Seekers in the Hands of an Elusive God with Dr. Jeffrey Leonard

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Keri Kitchen welcomes Dr. Jeff Leonard, author of Seekers in the Hands of an Elusive God, to explore the depth of seeking God through life's uncertainties and hardships. Dr. Leonard shares his personal journey of grief and faith, beginning with the loss of a dear colleague and how that season of struggle pushed him to dig deeper into Scripture, specifically examining the elusive nature of God.

Keri and Dr. Leonard discuss the importance of spiritual vulnerability, the necessity of seeking after God (rather than expecting constant clarity or comfort), and the value of reframing everyday life through a "divine grid." They weave in personal stories of loss, academic insights, and practical encouragement for anyone who feels distant from God or envious of others' apparent closeness to Him.

The episode also covers:

• The role of suffering and loss in maturing faith

• How God's elusiveness can actually draw us closer

• The power of authenticity in our relationship with God and others

• Recognizing God's presence in humanity, art, and daily moments

• Practical steps for beginning (or reigniting) a journey of seeking God

Stay tuned as Dr. Leonard offers hope, encouragement, and actionable wisdom for anyone navigating seasons when God feels far away.

Key Points

• Personal Testimonies: Both Keri and Dr. Leonard share stories of personal grief and how these experiences catalyzed a deeper spiritual search.

• God's Elusiveness: Dr. Leonard argues God's "hiddenness" is intentional—it compels us to seek and grow closer rather than becoming complacent.

• Spiritual Processing: The process of seeking God is multifaceted, involving intellectual, emotional, and practical dimensions.

• Authenticity: Honest wrestling with doubt and feeling distant from God is a common (and biblical) part of faith.

• Reframing Life: Viewing daily life through a "divine grid" helps us notice God's presence in unexpected places and people.

• Encouragement for Seekers: It's normal to struggle with feeling close to God; what matters is choosing to keep seeking.

• Serving Others: Continuing to seek God, even in doubt and suffering, can encourage and uplift others on their faith journeys.

10 Journal Prompts Inspired by this Episode

1. When have you experienced a season when God felt distant? How did you respond?

2. Reflect on a difficult experience. Where can you see evidence of God's presence, even in hindsight?

3. What does "seeking God" look like practically for you right now?

4. In what areas of life do you try to put God "in a box"? How can you let Him out?

5. Describe a time when you witnessed God in someone else—through their actions, words, or creativity.

6. Where might you be wearing a "mask" in your faith or in community? What would it look like to be more authentic?

7. How do you handle doubt, especially doubts about God's goodness or presence?

8. Create your own "divine grid." What ordinary activities or environments might be reframed as spaces to meet God?

9. Who in your life might be encouraged by your ongoing faith, even through hardship?

10. Write a prayer or reflection expressing your desire to seek God more intentionally.

Where To Find More About Dr. Jeff Leonard

• Book: Seekers in the Hands of an Elusive God (Available on Amazon and Hendrickson Publishers)

• Website: biblicalexplorations.com — Learn about Dr. Leonard's trips to Israel, Greece, Rome, and more, and connect for group travel or biblical study opportunities.

Every Day Royalty Call to Action

Are you ready to embrace your royal identity in Christ, even in the everyday ups and downs? If this conversation inspired you, we invite you to:

• Subscribe to the Every Day Royalty podcast so you never miss an episode.

• Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement in their faith journey.

• Visit https://breakthrough.everydayincredible.net to get your FREE Prayer Guide, Finding Spiritual Breakthrough

Remember: You are God's royalty—called to seek, to struggle, to grow, and to reign in everyday life!

Thank you for listening! Don't forget—royalty isn't just for someday. It's for you every day.