When God Calls, Obstacles Don't Have the Final Word - Knowing God's Will and Doing It Well

A Footsteps to Heaven podcast episode
with Terry Modica

This is a companion to the workbook “Knowing God’s Will and Doing It Well“.

Do obstacles make you wonder if God is advising you to quit the path you’re trying to take? Think again! They are often opportunities to witness God’s guidance.

God’s will is best discerned through humble trust, wise accompaniment, and perseverance through obstacles, not by relying on our emotions or trying to figure everything out alone, as Deacon Harbey Santiago points out in this episode.

Discernment requires prayer, the Sacraments (especially Reconciliation), and accompaniment rather than isolation. Whether you’re discerning a vocation, facing a divorce, or dealing with a life-changing decision, God’s will becomes clearer when we seek His grace instead of depending on our own understanding.

In this episode of Footsteps to Heaven, Terry Modica talks with Deacon Harbey Santiago. He has a remarkable testimony of God’s faithfulness. Although he sensed a call to the diaconate at just 12 years old, he found himself navigating a divorce. By waiting on God’s timing, he ultimately discovered a ministry helping divorced Catholics find healing and hope.

Deacon Harbey’s story reminds us that God’s plans are often fulfilled in ways we never expect.

Together we discuss:

Why obstacles aren’t always signs to turn back.
How God confirms His will through other people.
The importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and spiritual direction when facing life’s toughest decisions.
How those who have experienced divorce can continue to walk closely with Christ and discover His healing love.

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📚 Visit Deacon Harbey’s website: deaconharbey.com
Connect with him on Facebook at facebook.com/harbey.santiago

⏱ Chapters:
01:57 How Deacon Harbey Discovered His Calling
05:41 Knowing a Childhood Calling Was Really from God
09:14 When Obstacles Seem to Block God’s Plan
12:49 Why Deacon Harbey Chose Ministry to Divorced Catholics
18:10 How to Discern God’s Will During Divorce
19:24 Spiritual Direction & Reconciliation for Discernment
21:11 Is Divorce a Sin? A Catholic Perspective
23:49 Feeling Like You’ve Let God Down
27:00 When Self-Condemnation Leads to Depression
28:57 Healing Through the Father’s Love
30:02 Why We Repeat Unhealthy Relationship Patterns
31:27 Trusting God’s Love When You Can’t Understand It
33:13 A Prayer for Trusting God in Difficult Times
34:03 Looking Back to Recognize God’s Guidance
35:15 Final Encouragement

Video Excerpt:

Deacon Harbey Santiago: “When somebody comes to me and tells me, ‘My spouse has asked me for a divorce,’ the first question I would ask is, ‘Do you have a spiritual director?’ The second is, ‘When was the last time you went to Reconciliation?’

Because in moments like that, we need as much grace as we can get. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation we receive God’s grace, and if we make it a habit to go to the same confessor and ask for guidance, we’re no longer walking this journey alone.

The worst thing you can try to do is go through a divorce alone, especially as a Catholic, because there’s so much misinformation. People will tell you all kinds of things, including that divorce itself is a sin and you can no longer receive the sacraments. That’s simply not true. Divorce is a traumatic event, but the fact that your spouse has chosen to leave does not make you a sinner—it makes you a victim. We cannot blame the victim.

If you’re trying to discern God’s will in the middle of this pain, don’t isolate yourself. Seek God’s grace through the sacraments, find a holy spiritual guide, and let the Lord lead you one step at a time.”

Watch the episode now and discover how God calls even when we’re not seeking Him.

For help in discerning God’s plans for you, get the workbook “Knowing God’s Will and Doing It Well“

More episodes on Knowing God’s plan for you >>

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