The Beauty of Faith in Action
A Conversation with Stephanie Kropp on the Fearlessly Unshackled Podcast Do you ever find yourself captivated by the stories of others? The life experiences that tell us how faith has transformed their existence? If so, you’re in great company welcome to the Fearlessly Unshackled podcast! Hosted by Sarah Rose, we delve into heartfelt stories that illuminate God's incredible work in our lives. Today, we’re joined by Stephanie Kropp, a woman whose journey of faith has been nothing short of profound.
Discovering Faith in Unexpected
Places Stephanie candidly shared her background, hailing from Jamestown, ND, and spending half her year in Texas. Although she had a rich life, she felt a spiritual gap. Raised in a Catholic family, her relationship with God began merely as a holiday obligation, leaving her longing for something deeper. It wasn’t until she spent time with Brittany and Isaac, a couple who embody living out their faith, that Stephanie began to truly understand what it means to walk with the Lord. She recounted how she was drawn to their home, initially for the purpose of rodeoing—only to discover that God had a different plan. In many ways, God used her passion for horses to lead her to a life-altering revelation of His love and purpose. As she settled into their home, Stephanie saw firsthand how faith wasn’t just spoken; it was lived. The couple’s tangible faith in action inspired her to seek a deeper connection with God.
What Does Living "Worldly" Really Mean?
One pivotal moment in Stephanie’s journey was recognizing her previous life—one centered on self and societal status. She described her past as “living worldly,” primarily concerned with how she appeared to others rather than prioritizing her faith and relationship with God. Living “of the world” meant focusing on external validation and personal gain, rather than on the values of Christ. It opened a dialogue between Sarah and Stephanie about the common struggles many face today: the gnawing anxieties and pressures shaped by societal expectations. For Stepahine, redefining her priorities meant placing God first and becoming less preoccupied with the opinions of others.
The Transformation: Walking it Out
At this point in the conversation, Sarah asked Stepahine to elaborate on the practical ways believers can walk out their faith. Stepahine shared how faith should manifest through action—an idea firmly rooted in scripture. Faith without action is like merely gazing into a mirror and forgetting your reflection. To Stepahine, seeing the peace and selflessness in others made her realize that faith requires movement—it’s about serving, loving, and uplifting those around you. Her experiences highlighted that we need to offer “how-to” support as we help others navigate their spiritual journeys.
The Weight of Baptism and a New Beginning
A defining moment in Stepahine's faith came through her baptism, an event she describes as transformative. She recounted feeling an overwhelming release as she emerged from the water—a symbolic shedding of her burdens and a deep commitment to Christ. “I truly felt like I’d fully committed,” she said, resonating with the understanding that this was a personal journey between her and God. This moment illuminated a vital truth: baptism is more than just a ceremony; it’s an outward expression of an inward transformation. It marked a significant shift toward embracing her identity in Christ and the desire to live for Him rather than herself.
Maintaining Faith Amidst Temptation
Stepahine's honesty about her ongoing struggles with temptation and pride struck a chord. She maintains a deep self-awareness about when fears and desires arise. It’s a continual process of surrender, reminding herself that her journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about repentance, growth, and leaning into God’s grace. “Perfect love casts out fear,” she remarked, underscoring that God’s corrections come out of love, not condemnation. This resonated with both Sarah and Stephanie as they collectively recognized that facing personal challenges shouldn’t push us away from God—rather, it provides an opportunity for deeper resilience in faith.
The Joy of Community
Toward the end of their conversation, Stephanie shared the joy she finds in being surrounded by a vibrant faith community. The people she associates with encourage her, challenge her, and most importantly, ground her in spirit. Faith flourishes in community, as she's seen the glorious beauty of shared experiences, love, and growth. “Loving the Lord is really fun!” became a unifying theme. It reminded us to embrace the joy that comes with living out our faith — a reminder that faith can indeed be joyful, adventurous, and liberating.
The Call to Action
As we close, Stephanie encourages everyone to explore their relationship with God, to seek out authentic community, and to embrace both vulnerability and hope in their journey. Her story serves as a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness and the transformative power of faith in action. If you feel inspired and are curious about delving deeper into your own faith journey, know you are not alone. Surround yourself with loving and supportive individuals who can uplift you. Remember, God desires a personal relationship with you—a foundation built on love, hope, and authenticity.
Thank you for joining us in this heartfelt conversation on the Fearlessly Unshackled podcast. If you loved Stephanie’s story as much as we did, make sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more inspiring testimonies.
Let’s continue to share the love of God and spread encouragement together! Have a blessed day.