YOU CAN DO THIS: AN INTERVIEW

Watch the full interview on Anthem’s youtube channel

On February 23, 2025, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tricia Patterson at Anthem Church to discuss my book Holy Habits and the journey of cultivating a lifelong faith. As we wrapped up the sermon series based on the book, we focused on one key message: You can do this. No matter where you are in your spiritual walk, Jesus invites you to follow Him—not perfectly, but faithfully. Here are some highlights from our conversation.

Why did you title the last chapter of your book "You Can Do This"?

So often, we look at spiritual mentors or those we admire in faith and assume they have something we don’t. But the truth is, walking with Jesus for a lifetime is not reserved for the “spiritual elite.” The disciples themselves were not the most qualified, yet Jesus called them and transformed them. The enemy wants us to believe that others can do it, but we cannot. That’s a lie. Through God’s grace and our daily effort, we can walk with Jesus for a lifetime. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency.

You said in your book, "It’s not, whoops." What do you mean by that?

Nobody wakes up one day accidentally close to God. Just like no one wakes up suddenly physically fit or financially secure, a strong relationship with God is cultivated over time. I’ve never met someone with a deep understanding of Scripture who wasn’t consistently in God’s Word. I’ve never met someone with a strong prayer life who didn’t prioritize time in prayer. A thriving faith isn’t an accident—it’s a result of intentional habits.

How do we balance effort with grace without slipping into legalism?

Legalism is the idea that we have to earn God’s love through our works. That’s not what we’re talking about here. Grace is opposed to earning, but it’s not opposed to effort. The Apostle Paul said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race." (2 Tim 4:7). That sounds like effort. We don’t run the race to earn salvation—we run because we are already saved. Our habits—being in God’s Word, praying, and being with His people—position us to grow in grace.

How can we make these habits sustainable?

Three principles: Make it easy, attractive, and clear. If we make habits overly complicated, we set ourselves up for failure. Start small. Instead of committing to three hours of Bible reading when you currently read none, start with five minutes. Make it attractive—find a time and place that you enjoy. And make it clear—know when and where you will do it. Studies show that when we attach a new habit to an existing one (habit stacking), we’re more likely to stick with it.

What would you say to someone who is trying but still feels distant from God?

First, don’t let feelings dictate your faithfulness. Feelings fluctuate, but faithfulness is a choice. Second, keep pressing in. Sometimes we go through spiritually dry seasons, but the way out is through continued pursuit. Pray about it, talk to trusted believers, and stay in the Word. Dry seasons don’t last forever.

What’s at stake if we neglect these habits?

Our faith weakens when we distance ourselves from God’s Word, prayer, and His people. I’ve seen people with great potential drift away, and it rarely happens overnight. It’s usually small steps—skipping church, neglecting the Bible, disconnecting from community. Before they know it, they are far from God. That’s why daily habits matter. And it’s not just about us—it’s about the impact we have on others.

You dedicated the book to your parents, saying, "The seeds you planted have grown an oak tree." What does that mean to you?

My parents taught me about holy habits. They read the Bible to me, prayed with me, and took me to church. They planted seeds that shaped me into who I am today. An oak tree provides shade and stability, and I want my life to do the same for others. By Go'd’s grace, I believe that is what He is allowing me to do in life and ministry. We all have the chance to plant seeds that will impact future generations.

What is your vision for a "Holy Habits Revival"?

What if we truly committed to being in the Word, on our knees, and with His people—every single day? I believe revival wouldn’t just be something we pray for; it would be something we experience. The early church in Acts was a small group of devoted believers, yet God used them to change the world. Why not us? Why not now?

Final Encouragement: You Can Do This

A lifetime of faith isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. You won’t always feel like it. You’ll have setbacks. But if you keep showing up, keep pursuing Jesus, and keep practicing these holy habits, you will grow.

You can do this. And God will meet you every step of the way.

If you want to explore this topic more, check out the book I recently released: Holy Habits: How to Walk with Jesus for a Lifetime, which is available on Amazon.

*If this has been helpful, please send me a message and let me know at brad@bradjenkins.me. And please help me by sharing this post with others who could benefit from it. My writing aims to help people enjoy a vibrant relationship with Jesus, and it is an honor to be on this journey with you.

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