Surrender to God and Live in the Spirit (Ft. Laurel Bunker)

Shame. Fear. Identity crisis. Our generation—especially young adults and parents—is silently drowning in hidden battles. We long for freedom, yet so often search for it through striving, rituals, or more information. All the while, we navigate deep waters of confusion, facing demonic resistance and relentless cultural pressure. Does God still show up in the chaos? Can Jesus really meet us in our mess—just as He did the woman at the well? And when we finally meet Him — can we still find it in ourselves to wholly and completely surrender to God?In this episode of the Revelations Podcast, host Reagan Kramer welcomes Laurel Bunker: preacher, educator, and spiritual mother to many. With over 30 years of ministry in higher education and nonprofit leadership, Laurel shares her deeply personal journey from performance-based religion to radical intimacy with the Living Word. She opens up about confronting demonic oppression, overcoming self-hatred, and raising daughters in a world flooded with lies.Rooted in the story of the woman at the well, this conversation is a call to lay down shame, reclaim identity, and rise in kingdom authority. If you’re weary from the fight, questioning your worth, or longing to hear God's voice again—pause. Take a seat by the well. Encounter Jesus. Surrender to God; drink deeply of His grace and be restored.Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:Gain biblical clarity on how to surrender to God and live fully in “Spirit and Truth,” beyond mere rituals and religion.Understand how shame, demonic influence, and the culture of people-pleasing hinder identity.Learn how a transformational encounter with Jesus breaks lifelong bondage, as told through Laurel Bunker’s story.Become Part of Our Mission! Support The Revelations Podcast:Your support fuels our mission to share transformative messages of hope and faith. Click here to learn how you can contribute and be part of this growing community!ResourcesMore from the Revelations Podcast hosted by Reagan Kramer: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast | YoutubePulse Evangelism - WebsiteConnect with Laurel Bunker: Website | Instagram | FacebookSalt Company (College Ministry): WebsiteAspen Grove Network of Churches: WebsiteBible VersesJohn 4John 17Ephesians 1 Hebrews 4:12Romans 10:9-10Psalms 91:11This Episode is brought to you by Advanced Medicine AlternativesGet back to the active life you love through natural & regenerative musculoskeletal healing: https://www.georgekramermd.com/Episode Highlights[0:15] Living Water at the WellReagan welcomes guest Laurel Bunker, a dynamic preacher and opens with a story where spiritual thirst met the Living Water.[01:12] Laurel: “I gave so much of my life away before Jesus. I'm giving it all away for Jesus now, you know. We got to redeem the time.”The cultural tension between Jews and Samaritans sets the stage for Jesus’ radical act of compassion and revelation.This moment shatters cultural shame and personal guilt, proving Jesus meets people right where they are.[9:01] Transformation and Worship in Spirit and TruthOne conversation with Jesus turns the Samaritan woman into an evangelist to her entire town.Her transformation ripples outward, showing that personal encounters with truth can spark collective revival.According to Laurel, true worship isn’t tied to a location or ritual. Instead, we must act our faith through a surrendered, Spirit-filled life.Living in spirit and truth becomes more than theology—it becomes a multiplying force of freedom.[20:25] Challenges and Encouragement for BelieversLegalism, shame, and spiritual burnout are real struggles for modern believers.Laurel shares how her own religious performance led to exhaustion and how encountering Jesus brought lasting freedom.[22:51] Laurel: “I promise you, growing up all the way into my 20s, in my early 20s, I would look at Christ or images of him, or Christ on the cross, and I wouldn't know who- I didn't know who he was.”Wounds from church experiences don’t have to write the final chapter of your faith. Healing and purpose remain possible when we surrender to God.Believers are encouraged to live a lifestyle of repentance, humility, and unfiltered honesty before God.[32:28] The Power of the Holy Spirit in Modern TimesThe Holy Spirit isn’t a concept confined to the early church—it’s a present force guiding and healing today.Laurel shares stories of spiritual breakthrough and reminds believers that revival begins with personal obedience.Following Jesus means actively listening, discerning, and stepping into purpose led by the Spirit.The call is clear: lean into the Holy Spirit’s presence and let Him do the work only He can do.[40:49] Addressing Shame and Finding Freedom in ChristShame distorts identity and silences spiritual authority, but it doesn’t have the final word. Laurel herself has journeyed through a valley of deep shame — but Christ’s love shattered every ...