Emptying Yourself to Find Fulfillment with Fr. Jon Miskin

Fr. Jon’s testimony reminds us that God’s plans often exceed our own expectations. When we surrender our lives to Him, embrace sacrifice, and trust His guidance, we discover the deeper joy and purpose for which we were created. True fulfillment is found not in holding tightly to our own dreams, but in allowing God to shape them according to His perfect will.Fr. Jon Miskin — Emptying Yourself to Find Fulfillment

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Fr. Jon Miskin shares the remarkable story of his vocation to the priesthood and the lessons he has learned about sacrifice, obedience, trust, and authentic love.

Ordained in 2019 for the Diocese of Little Rock, Fr. Jon reflects on his upbringing in a faithful Catholic family, where he first learned the meaning of self-giving love through the example of his parents and siblings. As a cradle Catholic, his journey was not marked by a dramatic conversion, but by a gradual transformation of the heart—a movement from simply knowing about God to developing a personal relationship with Him.

Fr. Jon candidly recounts how he initially resisted any thought of becoming a priest. Like many young people, he envisioned a future filled with personal success, marriage, children, and financial security. Yet through a series of providential moments—including a life-changing retreat experience, a letter from his pastor, and a growing awareness of God’s voice in prayer—he found himself confronting a deeper question: not what he wanted from life, but what God wanted for him.

Drawing inspiration from Philippians 2:6-8, Fr. Jon explains how Christ’s example of self-emptying became the foundation of his vocation. He explores the paradox at the heart of Christian discipleship: that true fulfillment is found not in pursuing our own plans, but in surrendering ourselves to God’s will.

Listeners will be encouraged by Fr. Jon’s reflections on humility, obedience, sacrifice, and trust. Whether you are discerning a vocation, navigating marriage and family life, or simply seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, this conversation offers practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement.

Key Topics Discussed

  • Growing up in a faithful Catholic family
  • The difference between knowing God and following God
  • Vocational discernment and listening to God’s call
  • The transformative power of retreats, Adoration, and Confession
  • Why obedience is central to discipleship
  • The connection between priestly and marital vocations
  • Finding joy through sacrifice and self-gift
  • Trusting God’s plan over our own desires
  • The beauty and fulfillment of serving others

 

Memorable Quote

“What you want may be beautiful things, but what do I want for you?”

Takeaway

Fr. Jon’s testimony reminds us that God’s plans often exceed our own expectations. When we surrender our lives to Him, embrace sacrifice, and trust His guidance, we discover the deeper joy and purpose for which we were created. True fulfillment is found not in holding tightly to our own dreams, but in allowing God to shape them according to His perfect will.

 

Fr. Jon Miskin’s talk was given to the Cherokee Village Chapter, AR in March 2026.

 

Magnificat Presents® Some Women®: Be Not Afraid

Explore the Catholic faith testimony shared in this podcast episode, where ordinary women reveal extraordinary faith.

Be Not Afraid | Episode 9 – Some Women Podcast (Luke 8:1–3)

“Be not afraid.”

In this powerful episode of the Some Women podcast, Angela, Jackie, Pat, and Sharla share how God has proven Himself faithful in the midst of life’s battles. Through personal testimony, prayer, and reflection on Scripture, they reveal how the Lord led them into deeper trust—and spoke personally to their hearts with the words “Be not afraid.”

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

  • How God meets us personally during seasons of fear and uncertainty

  • What it looks like to trust the Lord in spiritual warfare and daily struggles

  • How ordinary women grow extraordinary faith through surrender and prayer

  • Why the words “Be not afraid” remain central to the Christian life

📖 Scripture Focus

This episode is part of the Some Women podcast series, inspired by Luke 8:1–3, which highlights the women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples. Their example invites us to ask:

  • Who were the women who followed and served Jesus?

  • How are we called to follow and serve Him today?

  • What does faithful discipleship look like for women in the modern world?

🎙️ About the Some Women Podcast

Presented by Magnificat®, Some Women features lively panel discussions (with occasional guest panelists) on topics relevant to Catholic women today, including:

  • Growing in holiness

  • Building authentic community

  • Living a Holy Spirit–led life

  • Spiritual warfare

  • Developing a deeper prayer life

Each episode reflects on Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church, encouraging listeners to pray, learn, and experience what God can do when we let Him work in our lives.

🌸 About Magnificat® – A Ministry to Catholic Women

Founded in 1981, Magnificat® is an international Catholic nonprofit with over 70 chapters worldwide. The ministry exists to evangelize and encourage women to grow in holiness by opening more fully to the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Inspired by Mary’s words in Luke 1:46“My soul magnifies the Lord”—Magnificat® gatherings include:

  • Praise and worship

  • Testimonies of God’s transforming grace

  • Faith-sharing in a relaxed, welcoming community

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, as a model for all Christians, especially women.

🔗 Learn more at: https://magnificat-ministry.org