Abandoning Idols to Cling to God

Have you ever felt so caught up in what you wanted that you struggled to seek God’s will?

I struggled with that in high school when I had hopes of playing pro football. But God had different plans for me.

Learning to trust God has been a long journey for our guest on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Abandoning Idols to Cling to God,” Christian recording artist Phil Stacey.

After growing up in a musical Christian family, Phil was featured as a soloist for the Lee Singers, one of Lee University’s premiere touring ensembles. After graduating, Phil enlisted in the U.S. Navy and travelled as the lead vocalist of the Navy rock band Pride. Then in 2007, he became a finalist on the 6th season of the hit televsion show American Idol.

With success came pressure. The show became the center of his life. People began asking for pictures and autographs. On a daily basis, he faced interviews, style meetings, photo shoots, rehearsals, and performances.

Phil says, “Once I made it through the whole experience, I saw how pointless a lot of it was. I thought, I’ve reached the pinnacle and it’s not that bright.”

Through it all, Phil experienced the truth of Romans 8:28 which tells us that even in tough times, God has a purpose and a plan for our lives. Phil has seen that promise fulfilled in his life, and I’m excited to share his story. You’ll be encouraged to look beyond the things of this world, to love fully, and to find true freedom in Christ.

Join us on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Abandoning Idols to Cling to God” on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

Phil Stacey is the Creative Arts Pastor of City Center Church in Lenexa, Kansas. He also narrated segments for Alive to Thrive, a free suicide-prevention program from Focus on the Family that includes video interviews with experts and roundtable discussions on how to prevent suicide. He also served as host alongside our own Lisa Anderson for the pre- and post-stage interviews for Focus on the Family’s 2019 event Alive from New York.

I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Phil Stacey’s book Made to Worship: Empty Idols and the Fullness of God as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, visit our website or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).