Desiring God Posts, Marriage, Suffering with hope

Loving Our Spouse Through Suffering

“Lord, I pray you will do a physical miracle in my wife, but if you choose not to, then work a spiritual miracle in me so that I can love her well until the end.” These were the words of Dr. Robertson McQuilkin, shortly after receiving his wife’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. His response pierced my heart… Continue reading Loving Our Spouse Through Suffering

Desiring God Posts, Suffering with hope

Lay Aside the Fear of Legalism – The Wells of Grace in Godly Discipline

Christians, of all people, desire to make changes for the better: to break patterns of sin, live more faithfully, and grow in godliness. And yet, our battle with sin remains, and our enemy works tirelessly to distract, discourage, or weigh us down in that pursuit. One of his well-known tactics is legalism, reducing the Christian… Continue reading Lay Aside the Fear of Legalism – The Wells of Grace in Godly Discipline

Desiring God Posts, Suffering with hope

Trapped in My Own Mind – Three Lies Depression Loves

I can’t live like this anymore!” I cried through sobs. “I just want to die!” I sat on my bed and tried to make sense of what was going on inside. I was tired of the chronic pain, the frequent bouts of illness, and the weariness of dealing with my kids’ struggles. But what broke… Continue reading Trapped in My Own Mind – Three Lies Depression Loves

Desiring God Posts, Hope When It Hurts, Lyme Disease, Suffering with hope

Do You Resent the Life God Gave You?

I sat in the restaurant booth across from my husband, but I was distracted by the couple sitting nearby. As I watched them, smiling, enjoying their massive plate of gluten- and dairy-filled food, while my body ached and stomach churned, resentment began to rise in me. I bet they can eat whatever they want and… Continue reading Do You Resent the Life God Gave You?

Desiring God Posts, Suffering with hope

Each Day Is More Impossible – Hope on the Long Road of Suffering

It’s been eight weeks since I went in for my fifth ankle surgery, uncertain of whether it would restore my ability to walk. As I remain couchbound, waiting to see what walking ability I will be left with, I’ve been wrestling with doubts and fears over all the seemingly impossible circumstances that God continues to… Continue reading Each Day Is More Impossible – Hope on the Long Road of Suffering

Desiring God Posts, Hope When It Hurts, Suffering with hope

Pain Will Not Have the Last Word

Pain has taken its toll on me—physically, emotionally, and mentally. The damage isn’t always visible on my face or in my words, but it’s always there, tempting me to view everything through the lens of an aching heart and a weary spirit. No one lives this life untouched. We all experience the brokenness and frailty… Continue reading Pain Will Not Have the Last Word

Desiring God Posts, Suffering with hope

What If God Takes It All Away? Trusting Him Through Financial Struggles

Recently we drove past our old house for the first time since downsizing. Immediately, our four children began rehearsing memories, noting every part of the house that they missed. Once again, they struggled to understand why we had to give it all up. As hard as I tried to respond with confidence that it was… Continue reading What If God Takes It All Away? Trusting Him Through Financial Struggles

Desiring God Posts, Suffering with hope

The Waves of Grief Will Give Way

“Why did God make me this way? I’ve asked him to change me every day, but he never does. My life is hopeless — there’s no point to trying anymore.” My child curled up in a heap on the floor and sobbed. I sat down next to him, empty of words and fighting my own… Continue reading The Waves of Grief Will Give Way

Desiring God Posts, Suffering with hope

The Red Sea in Front of Me – Reaching for God in Despair

There is no escaping the painful realities that surround my family. Our own Red Sea looms before us while the relentless enemies of physical and mental illness, financial strain, layered losses, and temptations to lose heart, pursue us from all sides. While crushing circumstances involving physical and mental health, finances, marital pressures, and loss have… Continue reading The Red Sea in Front of Me – Reaching for God in Despair

Desiring God Posts, Suffering with hope

God Has a Purpose for My Lyme Disease -Three Promises for Anyone Suffering

As my seven-year-old daughter curled up on the couch with stomach pain, she looked up at me with sadness and confusion in her eyes and said, “Mommy, I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I kind of wish you hadn’t had us when you were sick — then you wouldn’t have given us all… Continue reading God Has a Purpose for My Lyme Disease -Three Promises for Anyone Suffering