On a recent episode of the 40 Days of Reconciliation Podcast, host Emmanuel Manishimwe welcomed ordained pastor, author, and podcast host Kristen Wambach for a deeply reflective conversation about faith, courage, identity, and walking daily with God. What unfolded was not simply an interview, but a testimony of transformation, intimacy with Christ, and the practical ways faith shapes everyday life.
A Journey That Began in Childhood
Kristen’s faith story traces back to when she was eight years old, when she first responded to God in what many would call a salvation moment. Yet she describes her relationship with Jesus not as a single turning point, but as a lifelong unfolding. Over the decades, she came to recognize that God had always been present—at the beginning, in the middle, and at every stage of her life.
For her, the real shift came when she consciously allowed Christ to steward her life. That surrender reframed how she saw herself, others, and the world.
The Gift of Spiritual Sight
One of Kristen’s greatest turning points was what she calls the moment God “opened her spiritual eyes.” This experience reshaped her perception of God’s nature and her own identity. It also marked the beginning of a deeper conversational relationship with Him—one she describes as natural and ongoing, much like dialogue between close friends.
She explains that spiritual bravery is simply believing what Jesus reveals and responding to Him. Whether through Scripture, impressions, or moments of insight, courage grows when we trust what God communicates.
Lessons from Nicodemus: Courage Through Encounter
Kristen pointed to the biblical figure Nicodemus as an example of spiritual bravery. Despite his religious status, Nicodemus sought Jesus privately at night. Yet over time, his quiet curiosity transformed into public devotion—ultimately participating in Jesus’ burial.
This progression, she says, demonstrates what happens when a person genuinely encounters God: fear fades, compassion increases, and boldness grows. Hearing God changes how we see people, especially those we struggle with. Instead of reacting, we begin to pray differently and respond with grace.
Learning to Listen to the Holy Spirit
Kristen shared a personal story about her longing to understand the Holy Spirit, something she had not been taught growing up. Hungry for more of God, she prayed and fasted, seeking a deeper experience. Yet she struggled internally, setting conditions for how she wanted God to respond.
The breakthrough came in a simple moment of obedience. While putting her infant son down for a nap, she felt prompted to sing over him. As she did, what she describes as a prayer language flowed naturally from her heart. What she had tried to force through effort arrived gently through surrender.
Her takeaway: God often meets us not in our striving, but in our willingness.
When Love Heals the Broken Places
Another defining season came during her years as a young mother of four sons. She remembers feeling emotionally depleted and internally broken. It was in that emptiness that she chose to truly listen to God.
She describes the Holy Spirit’s response not as correction or condemnation, but as love—love that lifted shame, removed fear, and restored her sense of worth. That experience became the foundation of her passion for teaching others about spiritual bravery: when we know we are loved, we become free to live boldly.
Faith in Everyday Life and Work
Kristen also lives out her faith as a business leader. She helps run a manufacturing company that produces bird feeder pulley systems—an idea she sees as inspired creativity from God. To her, spirituality is not separate from entrepreneurship, family life, or daily tasks. God is present in every sphere, and each calling can become a channel through which His provision flows.
She emphasizes that God’s resources come through many avenues—work, relationships, ideas, and unexpected opportunities. The key is remaining open, like a reservoir with gates that can open and close according to season.
Balance at the “Access Point”
When asked how she balances leadership, ministry, and life responsibilities, Kristen used the image of a teeter-totter. Instead of sitting at either extreme, she strives to remain at the center—the pivot point where movement is balanced.
Time with God, she explains, is what keeps her anchored there. It clarifies priorities, renews strength, and reveals what truly matters in each season.
Final Encouragement
Kristen’s message to leaders, entrepreneurs, and believers alike is simple yet profound: intimacy with God is not reserved for sacred spaces or special moments. It is available in every task, every conversation, and every decision.
Spiritual bravery is not loud or dramatic. Often, it looks like quiet trust, daily obedience, and the courage to believe that God is already near.
Explore More:
Kristen’s books and podcast expand on these themes of identity, intimacy with Christ, and courageous faith. Her life reminds us that reconciliation with God is not just a theological idea—it is a living relationship that transforms how we see ourselves and the world around us.
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