The Difference Between Homelessness & Success Is God
A conversation between Brad Woessner, guest; and Devaughn Williamson, host.
Brad’s life started with promise. He grew up in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and was a hardworking young man juggling multiple jobs. By 20, he owned his first home and was thriving in sales. But as success grew, so did poor choices. Hanging out with the wrong crowd, coupled with unchecked habits, led to his life spiraling out of control. Despite offers of help—like rehab from his employer—Brad’s pride got in the way. “I didn’t want to admit I had a problem,” he shared. Ironically, those closest to him already knew.
Eventually, he lost everything, even his home, and spent nearly a year homeless—living under a bridge, eating from dumpsters, and grappling with the weight of hopelessness.
Yet even in those dark days, Brad had seeds of faith planted in him. One morning, he woke up with a worship song in his heart—a glimmer of hope he hadn’t felt in years. This moment marked the beginning of his turnaround. Brad declared to friends, “I’m not going to be here much longer.” Sure enough, a friend sent him some money and helped him start his life over in Oklahoma City. Brad went from owning one shirt and tie to becoming a national sales manager for a large furniture company. But this isn’t just a story of career success—it’s about healing, forgiveness, and God’s redemptive power.
Brad credits his transformation to God. He reflected, “I’m no smarter or more resourceful now than I was eating out of dumpsters. The difference is God.” Faith was his anchor through isolation, failure, and shame.
Brad realized that the fear of judgment kept him from seeking help, though those closest to him already knew he was struggling. “When I finally confessed to my mom, she just said, ‘Brad, everybody knows.’” That moment showed him the power of vulnerability and the grip shame can have if we let it.
Brad’s journey wasn’t lateral or without setbacks. Alcohol was a recurring battle, but attending Celebrate Recovery brought him clarity. He learned the importance of forgiving others—and himself. “God brought me through to not just strengthen me but so I could be a bridge for others,”.
The turning point came in a quiet, unexpected moment. After years of noise—both external and internal—Brad found himself in complete silence at home. It was then he encountered God in a profound way. The stillness revealed what the chaos had hidden: God's presence had been waiting all along. Brad heard God speak to his heart and say, “I would have shown up sooner, if you had gotten out of My way.” That realization hit hard, a humbling reminder that Brad’s journey wasn’t about his plans but about trusting God’s.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, he highlighted the importance of gratitude, even in hardship. Early in his faith journey, he received three clear instructions from God: be grateful, help others, and glorify His name. Simple as they were, those principles reshaped his perspective on life.
One story stood out—a prophecy from a pastor’s wife who said Brad would help thousands. At the time, he was barely scraping by, but he held onto that vision. Over the years, he rose from a furniture salesman to a general manager, learning the art of genuine connection along the way. “When I shifted my focus to serving others, success followed naturally. Helping people isn’t just a spiritual practice; it’s good business,” he explained.
Even during moments of doubt—when worry about finances or the future crept in—he leaned on his faith and the support of 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.”
And then there were those unmistakable God-moments, like the time he returned to his hometown, driving in a luxury car—a far cry from the bus he’d once taken to leave. Or the reminder in an amusement park when God said, “Just like you pull your family close, I’m pulling you close in this storm.”
His journey wasn’t free of setbacks, but each challenge refined his trust in God. Today, he uses his experiences to inspire others, proving that faith and perseverance can transform even the most daunting situations.
This episode is a moving reminder of the power of faith, redemption, and living a life that uplifts others. Whether you’re facing your own challenges or just 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
