Willow Creek Weekend Podcast

What does it mean to be chosen by grace? Dr. Megan Marshman explains Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel—a life-changing moment that reveals the power of God’s unearned favor. Though Mary was seemingly ordinary, she was called “highly favored” and invited to experience the impossible. This teaching highlights that grace isn’t something we achieve; it’s a divine invitation to trust God beyond our limitations. Like Mary, we’re called to surrender fully, embrace our God-given identity, and step into a greater purpose through faith.

Waiting can feel never-ending—whether you're longing for healing, a new job, a child, or the fulfillment of a dream. Pastor Shawn Williams reflects on the biblical story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who carried unanswered prayers for decades. Just when hope seemed lost, God responded at the perfect time—showing that His silence doesn't mean He's absent, but that He's preparing something greater. If you're in a season of waiting, this message will strengthen your faith and remind you that God hears every prayer.

Many people believe forgiveness must lead to reconciliation, but those who hurt us can’t always heal us. Colossians 3:12–14 urges us to forgive as the Lord forgave us, making forgiveness a necessary path to healing—not optional. Forgiveness is an ongoing act of obedience that sets us free, while reconciliation requires both parties to rebuild trust and repair the relationship. Scripture shows this distinction: Esau forgave Jacob but did not reconcile closely, while Joseph fully restored his relationship with his brothers. Megan Marshman walks through the stages of forgiveness, how to discern when to seek reconciliation, and the difference between the two.

Forgiving small offenses like being cut off in traffic or a missed birthday can be tough, but what happens when the offense is much bigger? This weekend, we welcome Chris Baker, a tattoo artist from Oswego, Illinois, who founded INK 180, a nonprofit offering free tattoo work to former gang members and victims of human trafficking as a second chance. Chris grew up around gangs in Los Angeles and experienced deep loss, including holding his best friend as he died from a shooting. Years later, God brought Chris back to Los Angeles with an incredible opportunity to walk the path of true forgiveness. His story will show us just how powerful and supernatural forgiveness can be.

Emotional wounds are like paper cuts—easy to ignore until something triggers the pain, revealing hurt that still lingers. We often believe time or distance will heal us, but true healing comes only through forgiveness. The parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21–35 shows how withholding forgiveness traps us in bitterness, while Ephesians 4:31–32 calls us to forgive as God has forgiven us. Forgiveness isn’t about what others deserve but about living in the freedom we’ve received. In this message, we reflect on how forgiveness doesn’t erase the hurt, but it releases its hold, making space for healing, peace, and freedom.