Cristina Baker firmly believes there is no situation too dark or too impossible for God to redeem — and she’s living proof. After battling drug addiction for 10 years, Cristina found freedom in Jesus and received his invitation to share that hope with others. Through her online ministry, she equips everyday believers with the truths they need to walk in the power of prayer. She’s also written a book on the subject: “Hope in 60 Seconds” and her latest release, “A Minute of Hope.”

Today, Cristina is opening up about the joys and struggles of following God’s call with radical obedience — plus her favorite hometown restaurants, the power of community and the books that have transformed her life over the years.

QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT

The meals we enjoy are about so much more than the food we eat. So how does a “go-to” meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind your web bio?

Hopdoddy in Austin, Texas! It is a staple in the city, and our family has always loved the food and the environment at the very first location that they opened on Congress Avenue. Hopdoddy represents Austin’s personality so well. They are known for their incredible gourmet burgers in an eccentric part of town, and my husband, son and I would jump on our bikes after a meal and ride all over the city.

So what does this reveal about my bio? I love being among people who feel like they march to the beat of a drum that no one else understands. This restaurant is situated right in the heart of a community that is trying to figure out its place in the world. I remember feeling that way so many years ago and encountering the love of God that made me feel that I was finally home. Food is incredible, but the best part is meeting people that we would otherwise never meet anywhere else. As a family, we have had some of the most amazing encounters with God, both in and outside the restaurant.

QUESTION #2: REVEAL

We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So what are yours? What so-called “nonspiritual” activity do you love engaging in that also helps you find essential spiritual renewal?

One of my favorite things to do is spend time with my closest friends. We talk about life, pray for one another, laugh and process life together — the peaks, valleys and everything in between.

Jesus said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matt. 18:20). I’ve seen that play out time and time again. Whether we’re meeting up over coffee or catching up on the phone, I have found that God calls us to live life in community where our hearts are open and vulnerable to one another and, ultimately, our hearts are open to him. I am so thankful for the friends God has brought into my life over the years. I have tasted the beauty of the book of Proverbs, which says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:6, ESV). I often wonder where we would be if it weren’t for the friends who were willing to speak the truth to us, even when it hurt; it is because of these friends that our family has had the opportunity to grow in the Lord. Community is a beautiful and powerful gift given to us in the kingdom of God.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” and Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” That’s what godly friendships do. They cover us and challenge us to stay the course and run our race the way that God has called us to. I genuinely believe friendships like that are one of the greatest gifts Jesus gives us in this life.

QUESTION #3: CONFESS

Every superhero has a weakness; every human, too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re all broken and in this thing together. So what’s your kryptonite, and how do you confront its power head-on?

I love to help people, and while it is one of the most rewarding aspects of life, what is most important is to be led by the Holy Spirit in every decision we make, even when we are helping others.

While conversing about my classes this semester, a close friend and mentor of mine shared a moment with me that she had learned during her time in seminary. She said, “Cristina, God gives us the gift of mercy to display to others, but we must be led by his Spirit because ‘doing good things’ may not always be what God is asking all of us to do. Even ‘good things’ can become a distraction.”

This had to have been one of the most life-changing moments of my walk with God because I began to learn how important it was for me to pause and ask God, “What do you want me to do in this situation? Would you like me to be a part of the solution in any way, or is my part to intercede and pray for this person?” There are people building orphanages, launching businesses, planting churches and serving God’s kingdom in different capacities with the gifts God has given them. But we aren’t all called to everything. We’re each called to listen to God and follow his voice — not the pressure of every opportunity just because it sounds good.

Serving, loving and displaying the nature of Jesus to others is what God has called us to, but how he has called us to do this is different for each person.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us to serve others. But it also reveals something more profound: mercy flows best when the Spirit, not guilt, guides us. I’m learning to pause, pray and ask, “God, is this mine to carry?” Because being merciful is holy, but being obedient is what the Lord is looking for in each of us.

QUESTION #4: FIRE UP

Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your current obsession? And why should it be ours?

I have spent the last 18 months in seminary, and I can tell you that it has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding seasons of my life. Making the decision was easy, but God loves to lead us into situations where we don’t get the full picture of what is coming — because if we really knew, then we wouldn’t do it! I’m so glad that he doesn’t always reveal the difficult moments of the greatest blessings. Otherwise, we would miss out on so much in life.

Now, while I don’t believe that everybody should go to seminary, dedicating our lives to studying the Scriptures is all about knowing the heart of Jesus. This last year and a half has taught me the significance of what Jesus meant by “and the truth will make you free.” The toil comes with the 20-page papers for each class on a full-time schedule, but the reward is so much greater. The classes that have challenged me the most have produced fruit inside of me that I would not trade for the world!

Paul said he wanted to know the power of Christ’s resurrection. I believe that knowing Jesus and loving his Word is one of the greatest gifts we could ever receive from God.

In addition to seminary, I’ve also been gearing up for the release of my latest book, “A Minute of Hope.” It offers everyday believers — no matter what they’re facing or feeling — 100 prayers that only take 60 seconds to pray. True peace is found in Jesus’ presence through prayer, and this book allows readers to experience that for themselves.

QUESTION #5: BOOST

Cashiers, CEOs, contractors or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it’s God when it happens?

Throughout the Gospels, one of the most striking aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry is the way that he engaged with people from all walks of life. Whether it was a marginalized leper or a respected Pharisee like Nicodemus or a member of the Sanhedrin, Jesus ministered to each person with the same compassion and truth.

This demonstrates that when the Holy Spirit leads us, there’s no division between the secular and the spiritual. Walking with the Holy Spirit means tuning into his voice every moment of every day. When we invite Jesus into our hearts, the Holy Spirit takes residence within us, granting him access to every part of our lives. After his resurrection, Jesus walked alongside two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Their hearts were heavy with sorrow over his crucifixion. They didn’t recognize that it was Jesus himself walking with them until this pivotal moment: “And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’” (Luke 24:31,32).

There was something profound about that moment because their hearts recognized his presence before their eyes did. This reminds us that our journey with God is rooted in faith. I often say, “I think it’s God, but I’ll find out when I get there.” Faith has legs, and it propels us forward. Our history with Jesus empowers us to step out in trust, regardless of how we are feeling. I’d rather take a step of faith than look back and wonder what might have happened if I had trusted God.

Sometimes, the evidence of that faith will result in godly fruit. At other times, it may not appear for many years … sometimes, we may not see it at all. But inviting God into every moment of our lives opens the door for him to work in us and through us.

QUESTION #6: inspire

Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied habits that open our hearts to the presence of God. So let us in. Which spiritual practice is working best for you in this season?

For a couple of years, I started praying a simple prayer: “Lord, I want to live an interruptible life!” I certainly didn’t know what I was praying for, but I can tell you that he put it on my heart! God began to reveal to me the meaning of Proverbs 3:5,6 and what it looks like to live this out daily. This prayer came from meditating on the Scripture of the woman at the well. In some way, shape or form, we have all been that woman who has needed mercy, grace, forgiveness and someone to see right through us. Jesus looked at that woman with the eyes of love that only God can give.

God wants to use each of us to look at people the way that he sees them. I always ask the Lord, “What do you love so much about this person?” There has never been a time when he didn’t show me something beautiful about that person that reflected the image of God. We have to be honest and admit that we tend to get along and identify with people who remind us of ourselves. So what about the people who are entirely different from us? What about those we do not understand and who are sometimes difficult to love?

What is my spiritual practice? I am leaning into the Lord’s heart to learn to walk in the Spirit and listen for his voice, each day discovering what it means to live a life that is easily interrupted by him. God has divine appointments for each of us every day; he may need us to rearrange our schedules or pivot in some way so that he can reach a person who is lost or broken or who needs a sign of hope that God will turn their situation around.

QUESTION #7: FOCUS

Looking backward, considering the full sweep of your unique faith journey and all you encountered along the way, what top three resources stand out to you? What changed reality and your heart?

These are just a few of the books that changed the course of my life for many reasons. One of them is “God Is So God!” by Brenda Peters. It landed in my hands right when my husband and I were taking one of the most significant leaps of faith we’d ever taken. Ben and Brenda’s story ministered to us deeply. They were sure that God had called them to travel around the country in an RV, preaching the gospel and they shared some of the most miraculous stories that God allowed them to experience as they stepped out in faith to trust him. Months later, we ended up at the same church their family had moved to, and one of their daughters became one of my closest friends!

When we trust God with whatever is in our hands, he always turns it into something we couldn’t even have known to pray for. God gave me a best friend through this, and Andrea and her family became the answer to our family’s longtime prayers.

Another book that helped me heal was “How to Forgive Ourselves Totally” by R.T. Kendall. It’s always easier to forgive others, but forgiving ourselves is an entirely different story. We should all read this book at least once in our lives. This book is a much-needed manual for the church today — because shame and guilt can affect the life of a believer who cannot receive forgiveness from God for themselves. This book will encourage your heart to recognize that real strength, which comes from the Lord, always comes from letting go and surrendering.

And then there’s “Save Me from Myself” by Brian “Head” Welch. Brian writes honestly about addiction and alcohol in a most vulnerable way to help others walk in the complete freedom that Jesus paid for on the cross. Korn was one of my favorite bands as a teenager, and I was the lead singer and guitarist of a punk band, living a very similar life to his. His testimony profoundly ministered to my heart. What I love about this book is that you don’t have to have a history of drugs and alcohol to relate to what Brian writes about in his story. What is so beautiful about this book is that we can all see ourselves in Brian’s story and how God meets us in the deepest valleys, giving us his grace when we feel we least deserve it.

We all have things we cling to to survive or even thrive in our fast-paced, techno-driven world. How have you been successful in harnessing technology to aid in your spiritual growth?

I must say that the Bible Gateway page and app have been an incredible resource for me in this season, not just for school, but also for reading the Bible in its historical and cultural context. I love to dig into the original languages and study the authorship and audience. This resource has helped me gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word through my time in the Scriptures.

QUESTION #8: dream

God’s continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?

My husband, Ryan; our son, Evan; and I love adventure. At the end of last year, we found it in Power of Hope Ministries, and we are taking our time to dream together about what that will look like in the days ahead. Our son has become an incredible drummer, and watching him flourish into the person God has called him to be has been a blessing to my husband and me. The three of us have a heart to reach people in communities that may look different from others. The passion within us is stirring to see what God can do when we take a moment to meet people right where they are.

We planned to begin a podcast in January of last year, and we are now considering the timing of our launch as the Lord leads us. I would say that, at the moment, between family, school and all the other things, we are eager to see what God would like to do through a podcast where he can speak freely through us and guests can share their stories with vulnerability and truth.

During her interview, Cristina discussed the temptation to take on more than she could handle — or at least more than the Holy Spirit had planned for her. To avoid this, she regularly asks, “God, is this mine to carry?”

This is a crucial lesson to learn in a culture that prizes productivity for productivity’s sake. The race of “do, do, do” stands in stark contrast to a mindset that listens for God’s voice and allows him to lead. The key difference? Listening.

Our prayer for you today, friend, is that “your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left” (Is. 30:21, ESV).

Cristina Baker