Have you ever grown up in church, done “all the right things,” and still battled with a deep ache inside, the kind you just can’t explain to anyone? In this episode, we sit down with our friend Charles Wagner, and wow… his story is going to speak to so many of you who have carried silent pain, hidden shame, or unanswered questions about God’s love.

Charles grew up immersed in Scripture, Christian school, and church life… yet he spent decades believing God didn’t — and couldn’t — love him. His journey took him through trauma, identity confusion, depression, a painful divorce, and even suicidal thoughts. And yet, God interrupted his life with a love so powerful it melted years of fear, lies, and inner brokenness.

If you've ever wondered why you keep cycling through old wounds… or why you’re still battling thoughts that don’t match what you believe… or if you’ve questioned whether it’s “too late” for God to turn things around, this conversation is for you.

Chapters:

[00:00] Podcast Preview

[01:18] Topic and Guest Introduction

[03:47] Charles’ early church background

[05:00] Childhood trauma and identity confusion

[08:30] Hitting the lowest point: divorce & despair

[10:55] Meeting the counselor God used to heal him

[12:53] Why it’s never too late for God to transform your life

[14:21] Understanding rebellion & letting God take His rightful place

[17:26] The power of personal testimonies in the church

[18:45] Why “simple stories” matter too

[21:56] How brokenness transformed his prayer life

[23:27] Writing 700-page prayer books

[25:54] Overcoming depression through community & confession

[27:43] When secular counseling falls short

[29:25] Encouragement for late bloomers

[31:34] The biggest lesson about God’s redemptive love

[33:04] How to renew your sense of God’s love

[35:17] The Gramazin Testimony Center

[36:50] Charles’ fun hobbies & new music journey

Resources mentioned:

Gramazin Testimony Center

Charles Wagner's Books

Guest's bio:

Charles Wagner is a prolific author with a deep passion for God's Word. He has written five books, including powerful prayer commentaries, and is known for being an avid, lifelong student of the Bible. Charles doesn’t just study Scripture—he lives it, writes it, and teaches it with clarity, vulnerability, and authenticity.

He’s also a radio host and the founder of Gramazin, a ministry inspired by “Amazing Grace,” dedicated to equipping believers and churches to share the real-life stories of how God shows up. Through this growing testimony movement, Charles helps believers find their voice, share their journey, and build a stronger, more connected body of Christ.

Beyond his ministry and writing life, Charles is the husband of Karen, father to Chad and Stephanie, an avid walker, and even a pickleball enthusiast.

Call to action:

Make sure to visit yourbiggestbreakthrough.com for your FREE access to our e-book and audiobook, "Unstoppable: Divine Intervention in Overcoming Adversity," showcasing six powerful real-life stories. Get ready to be inspired by these mind-blowing breakthroughs!

To learn more about Wendie and her Visibly Fit program, visit wendiepett.com

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