares the moment God exposed that hidden belief, and how it had been shaping her thoughts, her confidence, and her calling. 

You'll hear how negative thoughts- feeling not enough, striving for approval, questioning your purpose, can take root without you realizing it, and how recognizing them can lead to real freedom. If you've ever struggled with insecurity, comparison, or wondering if God could really use your life, this story will remind you that freedom is possible. 

Show Notes: 

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

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

Book:   https://www.jennieallen.com/lies-book 

Website:  https://www.jennieallen.com/ 

THE LIES QUIZ: LINK 

Share your Unfolding story: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories

"He showed me on that day that His goodness is running after my daughter."  

Jill Tracey shares what happened as her daughter Alyssa was struggling with faith, and Jill was learning to let go of control. Through the song Goodness of God, God gave Jill a picture of hope she would carry for years. It was a reminder that even when she couldn't reach her daughter, God still could.

What happens inside someone who walks away from faith? For Jakob Happs, it wasn't sudden. Long before he stepped away, there were questions, doubts, and a growing sense that something wasn't working the way he thought it should.  Over time, that tension led him further and further from God, and from the people who loved him most. 

In this powerful and honest conversation, Jakob shares his story from the inside. The wrestling, the distance, the decisions that followed, and the unexpected moments that changed everything.  Alongside his mom, Suzanne, this episode offers a rare, deeply personal look at both sides of a prodigal story. What it felt like to walk away, and what it meant to come home. 

This episode explores what doubt and deconstruction can feel like from the inside, the tension between belief and questions, and how God continues to pursue even in the middle of distance. For anyone praying for a prodigal child, a loved one who has walked away from faith, or anyone wrestling with belief, this story offers both honesty and hope. 

Show Notes:  

Jakob Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatshappsin.n?igsh=MXRtNjUwOG1hMDdkaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 

  

Jakob Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Df1sbwviJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

  

Suzanne Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.happs 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/We-Who-Wrestle-God-Perceptions/dp/0593542533 

YouTube Channels:  

https://www.youtube.com/@bibleproject 

https://www.youtube.com/@RuslanKD 

https://www.youtube.com/@ExpeditionBible 

Share your Unfolding story: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories

"The more I pushed, the more my body said no." 

Stephanie shares how God used cancer, chronic illness, cardiac arrest, and a season of forced rest to redirect her life. Today, she helps others slow down, live with intention, and care for the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. 

Recently, she wrote Faith and Health Devotional Bible Study Workbook.

What do you do when your child walks away from everything you've raised them to believe? 

For Suzanne and Alan Happs, that question became deeply personal when their son told them, "I'm not exactly sure I believe any of that anymore." What followed was 13 and a half years of praying, waiting, questioning, and learning what it really means to trust God with someone you love. 

In this episode, Suzanne and Alan share: 

What it felt like to watch their son deconstruct his faith  


The mistakes they made, and what they wish they had done differently  


How they learned to love without controlling or pushing  


What sustained their faith through years of heartbreak and uncertainty  


The moment everything began to change, and the powerful way God brought their son back  


If you are praying for a prodigal child, a loved one who has walked away from faith, or someone who feels far from God, this story will meet you right where you are. 

Next week, don't miss Part 2—Jake Happs shares his side of the story. What led him away from faith? And what ultimately drew him back to Jesus? 

  

Show Notes:  

Suzanne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.happs 

Praying for Your Prodigal book:  https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Your-Prodigal-Kyle-Idleman/dp/1434707717 

Share about your Unfolding story here: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories