The Difference Between Homelessness & Success Is God
A conversation between Brad Woessner (guest) and Devaughn Williamson (host).
Brad Woessner shared that things have happened in his life so that he would be able to help other people. His experiences include hardship, celebration, and moments of doubt, which all ultimately led him back to God. Each season shaped Brad into the man he is today and equipped him to walk with others through both grief and joy.
Brad grew up in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and worked hard to be successful early on. He bought a house at 20 years old and seemed positioned for a stable future. Unfortunately, a series of poor choices, a drinking problem, unhealthy influences, and self-proclaimed vanity led to him losing his job and his home.
Brad shared that during his season of homelessness, he ate out of dumpsters and lived through a period when his mom did not know where he was. He described feeling completely hopeless until God intervened. A friend stepped in, bought him business clothes, and helped him get back on his feet. Brad began working consistently at a furniture store, stewarded his job well, and eventually became a national sales manager leading a team of over 600 people.
Brad said that his transformation was only possible because of what God did in his life. He reflected, “I’m no smarter or more resourceful now than I was eating out of dumpsters. The difference is God.”
Although Brad was eventually baptized, he continued to relapse into his drinking habit. Over time, he learned the deeper “why” behind his behavior. The Celebrate Recovery ministry played a vital role in his healing, particularly through learning self-forgiveness, forgiving others, and extending grace. He shared that forgiveness to others is so freeing. He also took additional steps by changing his inner circle once he recognized how important community is to lasting change.
Brad emphasized that the shackles of Satan are solitude, isolation, and pride. He spoke about the importance of reaching a point where you ask yourself whether your thought process is of God and whether it is true.
Even during moments of doubt, Brad leaned on his faith and the support of his loved ones. His wife, an unwavering source of encouragement, reminded him of his own teachings: “Didn’t you say God gave you everything you need to fulfill your purpose? Trust that.”
Today, Brad’s mission is to glorify God’s name and help other people through his story. He reflected that Satan keeps noise going so that we cannot hear God in quiet spaces, and that sometimes our biggest obstacle is our own selves. He encourages others to be grateful for where they are while on the way to where they are going and to get with God in quiet spaces.
Brad ultimately has received three clear instructions from God: be grateful, help others, and glorify [His] name. As simple as those principles are, they have reshaped his entire perspective on life.
“When I shifted my focus to serving others, success followed naturally. Helping people isn’t just a spiritual practice. It’s good business,” Brad explained.
This episode is a reminder of the power of faith, of God’s story of redemption, and of living a life that uplifts others. Whether you are facing your own challenges or simply need encouragement, Brad’s story is a testament to the victories that can emerge from even the toughest battles
If Brad’s story moved you, consider sharing it with someone who needs encouragement. And if you're able, partner with Faith Ignite to help bring more stories of hope to the world. Together, we can spread messages of God's faithfulness to those who need it most.
Devaughn Williamson President, Faith Ignite Inc
