Ep 151 // Life is Training for Heaven: Hearing Jesus, Embracing Desire, and the Emotional Brain with Tony Stoltzfus
Is the Christian life about following the rules—or learning to live in relationship?
In this rich and honest conversation, Megan sits down with Tony Stoltzfus—pioneer in Christian coaching and author of 21 books, including his newest release, Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary.
Tony shares:
- How a season of spiritual burnout reshaped his faith
- Why most of our prayers miss the deeper desire underneath
- How to ask Jesus questions—and actually hear Him
- Why life isn’t performance for God… it’s training for heaven
This episode blends theology, story, imagination, and deep pastoral wisdom—and offers real hope for anyone walking through grief, disappointment, or spiritual dryness.
What You’ll Learn
- Why the Christian life is about relationship, not rule-keeping
- How to ask Jesus questions—and actually hear Him
- How to uncover the deeper desire beneath your prayers
- The difference between reading Scripture rationally vs. experientially
- Why forgiveness and love are training for heaven
- How imagining heaven can bring healing now
Practical Next Steps
- 📱 Download the Questions for Jesus App (iOS & Android)
- 🤝 Ask Jesus questions with a friend—community strengthens discernment
- 📖 Explore free Bible studies at LikeAHumanBeing.com
- 📘 Read Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary
Stay connected with Megan:
- Website: meganbnilsen.com
- Social: Instagram,Facebook,LinkedIn
- Grab the Book: Untangled Faith+Companion Journal
- Free Gift: 30-Day Grace + Truth (Daily) Devotional
- Book a free discovery call to see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!
- LENT RESOURCE: lentpreparationjournal.com
Stay connected with Tony:
Christian coaching, hearing God’s voice, how to hear Jesus, discerning God’s will, Christian spiritual growth, life is training for heaven, heaven and eternity, Christian imagination, experiential Bible study, emotional healing through faith, forgiveness and freedom, desire and prayer, Christian leadership development, Kingdom living, Christian podcast for women, spiritual formation, overcoming spiritual burnout, faith and suffering, Questions for Jesus, Tony Stoltzfus interview