Suffering with hope

When the Miracle Doesn’t Come

It's been so many years of waiting. Praying. Hoping. Struggling. And as a follower of Jesus, what most often tempts me to question God's goodness and love for me is this: If God can heal me, rescue me, free me, and grant my desires - why doesn't he? The flame of doubt is only further… Continue reading When the Miracle Doesn’t Come

Suffering with hope

If God Really Loved Me, He Would…

Why are we surprised when trials come? Why do we quickly question God’s goodness, love, and control when we experience the pain of this world? For me, I think it’s because there is a pervasive belief that subtly infiltrates my thought life. One that, deep down, still believes God would keep me from harm and… Continue reading If God Really Loved Me, He Would…

Suffering with hope

Together Through the Storms – Focus on the Family Interview

Jeff and I are excited to share our Focus on the Family interview that aired today. We wish we could’ve had the time to share more, but we hope you’ll take a listen and pick up a copy of the book if you or someone you know are walking through trials and trying to stay… Continue reading Together Through the Storms – Focus on the Family Interview

Suffering with hope

Peace in Acceptance

Peace and joy begin with acceptance.  It’s a phrase that God has often brought to mind during the past decade of near constant trials in our family. Between a daily battle with chronic illness, a debilitating injury, suffering children, financial woes, and the strain of caring for a loved one with mental illness, God’s been… Continue reading Peace in Acceptance

Suffering with hope

“Where Are You, Lord?”

"Where are you, Lord When the darkness swallows When your silence deafens In a multitude of sorrows? ______ Where is your comfort When pain abounds When companions flee And loneliness resounds? ______ Where is your justice When the innocent are hunted When the wicked prosper And their evil is flaunted? ______ Where is your compassion… Continue reading “Where Are You, Lord?”

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… Continue reading Pain Will Not Have the Last Word

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

Suffering with hope

God of the Impossible

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 God of the Impossible

Suffering with hope

Walking With Our Children in Their Pain

Trials and suffering in our lives can be anything from stretching to down right devastating. However, I think most people would probably agree that as painful as it is to endure suffering in our own lives, it can be even more painful to watch our children suffer. But in this world, suffer they will. Whether… Continue reading Walking With Our Children in Their Pain

Suffering with hope

Facing the Impossible

We were desperate. How could we go on like this - standing before a metaphorical mountain that seems impossible to scale on our own? We prayed. We pleaded. We endured. We waited. Then God did something miraculous and brought what seemed to be the answer we desperately needed. Although that answer would bring a different… Continue reading Facing the Impossible