Let’s Talk About It
“Let’s Talk About It” is a real, unfiltered podcast for young adults navigating faith, life, and the tough questions in between — from purpose and identity to church hurt and finances. Hosted by Elizabeth Peck, each monthly episode features honest conversations with Christian leaders shaping today’s faith culture.
Let’s Talk About It
Episode 13: Living in Light of Eternity (Special Guest: Will Wood)
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Episode 13 is HERE!
Living in Light of Eternity
Special Guest: Will Wood
Will serves as a Sports Chaplain at High Point University and has a genuine heart for Jesus and for investing in others.
In this episode, we dive into what it truly means to live with an eternal perspective, how young adults can stand out in a culture that is so focused on the temporary, and how every believer - regardless of age - can leave a lasting legacy for the Kingdom of God!
I’m so thankful for the wisdom Will shared, his passion for Christ, and his willingness to join me for this conversation. Over the past year, he has become a great friend, and I’m grateful for the impact he continues to make for God’s Kingdom!
Tune in now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Please join me in praying for Will as he balances school, work, and ministry. Pray that God would continue to give him wisdom, strength, and direction as he follows wherever the Lord leads him next.
Hey everyone, welcome back to Let's Talk About It. And if you're tuning in, this is episode number 13. And it's so hard to believe that we are here. And it has just been so fun. We have reached the final episode of season number two. And I am joined by the wonderful and very special Will Wood. And for those of you that don't know Will, I would like to introduce him to you all and tell you more about him. Will is a very dedicated believer. He has a passion for fulfilling the Great Commission. And he serves as a sports chaplain at High Point University, walking alongside D1 athletes and coaches, encouraging them in their faith and pointing them to Jesus. He deeply loves his family and serving Jesus together. And for those that don't know Will, a couple of fun facts about him is he is friends with another guest we've had on this podcast named Chase Johnston. You might have recognized him from the NCAA tournament this year, this past season. He did excellent. So did the team. I was just cheering for you all. That was just so exciting. Thank you. Yeah, yeah, that was so exciting. And um, Will and I have a couple mutual friends, and I've gotten to know Will over the past several months. And I can tell you right now, Will has become a wonderful friend and brother in Christ. And I'm just so pumped, Will, to have you on for this conversation.
SPEAKER_01Thank you. I'm so excited to be here.
SPEAKER_02Yes. And so, Will, as we kick off, we love to ask our guests a little bit more about themselves so that our audience can get to know them very well. So, can you share something about yourself that most people don't know about you?
SPEAKER_01Sure. Yeah. So um one thing that a lot of people don't know is that I'm a twin. And what's even funnier is we have um brothers that are twins as well. So there's four of us total. We're 22, they're 31. Uh, and so it made a fun household growing up in Oh my word, that is so cool.
SPEAKER_02I hear that that runs in families. Um, it's it's like a genetic line. Do you have twins like in your family line history?
SPEAKER_01Yes. So going back to my great-grandparent or great-grandmother, she was a twin. Um, and it was funny because when my older brothers started having kids, um, they were a little worried that they were gonna have twins, but neither of them have.
SPEAKER_02Now I gotta ask, are you the older twin or are you the younger twin?
SPEAKER_01So I'm the older twin by two minutes. Um, and so I try to hold that over my brother. I always have a little bit more wisdom.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, there you go. Two minutes. That's awesome. And Will, I have loved getting to know that you have such a close relationship with the Lord. Um, I have been so impressed by your walk with Jesus. And can you uh tell us your salvation story and how God has worked in your life?
SPEAKER_01Sure. Yeah, so I was super blessed to grow up in a household where my parents and grandparents all collectively um deeply followed Jesus. And that is just such a blessing that I I just I never appreciated until I was older. And um so my personal relationship with Jesus started at at a young age, and but it really took a turn uh to more of a personal relationship. When I was a senior in high school, I realized I was I was leading FCA and I was a part of youth group, but I wasn't really living like for the gospel. I didn't I didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus. And so through mentorship and discipleship and many people that poured into me, um, that relationship really became personal and genuine.
SPEAKER_02Oh, yes, that's so good. And we've been talking about that quite often on Let's Talk About It, where you're right, it has to be a personal relationship, it can't be a borrowed faith. So that was so spot on. Yes. And so for this topic, Will, we're talking about living with an eternal perspective, how this life, like the Bible says, is but a vapor. And we have so much to look forward to for those of us who are believers in Jesus Christ when we get to heaven. And so, Will, my first question is what does the Bible teach about living with an eternal perspective and why is it so important for believers?
SPEAKER_01Sure. So it my mind immediately goes to Matthew 6, where it says, Don't lay your treasures up on earth. And I think a lot of times in the society that we live in today and social media and all of the things that are distractions to us, like the world and the enemy, really tries to attack um our minds, and we get confused, and we we think that things of this earth are gonna bring happiness and peace and joy, but happiness, peace, and joy are only found in Jesus. And I think a lot of people sometimes think that the Christian walk is not fun, it can't be fun, but let me tell you, it is absolutely insane when you put your yes on the table and Jesus uses you for good.
SPEAKER_02Right. Oh my word, 100% agree. That was awesome. And how can young adults balance planning for the future while still trusting God's plans and priorities?
SPEAKER_01Sure. So one thing that is in my mind the most important thing to remember is that God always provides, and what his will is and what our own will is might not look alike, but we have to choose him, we have to serve others well. Second Corinthians 9 7, I think it is, talks about being a cheerful giver, like give of your time, give of your money, like give of just pour into other people, and that's really where abundance comes from. God always provides.
SPEAKER_02Oh, amen. That's so right, and God always blesses obedience. Um, and my next question is in a culture that values, like you said, uh success, achievement, and comfort, how can believers resist the pressure to chase things that will not last?
SPEAKER_01So, I mean, the Bible talks about in Mark, like gaining the world makes you lose your soul. So don't do that. Um, but a way to resist that, and what I have found in my own life is living life in community, like having four guys or girls around you that know your heart, they know who you are, and you can be honest and real and raw with them. Um, and it just really like when we when we confess things to other believers, like that that brings light to the situation, but it also brings freedom to to our hearts.
SPEAKER_02Exactly. Um, at our church, we talk a lot about discipleship, we focus on that a lot, and you're right, that is where it uh I describe it like a ripple effect. Um, like Jesus was big on multiplication. So not only does it affect your life, it affects all the people around you. So that is so good. What role does sharing the gospel and making disciples play in living with an eternal perspective?
SPEAKER_01Yeah, so I mean, Matthew 28 talks about go and make disciples. And we're called the Christian life is to to walk alongside others, encourage other people. You know, I God has blessed me with the platform here to encourage people, but you you can encourage people in in your workplace, and it doesn't have to be ministry, doesn't have to be a job, like that's our it's our calling. And so God has blessed me and and allowed me to kind of make this my job, but it's it's such a blessing, and you just have to talk to people, like just ask people how they're doing, but don't ask them like in a sarcastic way, because I think in culture today, we're so quick to say, hey, how you doing, but you don't really mean it. But asking those hard questions, and then it comes back to to living like in community with people, and find people that are on the same mission that you are, and get in the word, Bible studies, stuff like that.
SPEAKER_02Yeah. Oh, amen. At our church, we have a um, like one of our mission statements, and what our pastor will say at the end of every like sermon is he'll say, You are sent. So living sent and living on mission, and you're right, like you don't know the opportunities that you might have to evangelize when you go to your local coffee shop or um you go to the grocery store, and you're so right. We get in this routine of I gotta do this, I gotta do this, and we get so focused on like our day-to-day things that we do, but like looking for those moments where like, okay, Lord, who do you want me to speak today? Who can I speak life into? Who can I share the hope of Jesus Christ with? So that was excellent.
SPEAKER_01And you know, it doesn't, it doesn't have to be strangers, like you can share the gospel with your friends. And I think you know, it goes back to like what I talked about before is just reach out. Like, you know, you don't ever know when that text message or that call could mean the world to somebody. They could be in a rough place and that brings them joy. So that's encouragement to keep going.
SPEAKER_02And that is great encouragement. You got that one. And if Jesus returned today, Will, what are some things that you think young adults would wish they had focused on differently?
SPEAKER_01Well, I would say first thing is go out of your way more. Like, go like just what we talked about. Like when you're in a a grocery store, the last thing you want to do is talk to somebody, but do it. Because, like I just said, like you don't ever know what people are going through and what a quick can I pray for you kind of thing. It really, really touches people, and that's how we spread the gospel, and that's a that's a practical way to do that, but and another thing that I think that a lot of adults would wish is that they put their phone down more. Like, it's not it's not worth scrolling mindlessly, um, looking at a highlight reel of somebody else's life. That's something that I have really had to rationalize in my own head is that social media is so false. Like it's such a and it gives us a false perspective on life, but everybody struggles. And so that's something that you know I have really started to notice uh as I stepped into ministry with athletes is you know, they're oftentimes put on a pedal, pedestal, and they struggle just like we do, if not more.
SPEAKER_02And I one thing I love, I love so many things about you, Will, but I know you're very involved in your ministry. Uh, you've got campus ministries at HPU and FCA. Um, you guys are doing some incredible things to FCA. I know we have another mutual friend, Doug Elks, and he came and I think it was like kind of like a revival night. Can you kind of share more about that?
SPEAKER_01Sure. So three, well, I guess it was two years ago now. Um, Trey Benham, he played on our team. He's a mutual friend of Chase and I. He had a vision that he wanted to do, have this like night of revival, worship night. And so he tasked me with that. He said, Hey, I have this vision, I don't have any time to plan it. Can you do it? So I said, Well, Trey, you just have to know Trey, he's such a fun, like fly by the seat of his pants kind of guy. Uh, that's just who he is. But so it was really fun. We we did this worship night, we ended up having like 600 people show up. Um, and so that was just absolutely amazing. The spirit really was moving here, and it we actually gave away t-shirts that said Jesus wins. And so it's been super fun to see those on campus, and that kind of strikes up conversations um to get to know more people. But we yeah, FCA is booming here. Um, I think we actually had the largest uh North Carolina chapter in college. So God has really blessed that it's been able to touch athletes all across 17 of our sports. Um, and so God is really moving in that. And we're actually gonna do another worship night this fall.
SPEAKER_02Oh my goodness, that is so excellent. And um, do you have, I know, like at Liberty where I went to school, um, which I'm so excited, you are gonna be an alma mater too of Liberty. Yeah. Um, so do you have like a mentor in your life that you saw live out the Great Commission, um that really inspired you in your walk with the Lord?
SPEAKER_01Sure. So I'll go back, I have a couple, but the first one is my grandmother. She uh was an absolute, she was a definition of a disciple and a discipler that makes disciples. I I never realized it, but at her funeral, so many people stood to to testify to her life and and all that she had done for all of them. But but to me, she was just my nana. Like I didn't realize that. And so the counseling aspect of my ministry, I think, really does come from her. That's what she did. She counseled so many women across her dining room table. She she restored marriages, or Jesus restored marriages, but she was the motivating factor behind that, and so she really just was a selfless person and she served wholeheartedly in everything that she did. So that was like my first motivating factor. Um, and then in sports chaplaincy, Reverend Richard Payne, he has been an absolute um just a godsend in and just such a blessing um in my life. He serves as a full-time chaplain uh with Richard Childress Racing. And so through that, he's been doing that for 20 years, and so he's poured into me and taught me about chaplaincy, and he's been a listening ear when I'm overwhelmed um or when I have questions just about anything. And so he serves alongside me here at HPU, and it's been just such a privilege. So there's so much wisdom, and I think a lot of older uh younger people these days don't value older people, um, and just the wisdom that they have. And it's I think we a lot of times um we look at that like as what can I gain from it? But it's just like just sitting under older, seasoned men that have walked with Jesus a lot longer than I have is just truly so impacting.
SPEAKER_02Oh my word. I love hearing those stories, and that is so inspiring. I tell you what, you're right. Um, I've had just so many uh like women in my life that have poured in, but one person that kind of particularly stands out, um, you know, my mother, I've had lots of people at church, but we had a wonderful professor, and I I bet you're familiar with him, uh, Will, at Liberty, Dr. David Wheeler.
SPEAKER_00Yes.
SPEAKER_02And he uh was our professor of evangelism at Liberty, and he is just so amazing. I think I believe he still teaches there. He has spoken at convocation. I bet if you go to YouTube, you can like type his name in and he'll pop up. Uh, but he was very big on you're right, um, getting off the phone. Um, he would tell the students um to avoid like putting in your earbuds when you're walking around campus because that way you look up, you're you're aware of your surroundings because you don't know who you're gonna speak to and what type of conversation that's gonna pop up. But he always gave great examples of how to witness to people, how to just uh spread the gospel. And so that was um very inspirational to me, even at that age. So I loved hearing those people, your Nana, um, the Reverend, like all those people that inspired you. So that's awesome.
SPEAKER_01And it's so cool to see uh to look back over your life and see who has impacted it. And it's just yeah, it's such a blessing. I wish, I wish my grandmother was here to see what I'm doing now, but I trust that she she knows what I'm doing.
SPEAKER_02Oh, yes. I believe, I firmly believe that people in heaven are just cheering us on, and I know that your grandmother is so proud of you and just that yeah, that is just so awesome to hear. My next question is what is one practical way someone listening can begin living more intentionally for eternity this week?
SPEAKER_01Sure. So the main thing that I would say is before you go out, you need to prioritize your own time. What you do out in public should be overflow of your personal time with Jesus. So people might say, I don't have any time. Okay, get up 30 minutes earlier. It's really not that hard. And read a proverb a day, a psalm a day. There's so many resources out there now, like the Bible app, there's so many devotionals and reading plans, you really don't have an excuse. And if you want to grow closer to Jesus, you have to read the word, you have to spend time in prayer. Because, Elizabeth, how can you have a relationship with somebody on like on earth and never talk to them? You can't, and so people expect to God to bless them and all this kind of things, but they don't spend time with him, and those blessings come out of overflow from time with him, right?
SPEAKER_02Oh my word, so well said, and I loved learning this about you, Will. We've been highlighting fun facts about you throughout this month, and one thing I was just blown away is you definitely uh live by uh what you say, meaning you have a wonderful like time that you spend with the Lord. In fact, I'd love for you to share with listeners what you do uh to have your quiet time.
SPEAKER_01Okay, so a lot of people don't know this about me, but ministry, there's not a lot of money. So I have to work a real job, and then I do ministry too. But to be able to have time with the Lord, I get up at 4:30 in the morning, which is kind of crazy. But let me tell you, it's the quietness and just the peacefulness. Um, our house my I live still live at home with my family. Um, we my my brothers have kids, and so there's somebody always in our house, there's commotion going on. So that is really like the time where I can just there's no sound, everybody else is asleep. Um, and that's just really when I hear from God well.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, that reminds me too of that is modeling exactly what Jesus did in scripture, like, and go to lonely uh places by himself to meet with the Father. And you're right, it's in that stillness. In one of my recent devotionals, I was reading is that Psalm 4610, which is be still and know that I am God. And you're right, it's we are in such a culture where it's just constant noise, constant distractions, and it's in those still, quiet moments that God speaks and God moves. So I love that. And I just um I look up to you in the fact that you are so consistent with getting up early and just living out your faith from you're right, the overflow of having those quiet moments with the Lord. So that is just wonderful. And what is of like an encouragement that you would give to young adults who want to live for what matters most?
SPEAKER_01Sure. So the one thing that I'll say, I can say this in one sentence. My grandmother always told us this is that look let those that come behind you find you faithful. And that's in anything that's in your relationship with Jesus, that's in your workplace, that's in your giving. Like I Always make sure that you can say, I did this to the fullest of my ability and I did it faithfully.
SPEAKER_02Yes, yes. That is so wonderful. Thinking about the legacy, and you're right, the eternal impact. And for you, Will, if you could sum up what you are wanting yours to be, what would you say?
SPEAKER_01My what I want my impact to be is to people not remember me, but to remember uh and to have active relationships with Jesus because of the seeds that I God has allowed me to plant. And so that's I don't want a platform. I don't want to be known. Uh, I just want to serve Jesus to the best of my ability. And if that platform or being known comes from that, I'm fine with it. But at the end of the day, I want him to say, well done.
SPEAKER_02And that is exactly why, and I'm saying this to the audience here, that is exactly why I wanted Will on this podcast, because his heart is just so pure and tender for the Lord. And that should be our goal as believers as well. Our how to make an eternal impact is um, we are not doing this to make a platform, it is all to make him famous. I love that song by I think it's Francesca Battistelli.
SPEAKER_01Oh wow, that's an old name. I haven't heard her in a while.
SPEAKER_02Yeah. And for those that don't know Francesca Battistelli, go ahead and look this song up. I think it's called like um Make Him Famous or something like that. But the lyrics go something like, I don't need my name, it's my name in lights. I'm famous in my father's eyes. And so that is just our hope and prayer um as believers, and also for this podcast, too, is this is just to proclaim Jesus to as many people as possible and impact young adults for the Lord. So um, man, Will, that was just so awesome. So many great um truths that you gave. And what is like a lifer that you always go back to to kind of center yourself uh in the Lord?
SPEAKER_01Nahum 17. Nobody uh really knows of the book of Nahum, but the Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knows them that trust in him.
SPEAKER_02Oh my gosh, that is so wonderful. And is there anything else you would like to share?
SPEAKER_01Uh I don't think so, but I just so appreciate all that you're doing. Uh, this ministry that you have created. Thank you so much for advancing the gospel via podcast. Um, I know you're a light to not just people in America, but all across the world, which is super cool to see. So thank you, Elizabeth.
SPEAKER_02Oh my gosh, what an honor and a pleasure to have you on, Will. You are precious. And um also we love to ask how we can pray for our guests. So I know you've got a lot coming up. You are very humble. You will be you're working very hard, you are juggling ministry, your job, you also are get working for a degree. Um, can you share with everyone? I think this is really cool about you, like your future goals and aspirations.
SPEAKER_01Sure. So God is actually working and opening doors right now. I won't say anything about it, but there is a lot of cool things coming down the pipeline, and God has continued to open doors. But if I would say what is my life gonna look like in in 10 years, it would be serving in vocational ministry. Um, I am wrapping up undergrad and I'm gonna go to grad school um to probably get I I'm kind of wrestling right now whether to get a uh MDiv or a master's in biblical counseling. Um, and so I I just really have a heart for people. Um, and so I could see myself serving in like a congregational care pastor role um or something like that.
SPEAKER_02I could so see you doing that. You have such a bright future in store. And how can we pray for you over the next year?
SPEAKER_01Certainly. So endurance. That's the that's the main thing. God has allowed me to do a lot of cool stuff. Um but with that come and with ministry comes um a lot of burdens and just just a heaviness. Um, but God has surrounded me around a lot of people that encourage me. Um, and so I'm just super thankful for that. So just endurance to keep doing um what I'm doing and to when God calls, uh that I go.
SPEAKER_02Right. Oh my word, excellent. So we will definitely be praying for you for all those things you mentioned. And thank you again, Will, for joining us. This has been such a blast, yes. And thank you all for tuning in, and we will see you back for the next episode.