Worship leader and songwriter Isaac Immanuel shares his powerful story of faith in the midst of suffering. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare brittle bone disease that has resulted in hundreds of fractures and dozens of surgeries, Isaac has learned to see weakness as a platform for God’s strength. In this conversation, he opens up about living with disability, stepping out in faith to embrace God’s calling on his life, and cultivating a posture of humility and worship. Through his story and music, Isaac offers a compelling reminder of what it means to find true identity in Christ and to hold onto hope even through the breaking.
Worship leader and songwriter Isaac Immanuel shares his powerful story of faith in the midst of suffering. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare brittle bone disease that has resulted in hundreds of fractures and dozens of surgeries, Isaac has learned to see weakness as a platform for God’s strength. In this conversation, he opens up about living with disability, stepping out in faith to embrace God’s calling on his life, and cultivating a posture of humility and worship. Through his story and music, Isaac offers a compelling reminder of what it means to find true identity in Christ and to hold onto hope even through the breaking.
He is known for his authentic faith and passion for leading others in worship. As someone who has faced significant physical challenges from a young age, Isaac speaks candidly about the tension between limitation and calling. With a desire to encourage his generation, he shares how God faithfully answers prayers and cares for the desires of our hearts, often in ways that reveal His preparation long before we recognize it. Isaac’s story is a reminder that God’s strength is made evident not in spite of weakness, but through it.
Follow Isaac Immanuel on Instagram and TikTok
Stream his original song “Out of Darkness”
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Stephanie Daniels:
Hi friends! I’m your host, Stephanie Daniels, and you’re listening to the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast. We’re sharing hope as we answer real questions about disability. Join us every week for an honest and encouraging conversation, along with practical ways to include people with disability in your church and community. So, grab a seat, and let’s jump in!
Welcome to the Joni and Friends Ministry podcast. Today I'm honored to welcome worship leader and content creator Isaac Emmanuel. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, Isaac has faced his share of pain and physical limitation. Yet through it all, his life and music point powerfully to the truth that our weakness is the very place where God's strength shines brightest.
In this conversation, Isaac opens up about living with disabilities, stepping out in faith, accepting God's calling on his life, and finding identity in Christ rather than circumstance. Isaac, I'm so glad you're here today.
Isaac Immanuel:
Excited. I'm so blessed.
Stephanie Daniels:
We'll get started, but I just wanna throw in a quick question. What song are you worshiping to right now?
Isaac Immanuel:
It's so interesting because it's actually an unreleased song.
Stephanie Daniels:
Okay.
Isaac Immanuel:
It's by Red Rocks Worship, one of my favorite worship groups of all time.
Stephanie Daniels:
I love them. Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
I believe, I believe it's called 'The Lord Is With Me' and...
Stephanie Daniels:
Okay.
Isaac Immanuel:
Just from what they've shared. I'm just like, how is this my favorite song before it's even out? It's so, it's such a beautiful, like, declaration.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And it just talks about being in the fire and like going through, you know, trials and tribulations, but reminding your spirit that "the Lord is with me" over and over again. I love it. So I'm so excited for that song.
Stephanie Daniels:
What a message. Yeah, that's so good. And how are you privy to that before it even comes out?
Isaac Immanuel:
So a lot of, worship leaders will share the music before they release it through Instagram or TikTok or something. So from the videos I've seen, I'm like, this is, this is it.
Stephanie Daniels:
Nice.
Isaac Immanuel:
This got this, got the anointing.
Stephanie Daniels:
Awesome. Okay, well Isaac, can you tell us your origin story? What's your background, early life, and how did you first come to faith?
Isaac Immanuel:
So, I grew up in a Christian household, all my family, they are believers. My parents, they really, just kind of taught us the values of following Jesus and the, importance of prayer and a lot of different things. And I, grew up in the church as well. I grew up in a Pentecostal church. But in terms of my faith, I've always had my faith, but I don't think I really started, devoting my life to Jesus until I was 16.
I've always prayed, I always talked to Jesus and I knew that he was my savior, but I don't think he actually became like a real person in my life until I was 16.
Growing up I kind of struggled with anxiety a little bit. And I tend to overthink and this is something that I still have to, tackle.
But there was a day that I was really struggling with anxiety and I just was in this place of thinking the worst, you know?
Stephanie Daniels:
Mmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And my mind was wandering. And my mom, I remember so clearly, she came to me with the Bible and was like, "I want you to look at this verse. This is the verse that I memorized for the first time," and that was 2 Timothy 1:7.
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but if power, love, and of a sound mind."
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And she's like, "Repeat that. Speak it out until you believe it. declare it over yourself." So I'm like. Okay, mom, I, I'll try. You know? So I'm like, I'm speaking it, you know, "For God's not giving us the spirit of fear, but the power of love and of mind."
And I kept repeating it over and over again, and then there was just this overwhelming peace that came down from the Holy Spirit. And that's when it became real to me of like, whoa, the Word is powerful.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
I, I want more of that. So from there, my face started to rise. There's been a lot of values that I've learned over time when I was younger, but when I had that encounter with God, it just became so real to me and I wanted more.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And since then, God's just really pulled me outta my comfort zone. I used to be very shy. It's not that I really didn't like talking to people, it just, I had a hard time talking to people.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And a big thing was, I think I just allowed this idea that people perceive me differently because of my disability...
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
Um, linger over my mind when it came to talking to people. So that was a big barrier. But God just really called me outta that and He was like, not only are you gonna be talking to people, but you're gonna be doing so much more. So it was the exact opposite of how I felt, you know?
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And, since then, just God's really broken me outta that and I've just moved in faith since then.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah, man, that just makes me so thankful for, parents who know how to really steward and guide their kids and teach them truth. And it's a good reminder that, like you said, the Word of God is powerful. It's living and it's active and it changes us. And so that's so great. I love that your mom pointed you to the Word, and gave you a tool. She gave you tools.
So you were born with a rare bone condition, osteogenesis imperfecta, and have had many fractures and surgeries. How has that shaped you, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually?
Isaac Immanuel:
You know what's funny? I was thinking about this and praying about it yesterday. Um, I think that living with osteogenesis imperfecta is a learning process every single day.
Stephanie Daniels:
Hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
You know, like there's things that I learned very young, but there's also things that I'm still navigating and learning continuously.
But I know the aspect of suffering and breaking bones and having over 30 surgeries has really shaped my faith. It's shaped who I am. It's shaped the way I look at life. And, yeah, I think overall, like it's not easy. Like just being completely honest, it's not easy. It's a struggle, almost every day. I wake up with bone pain every single day.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm.
Isaac Immanuel:
Yeah. And some days is worse than others. But I think in terms of my faith, I've had people ask me like, "Isaac, do you ever wish you were born without your condition? Do you ever wish that you had a normal physically active body?" And I always tell them, I'm like, no. Honestly, no. Because if I wasn't born with this condition, I have no idea where my faith in God would be at.
Stephanie Daniels:
Hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
I, it really took the trials and tribulations and going through what I went through from a young age. It took all those things to really push me closer to God.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And do I enjoy the suffering? No, I do not. It's hard.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And being honest, I don't think anybody would be like, "oh, it's so easy." No, it's hard. But the trials and tribulations is really what pulls faith out of you.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And you won't learn to really have faith unless you are going through the fire.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
So it's really grown me as a person.
Stephanie Daniels:
Man, that's mic drop. And it reminds me of what Joni says. She says, "I'd rather be in this chair knowing God like I do, than on my feet without Him." And it, it is so true. He really does step into your suffering and your pain, and you get to see Him in a way that, you know, people, aren't gonna experience him. So that's really beautiful.
How did you learn about Joni Eareckson Tada and Joni and Friends?
Isaac Immanuel:
So Joni, I've heard a little bit of her testimony, and I know that she actually went from being physically able to physically disabled...
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
Because of an accident.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And what really inspired me was how that could have broke her. She could have been a victim. But what she chose to do, and what the Holy Spirit inspired on her heart, was to not only be a light in that, but be a voice for those struggling with similar conditions and disabilities.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
So I love that aspect of it. and I've learned about joni and Friends through just different places I've been. Like, I served at a FCA Disabilities camp, um, a little bit ago, and, you guys were there. And, I also served at a church called Prestonwood Baptist Church. And one of the pastors who was there previously, I'm not sure if they're still there.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
But his daughters they're, they're disabled and yeah, he's worked with Joni and Friends as well, so...
Stephanie Daniels:
Absolutely. Pastor Connor Bales.
Isaac Immanuel:
Yeah. Yeah.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah, he's a friend. We love them. We love the Bales family and they are very involved. I've gotten to serve with them before. So, so cool. I'm glad you've gotten to kind of interact with the ministry some and it's a beautiful ministry. And you're right, when you look at what God can do out of something so tragic, you know, I know that Joni really struggled after her accident. She took that dive into the Chesapeake Bay, she broke her neck. She was 17, and she really struggled with purpose and really, she was suicidal for a time. But it's one of those things where I'm like, I wonder, Joni, what would you tell your 17-year-old self now, knowing all that you know, all that has come from your life, the fruit of your life in that accident, what would you say to that 17-year-old who was newly injured?
It's really neat to see what God can do from something that seems like it's the end. He redeems it.
Isaac Immanuel:
Amen. Amen.
Stephanie Daniels:
Well, when did you know that you were called to worship? When you sing, there is so much power that comes from you. I remember the first time I heard you on one of your posts, I just was so captivated. I was so captivated with how you led, the confidence, how you steward the anointing and the moment. And so I need our listeners to find you on Instagram and we will share your Instagram handle so they can find you.
But when did you know that you were called to worship? Can you share about the first time you led worship or a moment when you felt like, "yes, this is something God has called me to do."
Isaac Immanuel:
So what's interesting is, um, ministry, was kind of prophesied over my life since before I was born. And to share my testimony a little bit, before I was born, I was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, which is brittle bones. And the doctor said because of this condition that I wasn't gonna survive past birth. They were so sure that they actually told my parents to abort me. They called actually multiple times because of how upset they were. And my parents, they were devastated to receive that news, but they knew that God had the final say.
They didn't just say, "oh it's over 'cause the doctor said it is." No, they said it's over when God says it is. And it's not 'cause we're gonna pray in faith. So they called their pastor at the time and they prayed together and in that moment of prayer, God not only revealed to them that I was gonna survive, but that I had a great calling over my life. And, what's so ironic is the doctor said that my ribs were gonna be too weak to support my lungs, that I wouldn't be able to breathe on my own.
And it's almost like God's like, oh, guess what? Not only is he going to use those ribs to breathe, he's gonna sing to me.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And so I survived past birth and, my parents always told me the prophecy that God gave to my pastor. But I didn't know what that was gonna look like.
Like what do you mean inspire a lot of people? Like how is that gonna work? I'm super shy. I already have a hard time talking to people, so I don't even know what I would do. So it, it really took me just navigating my faith and trusting in God and saying, God, " I know you have a call for my life. I don't know what it's gonna look like, but lead my steps..."
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
"...toward that direction."
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And the truth is, like having disability, you kind of, being completely honest, you put yourself in a box. And you think okay, like I don't know what God has for me and I don't know what I can do and I don't know what the world is gonna let me do.
You know what I mean? And it's like you put yourself in a box, but when God calls you, nothing's gonna stop that.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
So it took a lot of faith for me to pray that because I honestly didn't know. I'm not physically able to do a lot of things so that I just put this barrier over myself. But what's interesting enough is God really prepared me the whole way through before I even realized it.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
So. I loved to sing. I didn't do it in front of people, but I was loud. My parents, they tell me stories of how I'd be singing at three in the morning. I'm like, I don't remember that, what are you talking about. And they're like, "you'd be singing all the time. You love music, you love singing songs." And I'm like, ah, I don't know about that.
But I guess, I guess that's what they tell me. So, so I love to sing, but I just didn't know if that was something I'd ever even go into because I was like, that's not what I think I'm gonna do. Again, praying for a lot of direction and I pray this prayer like, "God put on my heart what you want me to do, if that is the direction you want me to go in."
So I prayed that. And then in senior year of high school, I used to be a really big gamer. I loved video games and I created content around it, and I put hours and hours into it.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And in senior year, God called me away from it. He's like, "it's time for you to step out. I need you to leave this behind. I know you love it. I know you've invested a lot into it, but it's time for you to leave this behind."
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And I'm like, God. But I put so much time in it, right? And, um, I started to get a little bit of a following and I was like, it's so hard. But I was like, okay, Lord, if that's really what you want me to do, then I'm gonna do it.
So I deactivated all the accounts. And, a couple months later, God put it on my heart to do a talent show. Which I was like, this is completely outta my character. This is not something I would do. So I'm like, talent show, Lord? Like, what is this about? And I, I didn't even completely know it at the time, what it was for, but it was like, I was like, why is this on my heart? Why do I wanna do this?
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
So I'm like, okay, lemme talk to someone about it. So I talked to my teacher and I'm like, "I was thinking about doing this talent show and I don't know if I wanna do it 'cause I'm not really a singer, but I, I love to sing, but I don't know." She's like, "you should do it." So I'm like, "okay, I'll, I'll do it."
And then I chickened out. And I'm like, I can't do it. And then my teacher snitched on me to one of my close friends, and she comes up to me and she's like, "Hey, I heard you wanted to do the talent show, but you chickened out. Why do you chickened out?" I'm like, eh, it's just not my thing.
She's like, what if we did it together? I'm like, oh, I guess that's a little less scary if someone's up there with me singing.
Stephanie Daniels:
Absolutely.
Isaac Immanuel:
So, we went up there, we did it. And I was just praying for peace the whole time. After that we actually ended up winning the talent show. It was almost like after that God instantly put in the heart to serve on the worship team.
And I'm like, ugh, but Lord, like this is a lot of growth. I'm not, I don't know if I'm like, I'm like, I think I'm done with growing for a little bit. He's like, "Nope, this is just the beginning." So God used that for me to get over my fear of singing in front of people.
Stephanie Daniels:
Awesome.
Isaac Immanuel:
So I'm like, okay, I'm gonna audition for the worship team. So, I got in contact with the worship pastor at the time. He met with me and he was like, dude, at the end of the day you have a testimony and God has a call real life. So don't worry about how you sound during the audition, we're gonna be here for you. We'll support you and you know it's gonna go great.
So I go, I audition, my audition song was 'O Come to the Alter' by Elevation. And I did it. My heart was racing outta my chest. but after they're like, " you are gonna be a worship leader." I'm like...
Stephanie Daniels:
Hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
Uh, I dunno about that because I'm just, you know, I'm just being obedience to God's call on my life. But worship leading is a little, it's a little scary. But they were like, "no, don't worry. You're not gonna be a worship leader right away, but we feel God's leading you to that."
So then I, uh, served on the team for a couple months. I started really connecting with my, mentor, and his name's Charlie Hoy. He kind of was asking me about something and checking up on me and saying like, what you been up to? And that month I had just sang at my grandpa's funeral and, that's also another testimony about the song that I wrote and release, but we'll get into that later.
So I talked with my mentor and he is like, do you have a video? And I showed him and he is like, "dude, your voice is insane. you're gonna [00:15:00] lead, you're leading soon." So God was kind of like doing everything so fast.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And it's like, what's so funny is the preparation, the 18 years of me not knowing what I was gonna do, God just launched me instantly And I was not prepared. But the thing is that, that's beautiful because God is the one who equips and prepares you.
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen.
Isaac Immanuel:
Um, but so he's like, you're gonna lead, we're gonna set you up with some lessons with our worship leader and she'll help you get more confident, but you are gonna lead. So I'm like really praying about it and I'm like, "Lord, if this is really what you want me to do, just help me. Help me prepare. I know this isn't for me. I know that it's not gonna be by my own strength or my vocal ability that people are blessed. It's gonna be by your spirit coming down...'
Stephanie Daniels:
Yes.
Isaac Immanuel:
"And you working through me that people are gonna be blessed and have an encounter with Jesus." So...
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
I was really praying through that anxiety. And then I led for the first time, it was Firm Foundation by Cody Carns. And, I broke down. I, it was just kind of like surreal just being up there and breaking down a, a lot of barriers that I put over myself. And also just thinking of all the times I had broken bones and had to go through surgeries and different things in my life.
All the hardships were coming up on my mind of just how much God brought me past. So I was singing the bridge...
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
"Rain came wind blew, my house was built on you." And as I was singing that, I just, I lost it.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
I was crying and I'm like, I don't even care. I'm just like, this is such a powerful moment right here of just how much God has pulled me through and, and what he's calling me to.
I led after that and so many people were inspired and encouraged and they were sharing with me. so I'm like, well, Lord, I feel like you're, you're leading me to share this, to share this moment right here. I shared it to TikTok and within 24 hours it got anywhere from 500,000 to 1 million views.
Stephanie Daniels:
That's crazy.
Isaac Immanuel:
And I was like, oh my gosh, Lord. This is like you confirming this is where you want me. I don't know what this is gonna look like or where I even go next, but I'm gonna continue to be obedient.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
So shared that video went viral and then it reached a lot of different people and was God's confirmation of I want you to continue to do this, but I also want you to continue to share, continue to grow a ministry that honors me through social media.
Right?
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And I've gotten to reach so many different people across the world. Doors opened from that video. I had an opportunity to go lead at Lakewood Church in Houston Texas. I got to share my testimony, talked about all the things we talked about today. And, God just kept doing thing, after thing, after thing saying, " this is a place I brought you, but look, I'm gonna bring you to this place now. I'm gonna bring you to this place."
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And just kept lining up and then songwriting. all of it just happened all at once.
Stephanie Daniels:
That's so cool.
Isaac Immanuel:
Yeah.
Stephanie Daniels:
It's so cool. Yeah, that's the video I saw was you leading at Lakewood and I was kind of undone just here at my desk. Like, wow. It's really awesome to see you saying, okay, Lord. Yeah, I'll do it.
How has osteogenesis imperfecta influenced your view of what it means to serve and worship, especially when your physical mobility or strength is limited? Does your disability affect your singing?
Isaac Immanuel:
Absolutely. When it comes to singing, like I said, I get bone pain and it just kind of overall bone pain from different fractures. Um, sorry, the gardener just got here so you might hear it a little bit. But, from just different fractures that I've had it kind of just has this pain every single day.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
Um, and with that, my bone structure's a little different, right. So when I breathe in, it hurts a little bit.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And, like I talked about earlier, the doctor said that my ribs weren't gonna be strong enough.
I'm able to sing very loudly. Right. Like I can be loud.
Stephanie Daniels:
You have a lot of power.
Isaac Immanuel:
Yeah. It's, it's, it's so crazy how God did that. And it's so funny 'cause the worship leader actually when I was practicing with her, she was like, "you already know how to belt. A lot of people have to get up to that."
But yeah, osteogenesis imperfecta has really taught me how to navigate hard situations. But also, how important the breaking was. Because my worship didn't just come outta nowhere. I didn't just one day decide, "oh, I'm gonna sing and worship God." It was a lot of forming and a lot of God meeting me where I was at, teaching me to trust in him through the hardest seasons of my life. And my worship comes from all of those different times.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And, I feel like God has really wanted me to learn how to worship him in the breaking so that way if I ever am in the breaking, I still know that I can depend on his strength to continue to lead.
I think in the beginning I had this idea that I always had to be strong. Having my best face on and being the best that I can be so that way people are blessed, right?
Stephanie Daniels:
Right.
Isaac Immanuel:
But the thing is, God convicted me of that early on. People are not blessed by your vocal ability. They're not blessed by your physical appearance or the way you look. They're blessed by my spirit that is working within you.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And he humbled me early on. I had to pray for humility because going from not being seen at all to going to leadership, it was a big step. And I had to pray that. Lord, humble me if there ever is any pride. So that idea that I always had to be put together, God humbled me.
Actually a month after I led worship for the first time and shared that video, I led worship at my grandpa's church for a Christmas service and they wanted me to lead from foundation 'cause they also saw the video and they were super excited that I was local. So they're like, can you lead from foundation? I'm like, absolutely. So at rehearsal it's the original key that I usually sing it in and I'm like, I'm feeling good about it.
I'm like awesome, like cool, like I used to. And then the next day during service, they play the track and it's this key that is super high. That is not the key that I seen it in. And I'm like, okay, I can really like make a choice here. I can either just not sing right and just be like, I don't know what to do here.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
Or I can just worship. Just worship. Even if it cracks, it cracks, right? So I'm like, okay, I'm just gonna make the choice and sing and be obedient to what God has me here for. So I'm just worshiping a lot of voice cracks, different things going on. 'cause it's like I'm early on in my leadership and I don't know how to navigate stuff like that.
So I'm like super nervous, but I'm just singing through it. And then the song ends and instantly these thoughts come rushing into my head thinking, that was horrible. That was crazy. Like, I don't even know what just happened. Like I don't, I really hope people heard something in there. 'Cause I, to me that sounded really bad. So I'm like beating myself up because of that. And I'm thinking, "I wish we prepared more. I wish that we checked the track one more time." And then someone comes up to me and they're like, " Isaac, that really blessed me." And I'm like, okay. Did she hear what I heard?
Like what are we, what are you talking about? What do you mean that really blessed you? And she's like, "that really blessed me like the way you sing, the way you worship God just really just spoke into me. And I felt the Lord all throughout that." And that's when God really had to convict me and reshaped my heart posture on that.
Just reiterating that it's not your voice. It's not your vocal ability. It's not how on point you are with the song. It's the testimony that I've placed over your life.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And the Holy Spirit within you that people are gonna see. So from there, I had to learn that lesson early on, and God just used that moment right there to keep me humble.
And I still have to ask for humility because at the end of the day, being a leadership, being on a stage leading worship, it's so important because we can easily start to shift our perspective, even though we've learned in the past, right?
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
We, we could still kind of get clouded in that. But it's so important, you know, to be just humble for the Lord and asking for that humility.
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen. Amen. That's always a blessing to me too just to hear those stories. It's not in our strength that God will use us, it's in our weakness. So it's just cool to see that taking place in your life.
What does worship mean to you beyond singing? Like how do you live it out in your everyday life?
Isaac Immanuel:
I'm actually studying this right now, the theology behind worship throughout the Bible. I think growing up, I always thought it was singing the songs at church, and, you know, playing the worship songs at home like that, that's worship.
But God really has deepened my understanding of worship, the last couple years. And, what I've continued to learn, and I need to grow and still, is that worship is a choice. It's not something that I have to do. It's something that I need to choose to do, and it's something that I need to allow the beauty and majesty of God to inspire where my place of worship comes from.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And What God showed me is that my worship is not just in the song, it's also in how I do my homework. It's in how I treat my family members. It's in how I serve. It's in everything. It's obedience, it's doing things in excellence, and it's choosing to honor God no matter how my flesh feels.
Because there are days where I wake up and I'm so tired and I'm like, Lord, can I just be checked out today? Like, can I just forget today and just sleep in and, you know, but no, it's denying my flesh and saying, "God, you laid down your life for me and you chose to give up your life no matter how you felt. No matter what was going on in your mind. You chose to be obedient to the father's call in your life. So why would I not be obedient to that call?"
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And it's still a struggle every single day. And I'd be lying to you if I ever say " oh no, it's perfect and it's super easy." No, it is a sacrifice. That's the point of worship.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
It's a sacrifice in choosing to say, God, today's hard, I really am having a hard time, but I still give up this worship to you. I'm still gonna be nice to that person. I'm still gonna serve however I can and be ob beginning no matter how I feel. I'm still gonna sing your praises because you are worthy of it. It's not what I can get from you. It's not whether or not I get the blessing and then I respond in worship. No, we can respond in worship to that, but it's saying that I'm gonna choose worship today rather than wait to worship and wait for that blessing. Right?
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
But yeah, it's, just crazy how God's really helped me grow in every area of that, and I still need to continue to grow.
I would say, just to sum it up, worship is obedience. Worship is sacrifice, and it's, choosing to worship, despite whatever you're going through.
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen to that. And I was gonna say, how would you encourage somebody who maybe says, well, I can't perform and I can't lead. So what are some obvious ways that they can worship?
Isaac Immanuel:
One thing that has been on my mind, and I try to keep on my mind 'cause it's such a impactful quote, is that God is not impressed by performance. He's not impressed by, you know how well you do something. What God is impressed by is heart posture.
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen.
Isaac Immanuel:
The, the Bible says to worship him in spirit and in truth. One example that we can give for performance is the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They outwardly were religious and they created this, beautiful religious image for themselves, but inwardly, their hearts were deceitful.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
They, they honored God with their mouth, but their hearts were far from him.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And they didn't know God personally. And Jesus rebuked them. Right. Saying you guys honor me with your lips, but your hearts are far from me. One thing that I really think about is God has heaven's angels worshiping him 24/7. All the elders and all of heaven are worshiping him at his throne 24/7.
So worship when I choose to sing, when I choose to worship him in my obedience, it's not to say, oh God, you only impressed me with me when I'm at my best. No, no. God gives me that choice because he invites me as his child to worship him, right?
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah
Isaac Immanuel:
So I can't impress him. I can train my voice for however many years, but God will never be impressed by that.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
He's only impressed by obedience. So...
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen.
Isaac Immanuel:
You, wherever you're at, maybe it's physically hard for you to sing, or it's physically hard for you to, go up on a stage and worship or speak whatever it looks like or whatever it might be. God sees your heart. He sees your obedience and he sees your faith.
So that is worship to him.
Stephanie Daniels:
That's beautiful.
Isaac Immanuel:
It's not, it's not singing out loud. I know there's some people who are listening that literally can't lift up their hands, right? They can't move their arms, and God sees your heart. As much as you can't physically express it, He inwardly sees your heart posture.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And that is gonna bless him so much more than someone who appears to be religious or appears to be worshiping when their heart is far from him. So yeah, that's what I would say. Your obedience, your light, you carry a light wherever you go.
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen.
Isaac Immanuel:
If you're going through something and you choose to be that light, and you're such a joy whatever room you go into, God's so blessed by that. And I can just imagine a smile on the face when you choose to smile at somebody or you choose to talk to somebody that's worship. It can be song, absolutely. But if you can't do those things, then your worship also shows up in other ways.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah. Yeah. So beautiful. Those sacrificial acts like you mentioned earlier. What a great explanation. I'm so glad you're here today.
Isaac Immanuel:
I'm so glad to be here.
Stephanie Daniels:
I always love, love talking about... Yeah. I, I'm so glad you're here. I always love talking about worship and, this is just encouraging.
So since you lead worship and you've shared your testimony publicly, what do you hope that people take away when they hear you or see you?
Isaac Immanuel:
Hmm. I hope people see Jesus through me. I never want people to, to see me.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
I don't want them to see the wheelchair or hear my voice and be like, "oh, that man is anointed." Like, it's, it's a compliment and I totally appreciate it. It's just I want people to encounter the living God through what He's doing through my worship or through me sharing my testimony.
I just envision every, every single time I'm worshiping, the Spirit just coming down. 'Cause I have an audience of one.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
It's not, I'm not trying to please people. I'm not trying to, you know, impress people. It's more of my audience is God. And I want people to come with me to that, worship. Right?
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And so my hope is when I share my testimony or I share a word, or it's worship, my hope is that chains break, strongholds break.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
Generational curses break.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And that people can really feel the presence of God in a real tangible way. And it's not me. It's not me when I go up there.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
It's not me when I speak. It's not me when I'm singing. The only reason why I'm up there is because God gave me life.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
Because He breathed life into me. So when I go up there, I'm merely just a vessel.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And it's, I totally appreciate compliments. And, one thing God's really taught me is when people compliment me, it's not them, trying just to give me a big head. It's, it's God trying to speak to me and saying, I'm pleased with you.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
Whether it's through people or him, through the word God really does speak through people to edify and encourage.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
So, yeah. And that's what I would say for that.
Stephanie Daniels:
Well, and you know, Francis Chan, I heard him speak recently and he shared something that I just never really even considered. He was just saying, every time we step into the atmosphere at our church and worship is happening, and we're hearing the word, there is an impartation that's being made into each and every one of us by the Spirit. He talked about the disciples that were walking on the road to Emmaus and, they were walking with Jesus and then He left and they said, did our hearts not burn within us while he talked with us? And I just think, as a worshiper you're talking about what you want people to take away. Like, you want them to take away that impartation. You don't want them to miss that because they're focused on...
Isaac Immanuel:
Exactly.
Stephanie Daniels:
You, right?
Isaac Immanuel:
Mm-hmm.
Stephanie Daniels:
So that's, that's such a good, reminder for anybody who is serving the people of God, we always want Jesus to be the focus. So...
Isaac Immanuel:
Amen.
Stephanie Daniels:
Thank you for sharing that.
Isaac Immanuel:
Of course.
Stephanie Daniels:
Um, you know, you talked earlier about having to lay down gaming. The enemy really has duped a lot of your generation and people in the body of Christ, he keeps us distracted, focused on lesser outlets when God's calling us to more. Ephesians 5:14 tells us, "this is why it is said, wake up sleeper, rise up from the dead and Christ will shine on you." And this verse calls us to spiritual awakening from sin and darkness, urging believers to arise to new life in Christ and walk in His light and truth. Is there's something that woke you up to using the gifts God gave you? Are there limiting beliefs that you've had to overcome?
Isaac Immanuel:
One saying for that is "God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called." And I think when it comes to serving or doing something in faith, you know, being bold or whatever it looks like for somebody, we allow insecurity to drown out the mission. We allow insecurity to be louder than God's voice in our life.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And for me personally, it was always " I'm in a wheelchair." Right? Like, I, I feel like I was always seen for me, that's one thing I'm really thankful for is, I've had friends who've seen me for me, and my church, every single person in my life has really made me feel seen.
But I would say that one thing that was held over my head is I, I just don't think I, I have access to as many things. I don't think that I'm able to do this.
Stephanie Daniels:
Hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
I'm able to do that because of the wheelchair. But in reality, if God's calling you, there's nothing that's gonna stop that mission. Nothing's gonna stop that call. So I think it really takes coming to God, with full humility, and saying, Lord, tear down whatever propaganda I've created in my mind.
Stephanie Daniels:
Hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And just show me who I am through your eyes.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
Not through my lenses, not through my own understanding. I think the way the world is formed it really shapes our perceptions of ourself.
And with social media and all that's so easy to compare, and it's so easy to see different people's lives. And because of that there tends to be insecurity. With disability as well, it just tends to be a barrier. But this was a word God gave me after I served at the FCA camp. And it's this, disability does not define your ability to serve the kingdom of God. And we can also replace that with insecurity does not define your ability to serve the kingdom of God. So I think it really takes knowing God personally and hearing his voice and hearing what he has called you to and who he says you are.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
'Cause the enemy, he's working 24/7.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
He doesn't, he, there's no off days for the enemy. He's already lost the war, so he's gonna try to do whatever he can to distract and deceive and pull people away off their mission. Because as soon as people realize their identity in Christ, they are a threat. They are a threat to the fallen kingdom.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
So he's constantly prowling. So I would say, it really takes getting into your Word and spending time with God.
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen.
Isaac Immanuel:
And then that revelation of who God is, my God is bigger than whatever battle or trial I'm gonna face. It doesn't mean that they won't come. It doesn't mean that my life's gonna get easier. It just means that I know who already holds the victory. Right?
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen.
Isaac Immanuel:
So living life from victory, not for victory is what shapes what it looks like to step out in faith and obedience.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
But yeah, I would say that the biggest thing is seeing who you are, seeing who Christ is, and asking God, "Make me more like You. Help me lay down my life and whatever my thoughts are and insecurities are, and help me live a life like You and help me honor You for Your kingdom."
Stephanie Daniels:
That's so beautiful. I feel like you already answered my next question, which is how would you encourage your generation to step out in faith and into their calling?
Isaac Immanuel:
Yeah. I mean, yeah, I think it just goes back to that, what we were talking about, just the identity thing.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
But I also think we gotta be ready to step out when we don't even know what things are gonna look like. I think a lot of the time we want this plan.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
We want something we could perceive to the physical eye and be like, all right, so there's this route I'm gonna take and I know what it's gonna look like, so I'm ready for it.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
No, sometimes it literally takes saying to God, giving him your "Yes."
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And just stepping out in faith. Like literally.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
it's not your training, it's not your wisdom, it's not your past experiences. Yes, those can play a role, but those are not requirement when God calls you.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
So it's saying yes to God's call and stop making excuses. 'Cause I, myself, I've made so many excuses, I made excuses for 18 years. It took 18 years for me to finally give God my yes. it's hard. It is hard. And I won't even say it's not...
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
'Cause it takes a lot of shaping, but giving God your yes, even though you don't know what the plan is or what things are gonna look like is very important. Because from there, when God takes a humble heart, He turns it into something beautiful.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And fruit continues to produce. It all comes down to relationship with Christ. Knowing him intimately, knowing him in such a beautiful way.
He laid down his life for me. He answered His call on his life despite what He had to go through. He was brutally beaten. He was mocked. He was persecuted. He was nailed to a cross.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
He, he was whipped. He was lashed 39 times.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
There's so many things to think about of Jesus' example. He didn't let uncomfortable be the reason He didn't step out. So I would say the same for them. Don't let the uncomfortable situations be the reason you don't step out. Is it hard? Absolutely. But pray for boldness. Really depend on God in that, because you are not gonna be able to do about your own strength.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
I can guarantee that.
Stephanie Daniels:
That's so, so good. And I, I love that you talked about, we wanna have a plan. The Word reminds us so much in Proverbs, man plans his way, but the Lord directs his step. So we can be confident that even if we do have a plan, if we're bold, like you said, to step out, God will direct us.
We've seen it in so, so many different ways in the Word, but we get to see that watching what the Lord is doing in you. So that's really exciting. And also what's so exciting is I just opened up Instagram one day and the first thing that popped up on my feed, you were meeting Brandon Lake in 2025.
Can you tell us about what happened? 'Cause you were singing with him, like what went down there?
Isaac Immanuel:
So what's so funny is I heard he was coming to, to my city over in the Bay Area in California. And I was like, I really wanna go. Like, that's really cool. Like I love Brandon Lake, he's such an awesome dude and he has such a heart for the Lord and what he's done for God's mission. It's so beautiful. I would love to go. And I'm just thinking, I'm like wait, the finances don't really look like I can go right now. So I'm like, alright, Lord, make a way for me to go. If it's in your will, I know you can do it. So I'm gonna pray in faith. And that's something I think a lot of people are so closed off to. They're like, I don't wanna pray for that it's not a big deal. God really cares about our desires, you know?
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen.
Isaac Immanuel:
God, God, he loves us. So I don't think it hurts to pray things in faith. Just don't place your faith in what the blessing is. Right?
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
Don't place your faith in the outcome. But I think it's totally cool to pray in faith like that. So I prayed in faith and I was like, " God, like, just make a way if it's possible." You know?
So, I waited and then my parents had apparently bought two tickets and I completely forgot and I didn't know. they said, they told me, but I didn't remember. So the night of, I'm like, well, looks like I can't go. And then my mom calls me, she's like, "are you going to the Brandon Lake concert with your dad?"
I'm like, what? What are you talking about? She's like, we got two tickets and I wanted you to go with your dad.
Stephanie Daniels:
Aww.
Isaac Immanuel:
So she sacrificed her ticket for me, and I'm like, mom, I love you so much, but I do not wanna go without you. So real quick. I literally said, I was like, "all right, Lord, thank you for making it way for me to go. If this isn't too much to ask, I pray for a way for my mom to go too".
And then God reminded me that I actually connected with someone, through Instagram named Andy Cherry, amazing Christian artist, amazing writer, has such a heart for the Lord. And I reached out and I was like, "Hey dude, I, I'm gonna be at the concert. I would love to get to meet you and talk to you for a little bit." 'Cause he has such a heart for God. And honestly, he was one of the people I wanted to really meet. And he was like, "dude, awesome. Yeah, I wanna meet you. Here's my number."
And I was like, oh, okay. So I text him, I'm like, "Hey, this is Issac." He's like, "dude, did you wanna bring anybody? Like, did you wanna bring anybody else?" I'm like, no way. Like, what the heck? I did not have that in mind. I just more of like, wanted to reach and connect to Andy, right?
So I'm like super excited about that. And he's like, "yeah, if you wanna bring somebody, bring a few extra people. We got some extra seats for you."
Stephanie Daniels:
Wow.
Isaac Immanuel:
Gosh. Like, God just like showed out right now. I'm like, it can't get much better than this. There's no way. Right? Like, I'm just thinking that, that's insane, right?
So I show up, I got to invite my mom, my dad, my brother, and my sister and...
Stephanie Daniels:
Oh wow.
Isaac Immanuel:
Um, so we were all there. And we go to get our tickets and it says, "row one." And I'm like, whoa. How do we go from like super far to right in the front? How did that happen? So I'm like, okay. I'm thinking row one, like maybe like off to the side somewhere, right? Like in the front, but not really like next to the stage.
So we go to the ushers and he starts leading us to our seats. And I'm like, I'm driving and I'm just looking at the seats. I'm like, oh, this is really cool. This is awesome. And then I start seeing, we're getting closer.
I'm like, wait, whoa, whoa. Hold on. We're a little too close now. So we start getting to the front and then our seats are literally dead center in the front of the stage.
Stephanie Daniels:
Wow.
Isaac Immanuel:
And I'm like, "oh my gosh, Lord, like you didn't have to do this." Like, I'm saying it after, I'm like, Lord, you didn't have to do this. Like, you're so good. Like this is crazy." So we got there, the seats were right in front. And Andy came out with another worship leader named Pat Barrett. And so he came out, I got to talk to him for a little bit and then Pat came up to me and he's like, "hi, I'm Pat."
Pat Barrett is like a staple in Christian music, like worship music.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah, I've heard that name.
Isaac Immanuel:
He's written ' Build My Life.'
Stephanie Daniels:
Wow.
Isaac Immanuel:
He's written, Good, Good Father.' He's one of the writers on there. He's pretty known and we've sung a lot of his songs at church. So I had no idea he was coming up.
I was like, super excited to meet Andy, right? So I'm like talking to Andy and then he's like, hi, I'm Pat. I'm like, "oh my gosh, this is, keeps getting better. How, how can this get much better?" So I talked to Pat for a little bit and he's like, I've seen you before. I've seen your firm Foundation video. I'm like, "Pat knows who I'm right. I'm like, what going now?" So, um, yeah, I gotta talk to them for a little bit and it was such an amazing conversation. And then took a picture with them. And after that, again, no tell about that whole singing part like had no idea that was not planned, that was not expected.
Nothing. Like, no idea. I was just in the front and already on cloud nine for everything leading up to that concert. So we were in the front, you know, we're worshiping Brandon goes through his first set and then during one of his songs, um, I had got his merch. I got one of his hats. So I, I took off the hat I hat on, I just threw it down in my footrest of my wheelchair.
I'm like, 'forget that I'm putting on this hat, this is cool." So I put on the hat. And during one of his songs on the first set, he, he sees me and he points at me. I'm like, "he saw the hat." I'm like, not even thinking he probably saw me. I'm like, "he saw the hat. That's so cool." Right? That's awesome. And so he goes through the rest of his set and then he sings The Blessing, and then after it he goes, "I wanna pray for a family." I'm like, that's pretty cool. He's like, I saw this video on Instagram and that's when it like, kind of sunk. I'm like, hold on. How many people here do Instagram? There's no way he's talking about me right now. There's no way. And then he starts walking off the stage. Why is he walking off the stage? And then he goes around, he's like, I saw this video on Instagram with the most beautiful voice.
And I'm like, no, no way.
Stephanie Daniels:
Oh.
Isaac Immanuel:
And then my mentor was actually there too, which is so cool how that lined up. But my mentor was right next to us, and you hear him in the video go, "it's Isaac." And I'm like, oh my gosh. When he said that, that's when it clicked. Like he was coming to me. So he comes over and he goes, "dude, I've seen your video on Instagram. I've seen you leading worship. You know, you led my song 'Gratitude' and it really blessed me. And I was wondering if you wanna sing a song for everybody." So I'm super nervous. I'm like, what? What is happening right now? Like, I feel like I'm dreaming at this point.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And I'm like, I don't even know what song I'd sing. I'm just thinking of all the logistics how is this gonna work? That's when God convicted me of like: look at every moment in your life where you weren't sure you weren't gonna make it, you made it to a moment like this right here.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
And from all the things I've pulled you through this moment right here is just the fruition of your obedience.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
So I want you to worship me. It's not gonna be how you sound? It's not gonna be about whatever the perfect circumstances are. You are gonna worship me and I'm gonna move in this.
Stephanie Daniels:
I love it.
Isaac Immanuel:
And it's so crazy everything was literally in slowmo. So that whole entire thing God told me. And it's because like it was slowmo. Like I heard it all in that moment. So I'm like, "okay, Lord, I'm just gonna worship you."
It was crazy, just how everyone was singing along and that's how that moment happened. He just saw my video and was like, it really blessed me. And then he prayed for me and he was like, "I, I don't know your life, Isaac, but I just feel the Lord telling me that you're gonna write a lot of different songs. you're gonna write and when you sing, chains are gonna break. Strongholds are gonna break."
Stephanie Daniels:
Mmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
"When you sing, people are gonna hear their father's voice singing over them." And he's like, "I pray for new melodies. I pray for new lyrics." And I'm like, "okay, God, I hear you. You're telling me to write more music. All right." So like, it's just so crazy how God uses stuff like that. I never envisioned that moment right there, but God, he saw it the whole time and it, it was nothing...
Stephanie Daniels:
I love it.
Isaac Immanuel:
It was just His glory, His power being shown, and it was...
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
It was such a blessing.
Stephanie Daniels:
That's such a beautiful moment and I loved watching it, but all because you said yes, all because you stepped out and signed up for the talent show. Like all of that came to be and I think it is so, so cool.
When you've been obedient, what fruit of God's work have you seen in your life?
Isaac Immanuel:
I think a lot of the time when we think about fruit, we think of something physical that we can grasp.
Stephanie Daniels:
Mm-hmm.
Isaac Immanuel:
We think the fruit is finances. We think the fruit is accomplishment or success. And the conversations really kind of humbled me, 'cause we were talking about that fruit while I was talking, it was almost like God showed me like the fruit isn't what I'm doing in the physical, the fruit is what I'm doing in the spiritual realm.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
Like the amount of souls that are saved, the amount of people that are gonna step out into ministry because they saw you being obedient to My call in your life. It's so funny how God does that because there's times where I'm like having a hard time trying to hear him and then there's times where he just speak so clearly outta nowhere.
I'm like, oh, whoa, I did not expect that. Right? So I think the fruit that has been in my life through the Lord, is just seeing how many people are inspired. Seeing the people encouraged. Seeing the people that are motivated to step out into what God's called them to.
I've gotten to serve in a couple different disability ministries. And just those kids are such happy kids, and it's so cool to see other people that also have a disability being so joyful. Right?
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And it really blessed me because they were all coming up to me just super happy, super excited to meet me. I'm like, thank you, Lord, that I get to be that light that I get to be a voice for those kids, you know? I think of what I want ministry to look like in the future. I want, people with disabilities just to be so normal in the ministry.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yes.
Isaac Immanuel:
Like, like I don't, I don't see disability ministry and church ministry. I see one ministry as a whole, as the kingdom of God.
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen.
Isaac Immanuel:
People with disabilities or without disabilities serving together as God's children.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yes.
Isaac Immanuel:
And like, I, I really pray that in the future there's more people with disabilities serving in worship, serving in the welcoming team, wherever that might be.
Stephanie Daniels:
100%. Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And I just, yeah. I, I, that's my vision.
Stephanie Daniels:
Love that. I love that you shared that. 'Cause I completely agree. And at Joni and Friends, we agree with that as well. Something we encourage for churches who are starting disability ministries is that it's not a disability ministry until the disabled are ministering. Joni has shared before, it's a fuller picture of the glory of God when everybody of all abilities is serving.
Was disability or inclusive ministry modeled in your church growing up? Did you have to break a glass ceiling of sorts?
Isaac Immanuel:
I'd say for me personally, there was really no barrier when it came to serving on the worship team. I think, everyone in my church was so encouraging and welcoming, and they really helped launch me into what God was calling me to.
But I would say since I've joined the worship team, they've really opened their eyes of like, how can we make this place more accessible for Isaac?
Stephanie Daniels:
Beautiful.
Isaac Immanuel:
Right. So I think in terms for everybody with disability, they really see like this is just someone who's serving on the team.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
Imagine all the people that need that extra support too, right?
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
So they're really starting to think of different ways to be a voice for people with disabilities within the church. And I think that's something that is continuing to grow, that I'm continuing to navigate to be a voice for. It's honestly an honor that I get to be the person that they think of, when it comes to like, oh wait, hold on, we're forgetting this.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah.
Isaac Immanuel:
And, and then I'm thinking of all the people with disabilities that had a struggle with the same thing, maybe it's accessibility of getting somewhere or support for something.
But the church has really helped me in that, the whole team, the whole worship team, like if I need food, they're like on it, right? Like, they're like, "we got you. We'll prepare for you." Or like, when it comes to getting my mic and all that, they're all so helpful. But I think disability ministry specifically I think that's continuing to grow in my church.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah. Yeah. I love to hear that. And that's our goal as a ministry as Joni and Friends. We want disability ministries everywhere at all churches to grow and expand because there's so much gifting in everyone.
Isaac Immanuel:
Mm-hmm.
Stephanie Daniels:
And so, we all need to receive from each other. And I think that would just be such a cool thing to see and witness as people of all abilities serving.
Isaac Immanuel:
Yeah.
Stephanie Daniels:
And Isaac, I just really am so thankful for you and your story and how we get to see what the Lord is doing through you because you have been bold enough to step out and say, "yes Lord, I'll, I'll do this afraid." And, I think as you've said, yes, he's made you more and more confident. And so, it's really neat to see your voice and your life.
And so thank you for joining us today to share about it. And I would love it if you would maybe pray for our listeners who might be saying, " I am too afraid to step out, but I feel like I could do this," or "I feel like God is nudging me to go this direction." Would you pray for them? And would you also pray for the church that they would be more open to being accessible and letting people come and use their gifts for the Lord.
Isaac Immanuel:
Absolutely. Absolutely. Jesus. I just thank you for this time. I thank you for the conversations. I thank you for the way your spirit moved today. Lord, I just pray over all the listeners. I pray Father God, if there's any insecurity, fear, worry, doubt that has tried to block them from what you have desired for their life. I pray that that would break off in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray that they would see themselves the way you created them.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yes, Lord.
Isaac Immanuel:
And that is made fearfully and wonderfully. Father God, I pray that they would continue just to get this new profound boldness through the Holy Spirit, just the boldness you gave to Peter, father God. We pray, the word you gave me, father God, that they would see that their disability does not define the ability to serve your kingdom, Father God.
You have called every single one of us as your children to serve in some way, shape or form. So I pray that there would be an increase of people with disabilities serving in ministry...
Stephanie Daniels:
Yes.
Isaac Immanuel:
And that there would be no barriers and that the church would continue to grow in, in ways to, help make those ministries more accessible.
I pray that they would grow in support. I pray that churches would just get a vision for disabilities and people without disabilities serving together as one body...
Stephanie Daniels:
Yes, God.
Isaac Immanuel:
As one kingdom under you, Father God. I pray that you would continue to have your way, continue to move, Father God. And I pray again, Lord, just against anything that the enemy may be trying to throw their way Father God. Help them know that they are loved. Help them know that they were designed and made with purpose, Lord.
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen.
Isaac Immanuel:
Help them just continue just to see the path that you have called them to and help them step out in faith Lord. We just pray that over every single listener right now in the mighty name of Jesus. We pray for peace over their minds.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yes.
Isaac Immanuel:
We pray for continued revelation of Your Spirit in their lives, continued revelation of their identity in you, Father God. And we just pray, Lord, just for your Spirit to continue to move. Let your will be done. Let your kingdom come. Father God. Let it come now. Let us not wait for tomorrow. Let us not wait till next week. Let us just continue to live out who you called us to be so your kingdom can come down to Earth today, Father God. We love you so much Jesus. And we praise you Lord. We love you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Stephanie Daniels:
Amen. Isaac, thank you so much for joining us today. Would you let our listeners know how they can connect with you on social media?
Isaac Immanuel:
You can connect to me on all social medias. Instagram is IsaacEmanuel_, and I think it's the same for TikTok. And then YouTube, if you ever wanna see different moments of me leading worship, uh, it would be on YouTube under Isaac Emanuel Music, and then Spotify, Isaac Emanuel as well.
I plan on hopefully, Lord willing, releasing more music this year. So we'll see. But we're praying for that. Yeah.
Stephanie Daniels:
Yeah, well, we can't wait to hear it. And I just encourage listeners to go and find you on social media and just listen to Isaac worship. I promise you will be blessed and encouraged. So thank you so much for joining us today.
Isaac Immanuel:
Thank you.
Stephanie Daniels:
We hope this conversation touched your heart today. If it did, consider sharing it with someone who might be encouraged as well. And don’t forget to follow us on your favorite podcasting app so you never miss an episode. See you next week!
© Joni and Friends