In this powerful follow-up episode of The Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down once again with Mick Wienholt to unpack a harrowing near-death experience that forever marked his life—and revealed the depth of God’s grace even when Mick wanted nothing to do with Him.

At just 19 years old, Mick triggered an avalanche while climbing a 14,000-foot peak in Colorado. What followed was a catastrophic fall, severe head trauma, emergency brain surgery, and a recovery that should not have been possible. Even more astonishing was the perfectly timed presence of a stranger named Steve—someone Mick firmly believes God sent to save his life.

But this episode goes far beyond survival.

Mick shares with raw honesty how, despite experiencing a miracle, his heart remained far from God for years. It wasn’t until later tragedy—the loss of his son—that God fully captured his attention and revealed a truth that shattered him: even when Mick hated God, God never stopped loving him.

This conversation dives into:

• A first-person account of surviving an avalanche

• Pride, rebellion, and “rules without relationship”

• God’s protection even when we are running from Him

• Why miracles don’t always lead to immediate faith

• How grief, suffering, and honesty before God can lead to true relationship

• Encouragement for anyone struggling to see God’s hand in their pain

If you’ve ever questioned God’s presence in suffering, wrestled with anger toward Him, or wondered whether He still loves you in your rebellion—this episode is for you.