All That Matters Is God and Doing His Will: A Story of Surrender and Humility

All That Matters Is God and Doing His Will: A Story of Surrender and Humility

When pride fades, grace begins.
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Osborne, host of The Valiant Forge Podcast, to talk about what it really means to lay everything down before God. Mark’s story is one of strength forged through surrender — a reminder that all that truly matters is doing God’s will and letting Him shape every part of who we are.

A Father’s Change That Proved God’s Power

Mark grew up watching faith flicker and return within his family. His mom clung to prayer, even when his father resisted church and the call of God. But one Sunday changed everything.

“My dad had his jacket half on, ready to walk out during the altar call,” Mark said. “Then a woman got on the mic and said, ‘If you walk out that door, you won’t feel this call again.’ My dad turned around and ran to the altar.”

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That moment became a miracle in motion. Overnight, the man who once drowned his pain in alcohol became a new creation — joyful, sober, and full of peace.
Mark saw it with his own eyes and knew then that God was real.

From Believing in God to Knowing Him

As a teenager, Mark followed his dad’s footsteps to the altar. He believed, served, and went through the motions of faith — but didn’t yet know God personally.

“I did all the right things,” he admitted, “but I didn’t have a relationship with Him.”

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Like so many of us, he knew about God, but hadn’t experienced what it meant to walk daily in surrender. That truth wouldn’t take root until decades later, through pain, discipline, and humility.

A Wake-Up Call at the Kitchen Table

In his late 40s, after suffering a mild heart attack, Mark found himself sitting in front of a bowl of Captain Crunch, asking God a question we’ve all asked: “Why am I not happy?”

“I felt like God said, ‘It’s time for you to get in shape.’”

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That small whisper set off a massive change. He lost 60 pounds, rebuilt his body, and even ran a half marathon. But what started as obedience slowly became pride. He began to glorify his strength instead of his Savior.

The Moment Everything Changed

God, in His mercy, didn’t let him stay there. When Mark realized his focus had shifted from ministry to self-image, he made a bold choice.

“I deleted everything. God, my marriage, and my ministry were more important than me,” he said. “I had to die to myself.”

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That moment of surrender was the beginning of restoration — in his heart, his marriage, and his calling.

Forged in Faith: The Valiant Forge Podcast

Out of that surrender, God gave Mark a mission: to help men become who God created them to be — in mind, body, and spirit.

“It’s not about you,” Mark said. “It’s about God. When you better yourself through Him, you become a better husband, father, and leader.”

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Through The Valiant Forge Podcast, Mark encourages men to build strength rooted in Scripture — not self-help. His message is simple but powerful: real growth begins the moment you stop building your own kingdom and start building God’s.

Encouragement for the One Who Feels Discouraged

Mark also shared a story that reminded me why this work matters.

He once received an email from a young listener who said the podcast helped him rebuild a broken relationship with his father. Months later, that same young man still sends texts asking for prayer and advice.

“If one person’s life changes because of it,” Mark said, “it’s worth doing.”

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Those words hit close to home. Because isn’t that what it’s all about? Impacting one soul at a time — doing the will of God, even when it feels small.