Horses, Hope,
& Hustle

Featuring Pastor Scott Mathis

There’s a kind of stubborn independence in the western world. You handle your own problems, you don’t ask for help, and you definitely don’t admit when you’re lost. So when it comes to God, a lot of people don’t just drift away—they walk away on purpose. In this conversation with Pastor Scott Mathis, there’s a level of honesty that hits different, because it’s not polished faith. It’s the kind that had to fight its way back.

For some people, walking away from God doesn’t start as rebellion—it starts as pain. As he shared, “Because of things that happened to me… I just grew up with, ‘I hate God.’” Not questioned. Not doubted. Hated. And that’s a place more people sit in than want to admit, because when life hits hard enough, the question stops being “Is God real?” and starts becoming “If He is… why did He let this happen?” So instead of leaning in, we do what feels natural—we shut the door.

But some people don’t just ignore God—they go looking for answers, even if it’s to prove Him wrong. “I was going to disprove it… I believed the Bible was something people made up.” There’s something honest about that kind of fight, because at least you’re willing to engage the question. And what’s powerful is that it wasn’t blind faith that changed things—it was the realization that the evidence didn’t fall apart. “I couldn’t disprove the historicity of Jesus Christ.” At some point, it stopped being about whether God was real and started becoming about something way more personal: If He is real… what does that mean for me?

That’s where a lot of people get stuck. Not clueless. Not unaware. Just not ready. “I don’t care—I’m just going to live my own life.” Because surrender feels like giving something up, and control is something we don’t let go of easily. But the truth is, God was never waiting for a better version of you to show up. 

He meets you right in the middle of it. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 Not later. Not when you’ve cleaned it up. Right now, as you are.

And even when you think you’ve walked too far away, chances are you’re not as alone as you feel. “There were literally thousands of people praying… for their wayward, wild son.” While you’ve been running, God’s been working. He hasn’t written you off. “The Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.” — 2 Peter 3:9 He’s not in a hurry to give up on you, even if you’ve already given up on Him.

There’s this idea that faith is something you either grew up with or missed your chance at, like if you didn’t start early, you’re somehow behind. But that’s not how it works. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:13 Not the perfect. Not the polished. Just the willing. You can come to God late. You can come to Him after years of doubt, anger, or living life your own way. None of that disqualifies you.

And the truth is, coming back to God usually doesn’t look like some big, dramatic moment. It’s quieter than that. It’s a decision. Sometimes it sounds like, “I don’t have all the answers… but I’m done running.” That’s it. That’s the starting point. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5 You don’t have to have everything figured out—you just have to be willing to take a step.

So if you’ve ever felt far from God, if you’ve questioned Him, doubted Him, or lived in a way that doesn’t line up with what you think faith is supposed to look like—you’re not disqualified. You’re not too far gone. In fact, those are often the exact people He’s closest to. 

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” — Psalm 34:18

If you’re in that place right now, you don’t need to clean yourself up first. You don’t need perfect words or perfect belief. Just start. Talk to God, even if it feels awkward. Be honest—He already knows anyway. Let go of the idea that you have to earn your way back, because you don’t. You just come.

And maybe that’s the real truth most people need to hear—

God isn’t waiting for you to get your life together. He’s just waiting for you to come home.

Listen to the Full Conversation on Spotify or Apple Podcast: Horses Hope & Hustle- Episode #3 Following Your Calling From God with Pastor Scott Mathis