Southland Men: Jesus Rebuilds a War-Torn Veteran, with Matthew Bradford

Our guest today on the podcast is Matthew Bradford. Matthew is a decorated Marine veteran with many awards, a husband, and father. He has gotten to tell his story on 60-Minutes, the Jocko Podcast, literally all over the world. His story is unique. Matthew is a hero, but Jesus is the hero in his story!

You may be a veteran. You may have veterans in your friend group or family. Regardless, this episode is going to inspire you, challenge you and equip through to navigate through the hard stuff that you're in the middle of or that will come your way!

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Opening Questions 

• Where are you winning this week?

• Last week we left with a challenge: "Do the drastic thing."

  • What was the drastic thing for you? Did you follow through? What happened?

Discussion Questions 

Matthew's life changed instantly on January 18th. Have you ever had a moment where your life took an unexpected turn? How did you respond in that moment?

After his injury, Matthew battled guilt, identity, and hopelessness.

• When life hits hard, where does your mind naturally go—toward truth or toward negative thoughts?

• What helps you fight back against that?

Matthew described being at a crossroads: self-pity and purpose.

• Where do you feel like you're at a crossroads right now?

• What's pulling you toward the wrong path?

"Life is 10% what happens and 90% how we respond." 

• What's a situation in your life right now where you need to change your response instead of trying to change the situation?

Matthew talked about God giving him a new mission.

• Do you believe God can use hard seasons in your life for something meaningful? Why or why not?
  
  

What's one thing from this episode that stuck with you the most? What's one way you can actually apply it this week?

Wrap Up:

• If this podcast has encouraged you—we'd love to hear from you. 

• If you're wrestling with Christianity, interested in getting baptized or need help figuring out your next step…shoot us an email at lockerroom@southland.church.  

• As always…if this podcast has encouraged you—share it with a friend.  You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about.

• Thanks for listening.  Get after it!  We'll catch you next time on Locker Room.