Suffering with hope

When Faith Isn’t a Formula

We, Christians, love a good miracle. We’re moved by the bold prayers of a sick brother or sister who’s powerfully touched by the healing hand of God. We’re inspired by the drug addict who met Jesus at rock bottom, and whose testimony has grown into a powerful ministry founded on the redemptive hope of Christ.… Continue reading When Faith Isn’t a Formula

Suffering with hope

The Great Exchange: When a Million Little Deaths Lead to the Secret of True Life

As I recently shared, this past month was one of extreme physical circumstances that left me out of commission, out of family life, desperate for relief, and weary of the battle. There were moments when I was in such discomfort, I could barely think, let alone read my Bible or pray beyond begging God for… Continue reading The Great Exchange: When a Million Little Deaths Lead to the Secret of True Life

Suffering with hope

The Rush to Redeem Suffering: Acknowledging Pain for What It Is

Suffering. How can one small word hold so much complexity? It can elicit fear, dread, anxiety, bitterness, anger, and panic. It can also stir up courage, strength, growth, humility, and faith. Suffering is so painfully complex that we struggle to find answers to it, yet it demands answers nonetheless. Which is why, I believe, we… Continue reading The Rush to Redeem Suffering: Acknowledging Pain for What It Is

Suffering with hope

There is no Pit so Deep That He is Not Deeper Still

Mom! Dad! Something keeps biting me!” one of our children yelled. We ran into the family room to investigate what was happening. As soon as I realized the cause, I froze. Fleas! Nope, no way, this was too much. Everything in me wanted to run for the hills, escape the horror we were living in, and… Continue reading There is no Pit so Deep That He is Not Deeper Still

Suffering with hope

Fear Takes You Where Grace Has Not Yet Gone

I don’t have to tell you that there’s a lot to fear in this world. And we don’t have the promise that our fears won’t become reality. We’ll all be faced with some degree of unwanted sorrows, hardships, and disappointments simply because we live in a fallen world that still groans under the curse of… Continue reading Fear Takes You Where Grace Has Not Yet Gone

Suffering with hope

A Tested Faith Will Stand

Have you ever wondered why trials seem to come in abundance and with a vengeance in the lives of believers? Although we’d like to think that following Christ means we’ll be protected from earthly harm, it doesn’t take long to realize the fallacy of that belief. We’re then left to face the question, “Why?” If… Continue reading A Tested Faith Will Stand

Suffering with hope

When Our Foundation Falters

To say it’s been a fight for faith is an understatement. Not because this has been the most painful season of my life, but because of the longevity, depth, and layers of hardship that have worn me to a pulp. I’ve had seasons when my agony has driven me to worship as Job did: “The… Continue reading When Our Foundation Falters

Suffering with hope

Growth Often Feels like Death

"So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will… Continue reading Growth Often Feels like Death

Suffering with hope

Sustained in the Fire

“I’m thankful God that has sustained me, but sometimes I don’t want to just be sustained, I want to be delivered," I confessed to my husband. It’s difficult to admit such thoughts because as a Christian, I know that God is working in my trials and I do believe he has a purpose. But there… Continue reading Sustained in the Fire

Suffering with hope

Standing on God’s Promises When Circumstances Worsen

I stared out at the vast ocean and breathed in deep the warm salty air. I felt my mind slowly reconnecting with my body and realized, I hadn't been truly present in a long while. It took feeling my feet in the sand, the warm sun against my face, and the sound of nothing but… Continue reading Standing on God’s Promises When Circumstances Worsen