Ep 2101: God Helps Us Do Hard Things

What happens when life doesn’t go as planned—but God shows up anyway? In this deeply moving episode, you'll meet Lauren Layman, a third-generation member of a family-run insurance business. Her interview explores the weight of legacy, personal faith, and the health crisis that redefined everything. 

Lauren shares her story of growing up in church, building a career in the family business, and navigating motherhood—only to be blindsided by a health battle that turned her world upside down. Hear how she went from running a successful business to barely functioning, and how God used that season of suffering to bring spiritual breakthrough, marital healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

This conversation isn’t just about hardship—it’s about hope, community, and learning how to listen when God whispers in the chaos. 

Why Listen? 

  • Gain insight into the realities of working in a family business—and how to navigate expectations. 

  • Be encouraged by Lauren’s raw honesty about anxiety, illness, and trusting God in total dependence. 

  • Hear how community prayer, worship music, and simple obedience became lifelines. 

  • Discover how Lauren’s journey reshaped her leadership, faith, and empathy for others. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • “Life doesn’t have to be perfect for God to show up.” 

  • “We can do really hard things with Him.” 

  • “God used adversity to move me from who I was to who He could use more effectively.” 

 

Resources & Partners that are “on mission:” 

  • SaferNet – the only VPN, antivirus, and web filter that iWork4Him needs for digital safety 

  • US Christian Chamber of Commerce – Join the Christian networking event of 2026 at the US Christian Chamber SWC Conference. Use code IWORK4HIM for 10% off your ticket.  

  • Patriot Mobile – America’s only Christian conservative cell service provider. Switch today! 

  • ePaymints – a payment processor you can feel good about using 

 Featuring: Lauren Layman

Ministry/ Workplace: The Institute for Innovation, Integration & Impact

iWork4Him, Awaken Podcast Network, PodcastJim Brangenbergfaith and work, resources, testimony, iWork4Him, work is worship, workplace ministry, workplace missions, discipleship, prayer, intercession, business leaders, leadership, event, devotional, resource, inspiration, book, training, discount, couples, marriage, priorities, Kingdom perspective, Follower of One, mission trip, marketplace, participate, christian women, women at work, celebrate women, women leaders, working women, mentoring, mentorship, accountability, advice, relationships, retirement, retirement reformation, generations, planning, ministry, family, marriage advice, marriage problems, quality time, family time, work, appreciation at work, assessment, thanksgiving, neighbor, neighboring, thankfulness, loneliness, Kingdom business, values, BRI, Patriot Mobile, Kingdom culture, affiliate, public schools, Bible, teachers, students, release time programs, internet safety, sponsor, cybersecurity, vpn, virus protection, unity, Christian chamber, marketplace workers, networking, coworkers, neighbors, paradigm shift, reflection, I Work with Him, iWorkWithHim, business as mission, When Jesus Calls, supernatural business, entrepreneur, pastor, shepherd, God talks, author, faith at work, events, military, faith integration, finance, women in business, customer care, Polished Network, women, Women in the Marketplace, collaboration, SaferNet, USCCC, abiding, balance, Valentine’s Day, entrepreneurs, groups, G7, LinkedIn, diversity, Lifework, Dallas, Jacksonville, transformation, job search, tradition, conservative, DEI, CEO, spiritual gifts, Holy Spirit, coaching, practical faith, revival, tent revival, identity, work excellence, iWork4Him Nation, South Africa, supernatural, marketplace faith, fostering, adoption, calling, vocation, Pennsylvania, social work, sacred, Christian women, women in leadership, legal, lawyer, attorney, missions, missionary, talents, skills, opportunities, technology, integration, community, redemption, flowers, florists, business, Chicago, community investment, youth empowerment, success, inspiring stories, science, evolution, interview, creationism, atheism, publishing, podcasting, nonprofit, business acade, tech, women in tech, Microsoft, podcast, update, small town, abide, marketplace ministry, superheroes, Catholicism, fiction, novel, truth at work, business leadership, Christian business, purpose, apprenticeship, blue collar, trade skills, tradesman, trade school, womens conference, womens event, boldly conference, polished network, franchise, franchise business, commercial cleaning, Tampa Bay, professional development, business scaling, giant worldwide, leadership training, trucking, logistics, ASAP Express, human trafficking, stewardship, retirement advice, decision matrix, business legacy, business acquisition, redemptive business, youth basketball, community sports, youth outreach, gratitude, memory lane, Work4Him, religion, disrupting religion, Christian author, banking, Regent Bank, prayer ministry, prayer at work, franchising, faith journey, God as CEO, Christmas traditions, holiday traditions, family blessings, family traditions, 2025 plans, love your neighbor, 2025 goals, event center, event venues, the Church, Church culture, human resources, HR, hiring, hiring techniques, company culture, company values, hiring resources, race, empathy, racial reconciliation, the church, sheWorks4Him, adversity, challenges, love your enemy, legacy, future generations, memoirs, spiritual life, faith story, autobiography, God’s will, decision making, retirement help, retirement planning, business forums, leader forums, kingdom business, share your faith, work celebration, global day of faith at work, retirement purpose, 365 Christian Men, Christian men, storytelling, fastener company, integrity, business purpose, business coaching, business owners, business journey, career journey, Texas business, Kingdom film, Christian film, Christian media, Kingdom media, hard truths, Kingdom mindset, prayer miracles, life transformation, Carl Pohlad, evangelism, God’s voice, Godatwork, faithatwork, faithandwork