HOPE IN HARD TIMES

Well, it's been quite the journey. You may have listened to these episodes one after the other, but it took Wade and I almost three years to record and post them all. We have come to the end of the suffering podcast journey, at least for now.There is certainly more that could be said about suffering. But at least for the time being, Wade and I feel that we have said all that WE have to say about it. Or, to put it another way, I think we have covered the things about suffering that we feel are not adequately covered elsewhere. We have given our somewhat unique contribution.We will continue to monitor the channel however, and if you want to use the chat tool, we can have conversations that way. If someone brings up an important subject that we feel we could speak to helpfully, we might record another episode or two.In the meantime, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

This is our second-to-last episode. We feel that we have offered most of the important, unique thoughts on suffering in faith that we have at this point in time.However, there ARE two episodes left. This one is about the connection between suffering and revival. When I think of revival, I mean genuine, real-life Christian discipleship manifesting in significant numbers of people in the same general region during the same general time period. It may or may not include large numbers gathering together in one place. I think the decisions normal Christians make in their everyday lives are far more indicative of revival than big events in big stadiums.While many people are eager for revival, my strong conviction is that true widespread revival will not take place without widespread suffering. Wade and I talk this over in this episode. Thank you for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

In Colossians 1:24, Paul says he is “filling up what is lacking” in the afflictions of Christ. What does this mean? How could it be? And, does this difficult verse actually have comfort for those who are suffering today? Listen to this episode to hear our thoughts on these subjects, and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

At a time when I was very low, and really unable to change anything about my circumstances or my attitude, the Lord gave me an unexpected experience of joy. I have hesitated to share this episode, because it was so unique. Even so, as I've shared the story elsewhere, people have reported to me that it was an encouragement to them. Because of that, I share it now, as an encouragement to all who hear it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

We invited my wife Kari, along with Ken Haynes and his wife Kelly, to talk with us about how suffering affects the spouses of the “primary sufferer,” and how it affects marriages generally. This is the third of the three conversations we had when we were together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

We invited my wife Kari, along with Ken Haynes and his wife Kelly, to talk with us about how suffering affects the spouses of the “primary sufferer,” and how it affects marriages generally. This is the second of three conversations we had when we were together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

You may have noticed by parts of our conversation that I have been running behind on posting episodes. It was some time ago now that we invited my wife Kari, along with Ken Haynes and his wife Kelly, to talk with us about how suffering affects the spouses of the “primary sufferer,” and how it affects marriages generally. This is the first of three conversations we had when we were together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

Mostly, we don't deliberately choose to suffer. But what if was up to us? What if suffering was God's best will for us, but he allowed us to choose an easier path?I had an interesting experience pertaining to this lately, one that is hard to describe. I wasn't sure if we were going to post this episode or not, but in the end, I believe there are some helpful things here that may be encouraging to others who are suffering. Rather than try to explain further, I invite you to listen to the episode! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

All world religions and world-views, address the issue of suffering, because suffering has always been part of what it means to be human. However, there is tremendous variety in the way suffering is approached, and, many other worldviews leave me (at least) very dissatisfied with their take on suffering. For just three examples: In Buddhism, suffering is an illusion, while for Hindus, those who suffer deserve to do so because of karma. For atheists, there is no ultimate rhyme or reason for anything, so if your suffering happens to be severe, bad luck to you.Only Christianity tells us that we can have lasting joy in suffering. Only the Bible teaches that God himself suffered for us, and suffers with us. Join us, as we talk about these, and related issues, today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

This is the second episode featuring our friend, Ken Haynes. I was personally so encouraged by this conversation, because talking with Ken helped me to realize that I am not alone. He also brought many good insights and thoughts into the topic of suffering. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

I am thrilled to drop this episode, the first of two conversations with a dear Christian brother named Ken Haynes. I'll let Ken tell his own story on the episode, but I was deeply encouraged and moved by what Ken had to say. It's been a great comfort to me to get to know Ken, because he is walking a similar path of suffering.I pray that this episode encourages you as much as it has me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

We spend our time in this episode talking about a specific character in the book of Job: Elihu. Elihu shows up almost at the end, and he is a little enigmatic, in certain ways. Some Christians try to use him, and his words, to cast doubt on the main message of Job. Others aren't necessarily doing that, but they get confused about Elihu, and again this creates confusion about the message. Wade and I talk about how to understand Elihu in the light of ancient middle-eastern culture, and of Job, and indeed the rest of scripture.This ended up as a wide ranging, invigorating conversation. It is one of my favourite episodes so far. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

Job is the only book of the Bible in which suffering is the main topic. It is a fascinating book. Wade, because he is slightly strange, says that Job is one of his very favorite books of the Bible. Tom wishes he didn't identify with Job as much as he does these days. Both Tom and Wade agree that it is a very important book for all believers.Join us as we talk about Job, and his friends, and how this ancient book can give us hope and encouragement today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

Last year I found myself in a deep, dark hole. I legitimately wanted to die. This came about from a variety of factors. I choose to share about it because I believe that there are others out there who are struggling with this sort of deep emotional pain.In this episode, I explain what it was like for me, and we consider how God meets us even there. It's a difficult subtopic in a general topic that is already difficult. But I think it's important. It might just be what you, or someone you love, needs to hear.As always, thanks for listening. Please subscribe, if you haven't already, so that you don't miss any episodes. And please pass along a link to anyone whom you think might be blessed by this podcast.If you have technical skills, and would like to donate some time to helping this podcast run more smoothly, please reach out to us in the comments section. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

One of the most transformative things for me in my journey of suffering was learning to give thanks FOR the difficult things in my life. Not “in spite of” but “FOR,” as in: “Thank you, Father for this pain. Thank you for our current financial difficulties. Thank you for our car troubles,” and so on.This was so difficult for me to do. And yet, when I finally did it, gritting my teeth, saying as an act of will, it began to change everything for me. If there is one episode I want EVERYONE to hear, it is this one. I hope and pray that you, too, can experience the transforming power of giving thanks to God for absolutely everything in your life, even the things that you might not want to thank him for, the things you think of as bad.We're behind schedule in releasing these episodes, but we really appreciate your patience. If you've listened at all, I'm sure you can understand why it takes a little time for me to edit these, and release them into the world. I think we are up and running on the Substack platform now, at It's pretty easy to make comments, and interact from there. Thanks again for joining us! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

Join Wade and I as we talk about what it means to suffer for Christ. Is this only about persecution? What about someone who is persecuted, but reacts to it in a way that reflects poorly upon the name of Jesus - is that suffering for Christ?What about illness, or loss - can those things be suffering for Christ?We hope you will be encouraged as we discuss the possibility that any and every kind of suffering might be used by the Holy Spirit to lift up the name of Jesus. When we suffer for Christ, no matter what, exactly, we suffer, our suffering has meaning and purpose, and can become a source of joy and hope to us. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

Those of us who live in the Western world often don't realize how incredibly blessed we are in comparison to people who live in other countries. In America, particularly, we tend to assume that there is ALWAYS a way to solve any problem. Sometimes we conflate this American “can do” attitude with scripture, and we apply it to following Jesus in ways that are not very helpful. Jesus made it clear that for many people, following Him will involve suffering. In fact, the only way for things to be “solved” was for him to suffer.Too often people approach those who suffer with a shallow attitude, an attitude that says: “This is merely a problem to be solved. If we simply do the right things, our suffering will end.” Though many people may not realize it, this is a kind of legalism. The underlying belief is that the answer to the problem is to behave in the correct way. Which also means that the problem was caused by incorrect behavior. If these things are the case, it is also appropriate to look down on those who suffer, because their suffering is merely a result of the fact that they haven't followed the rules correctly.However, the truth is, not everything is solved so easily, and sometimes, perhaps, God is up to something different than just fixing something in this temporary life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

One of the most damaging things you can say to someone struggling with a long-term health problem is: “miraculous healing is a simple matter of faith.”Many well-meaning people approach me with this attitude. Most are sensitive enough not to say it so bluntly, but they think my pain is a problem that can be solved by applying the simple formula of the right amount of the correct type of faith and voila! Healing.In the first place, as a student of the Bible, I am convinced that this is a simplistic and inaccurate view of what the Bible teaches. Secondly, when we approach those who are hurting with this attitude, it can cause tragic emotional and spiritual harm.Please join us as we consider what the Bible says about faith and healing, and what it means for those of us who experience ongoing suffering. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

EPISODE 5When we think about the people that Jesus did not heal while he walked on earth, it is staggering. Many Americans fail to realize the kind of world in which Jesus lived 2000 years ago. I spent my childhood in a third-world country. I've traveled to 17 other countries. There are many places in the world that would be shocking to Americans or Europeans. In places all over the globe, sick and disfigured people sit on the street and beg. The sheer amount of suffering on display in public is astounding, and I am speaking about the twenty-first century. Probably more places in the world are like that than they are like America. In the time of Jesus it would have been even worse. Much worse.If Jesus had healed every person he encountered who had a serious medical problem, he would not have had time to do anything else.Yet, somewhere, somehow, a large subset of Christians has come to believe that God always desires to heal our physical ailments in this mortal life. Some people may be unconscious of their own underlying belief that God should always heal, but it comes out in many different ways as they pray:“Lord, we reject this illness. We refuse to accept it.”“We know that God's desire is to heal you, right now.”“By His stripes, we are healed. Jesus died not just for your salvation, but also for your healing.”“Claim your healing. It is already yours in Jesus. Take hold of it in faith right now.”All of this proceeds from a presumption that when it comes to ill-health, God's primary goal is always to heal our physical bodies. No one seems to entertain the thought that God, in his wisdom, might sometimes have a better goal than healing a physical body that is corrupted by sin, and going to die eventually anyway.Much like the issue of faith and healing (covered elsewhere in this podcast), this is an area where it is very easy for well-meaning Christians to thoughtlessly inflict a great deal of emotional pain upon those who are already suffering.If God supposedly desires to heal everyone, where would that leave me? I'll tell you exactly, so you won't have to guess: It would leave me feeling even more abandoned by God, which is something most chronically ill people struggle with anyway. It would leave me feeling judged by others. It would leave me feeling patronized and humiliated.Thankfully, I think my friends who believe in universal healing are mistaken. The truth that the Bible describes about healing is much more nuanced and complicated than that. Join Wade and me as we seek to understand this topic better. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

Suffering is all over the pages of the Bible. It is one the very important ways that God works in and through His people. We are NOT promised an easy, suffering-free life before the resurrection. We are not promised a life free from illness or pain - not until this present life is over. To reject this is to reject the clear teaching of Jesus Christ and His apostles.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tom-hilpert7/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

It is very difficult to find a way to hope meaningfully when it seems obvious that your suffering is going to continue. However, even when things don't change, hope is possible, and hope can sustain us. Wade and I talk about relevance of hope, and the possibilities of hope to ease our suffering.If this podcast has been helpful, please tell others. If you want to encourage us financially, you are welcome to become a paying subscriber, but you don't need to do so to hear the podcast.Thanks for listening!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tom-hilpert7/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

For more than two years, in the midst of my suffering, I was strong. TOO strong. My commitment to being tough made suffering more difficult for me than it needed to be. Join Wade Jones and I as we discuss a counter-intuitive truth about suffering: sometimes we need to stop being strong, and instead, accept God's invitation to surrender in trust.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tom-hilpert7/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

My name is Tom Hilpert, and I am suffering from the pain of a kidney stone. I've been suffering with it for seven years now. The pain is unbelievable, unrelenting and never ending. How do I cope, you ask? Some days, I really don't know. Some days, I really don't cope. But some days – probably more of them than not, I have found a path to peace, joy and hope. I can truly say that it is well with my soul, even on the worst days.If you are in the middle of suffering, grief, or struggle, this podcast is for you. If someone you love is suffering in some way, this is for you, too. Join me, and my dear friend Wade Jones, as we journey through Hard Times with Hope.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tom-hilpert7/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com