Podcasts about Suffering

The Americans come ashore at three locations. Suffering relatively few deaths from Axis hands, the weather and waves were a different story. Either way, elements of Gen. Patton's 7th Army are on Sicily. Producer Credit-Kath Hach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Co-Host Dr. Anthony Silard (https://mountaintoppodcast.com/silard) My first-time guest is a man who fearlessly tackles some rough topics that others avoid. In addition to his latest book Love And Suffering, he's also the author of others with scary titles like The Myth Of Happiness and The Myth Of Friendship. So how does a guy like Dr. Anthony Silard stay sane and level-headed while immersed in this stuff? Well, the easy answer is his work probably isn't what you expect it to be. Rather than another nihilistic treatise on existentialism, he actually frames the inevitable suffering we all experience in this life as having the power to enable us to love more deeply. But he's just getting warmed up. Anthony believes "forgiveness" isn't as kind as we think it is, and judging each other is a necessary part of human existence. Anthony is also very aware that Americans in particular are feeling deep disconnection from each other. Studies show that over 70% of Americans say their friendships and relationships both personal and professional have suffered over the past several years. They attribute some of this to technology saying they feel overwhelmed with all of the online communication in their life that they withdraw from people. Others attribute this to the increase anger we see daily about us. Regardless of the cause people feel disconnected. We have simply let life happen to us and we seem adrift. Why is this? How can we pull ourselves together? Anthony says the powerful but often overlooked truth is many relationships don't fail because of incompatibility, but rather because of unforgiven pain. Whatever you do not learn to love in your life, you will repeat. As you can imagine, this episode offers a powerful new perspective on how to build healthy, long-lasting relationships with women. Get in on the new VAMANOS app at https://mountaintoppodcast.com/vamanos === HELP US SEND THE MESSAGE TO GREAT MEN EVERYWHERE === The show is now available as a VIDEO version on YouTube. For some reason, the episodes seem funnier...if a bit more rough around the edges. If you love what you hear, please rate the show on the service you subscribed to it on (takes one second) and leave a review. As we say here in Texas, I appreciate you!

Feeling is part of being human. Suffering is not.In this episode, Amanda breaks down the crucial difference between feeling emotions and suffering because of them. You'll hear a raw, honest reflection on what it's like to try to “hold it all together,” why doing more never actually fixes emotional overwhelm, and how learning to slow down is the real way out of suffering.This episode is a reminder that you don't need better tools, better behavior, or more discipline — you need to take your foot off the emotional gas.What You'll LearnWhy 50% of life is always uncomfortable emotion (no matter how well you're doing)The difference between feeling pain and creating sufferingHow “trying not to feel” actually extends sufferingWhy doing more, pushing harder, or expecting yourself to cope better doesn't workThe compounding factors that turn pain into long-term sufferingWhat it really means to “take your foot off the emotional gas”Simple, practical ways to slow your nervous system in real timeHow to start asking yourself, “What do I need right now?” — and listening to the answerKey TakeawaysFeeling is inevitable. Suffering is optional.Pain happens. Hurt happens. Loss, rejection, and grief are real.Suffering comes from:JudgmentPressureEmotional accelerationNot slowing downNot regulating your nervous systemYou don't need to fix yourself — you need to pauseSlowing down is not quitting; it's leadershipSelf-trust is built in small percentages — 5%, then 10%, then morePractical Tools MentionedTaking your foot off the emotional gasRegulating through the senses:Look aroundNotice what you see, hear, smell, taste, touchBreathing and grounding (takes seconds, not minutes)Asking yourself:“What do I need in this moment?”Choosing support instead of speedMemorable Quote“Feeling is inevitable. Suffering is not.”Want This Kind of Support in Your Ear Every Day?If this episode resonated and you find yourself thinking, “I need more of this — consistently,” that's exactly why my membership exists.Inside the membership, you get ongoing support to help you:Slow down instead of pushing harderRegulate your nervous system in real lifeBuild self-trust one moment at a timeLearn how to feel without sufferingThis is the work — and you don't have to do it alone.

Pastor Michael Kisaka shares a powerful reflection on Psalm 56:8, emphasizing God's intimate knowledge of and presence in our suffering. He illustrates how God attentively keeps track of our sorrows and is compassionately close, even collecting our tears.

Incest and inbreeding? It's a taboo for humans, so why is it ok for dogs? Your cute smushed-faced dog is suffering. And AKC is not OK. What's PETA doing about it? Plenty. Jakob Shaw tells Emil the problems with BIBs, that's stands for breathing impaired breeds. Time to take a stand against torture breeding. For more go to PETA.org.    

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the film Shadowlands before introducing Michael Ward. C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. The Problem of Pain and A Grief Observed offer two very different approaches to suffering. In the former, Lewis addresses the intellectual problem raised by the existence of pain in a world created by a good and all-powerful God; and, in the latter, he presents a deeply personal account of his own suffering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the film Shadowlands before introducing Michael Ward. C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. The Problem of Pain and A Grief Observed offer two very different approaches to suffering. In the former, Lewis addresses the intellectual problem raised by the existence of pain in a world created by a good and all-powerful God; and, in the latter, he presents a deeply personal account of his own suffering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suffering from loss? We see you. Liz's new book is here: https://elizabethdeacle.com/ Brian and Liz, husband and wife, are in Colorado, USA. Join them today as they share their first impressions of the USA and take you on a stroll through their (very American) neighbourhood to chat to you about : Their young adult kids experiencing their first-ever "night out on the town" in America Why Brian was pulled over and questioned at the airport by American customs Liz's big mistake with the release of her new book Scoring a big break with a hire car  First impressions that Americans find normal (but are blowing Liz's mind...) This will be the last podcast episode until the New Year. May we take this chance to say how much we love and appreciate you, how your support means so very much to us and how we hope you will continue to join us in 2026. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, with all love and gentleness always, Kia Kaha Liz and Brian xx Links mentioned in the show: Liz's new book: You Won't Just Cry When They Die: Love, Loss and the Heartbreaking Reality of Grief If you are struggling and hurting right now, please know you are not alone. I wrote this little book to be a gentle companion, to help you survive, cope, and begin to heal when your whole world falls apart. The book is available to purchase at all major online bookstores. To support my work directly as an independent author, you can purchase all formats (hardback, e-book, audiobook) via my website: www.elizabethdeacle.com ❤️Join Liz's inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

SUMMARY: Guest: Lara Silverman — comedic actress, jazz singer, violinist, author, Stanford Law grad; formerly a federal prosecutor. -Faith roots: Grew up in a large Romanian Christian family (with Syrian Christian heritage); accepted Christ at 7; faith deepened after her aunt's death from cancer. -Calling to law: Loved advocacy and public speaking; passed the bar after intense study; landed her dream role as a federal prosecutor in San Francisco. -Health crisis: Fell acutely ill in week two on the job with a rare, under-researched neurological vertigo disorder; tried ~30–150 therapies and ~38 medications (often worsened symptoms); bedridden for three years on a bedpan; ultimately resigned her post. -Ongoing illness: Continues to experience constant spinning sensations; multiple tentative diagnoses, no definitive cure; learned to walk again despite worsening symptoms when upright. -Spiritual wrestle: Initial confusion turned to seasons of bitterness and anger (more than depression); felt misunderstood by some believers when she sensed God calling her to accept ongoing suffering. -Acceptance and surrender: Believes God spoke that she would not be fully healed on this side of eternity; fasting exposed idols of health, marriage, and career; moved toward surrender and trust. -Meeting Matt: Church acquaintance (youth leader) who reached out during her bedridden years; he had suffered childhood cancer and was later diagnosed with terminal cancer; they formed a deep bond through shared suffering. -Marriage and loss: Married despite her illness and his terminal diagnosis; experienced “joy in grief” through ministry and creativity; Matt died a year later; Lara testifies to God's peace and preparation through the loss. -Joy amid grief: Practiced finding “sprinkles of joy” (comedy clips, music, niece's smile, devotionals); launched The Silverman Show (YouTube: comedy, music, theology); organized jazz fundraisers, including $13K raised for Haiti. -Theology of suffering: *Critiques “prosperity gospel light” in American church; calls for preparing believers to suffer well. *Emphasizes biblical themes: joy in suffering; God's intentional purposes; eternal rewards (e.g., “crown of life”); 2 Corinthians 4:17's “eternal weight of glory.” *Points to Isaiah 61 (double portion/redemption), 1 Peter 1:7 (tested faith), Job-like redemption ultimately fulfilled in eternity. *Cites Helen Roseveare's testimony about trusting God in suffering. -Identity transformation: Early identity tied to achievement and “gold stars”; illness stripped these; learned identity in Christ, not performance; challenged by Matt's loving rebukes about pride and usefulness. -Honest struggles: Jealousy when others receive “basic blessings” (marriage, children, health); wrestled with God's statement “I know what's best for you”; learning to believe God's wisdom without having micro-level reasons. -Church's role: Encourage sound theology of suffering, eternal perspective, and the call to “joy in grief”; avoid equating God's love solely with earthly blessings. -Memoir: Wrote her memoir from bed over eight months, capturing God's “receipts” (journaled answers, provisions, and lessons); aims to comfort sufferers with biblical reasons for suffering and stories of God's nearness. -Hope redefined: Realistic hope is anchored in eternity (John 11:25); freedom from fear of death empowers purposeful living now. -Key scriptures referenced: 2 Corinthians 4:17 (eternal glory) 1 Peter 1:7 (tested genuineness of faith) Isaiah 61 (redemption, double portion) Isaiah 43:19–20 (streams in the wilderness) Romans 8:29 (conformed to Christ) John 11:25 (life beyond death) -Core takeaway: God provides “streams in the desert.” Open your heart to receive and choose joy in the midst of grief; joy and sorrow can coexist, and God will redeem suffering—fully in eternity, and often with foretastes now.   PODCAST INTRO: What happens when the life you planned—brilliant career, healthy body, tidy faith, marriage and children—collides with relentless suffering? For comedian, jazz singer, author, violinist, and Stanford-trained attorney Lara Silverman, that colission became a calling. Lara spent years pursuing her dream of becoming a federal prosecutor—years of academic discipline, devoted goal setting, and passionate pursuit. After graduating from Stanford, she enters the grueling vetting and elimination process of 1000 hopeful lawyers with the goal of making it to the top 3. When she learns that she made it in the top 3 her dream becomes a reality…she is standing at the pinnacle of a major goal in her life. She was accepted as a federal prosecutor and begin the task of fully stepping into that role. Until in her second week on the job, she fell violently ill with what would later be discovered as a rare, unresolved neurological condition that keeps her in a constant state of the world spinning around her. She endures that condition to this day…8 years now, 3 of which left her bedridden, on a bedpan, being cared for and nursed by her parents. Thirty-eight medications failed. Careers, plans, family timelines—all stripped away. In her personal dark valley of multi layered deaths, her testimony is that not only does God meet her there, He has never left her. True to being a trained lawyer, in her effort to make sense of her spinning, crumbling world she uses the Word/Bible to question God's goodness and His fairness demanding that He explain Himself. She's met with firm, steady, unwavering love that consistently engages her pain inviting her from striving to surrender. Through Lara's fasting, God exposed hidden idols—health, marriage, career—not to shame her, but to set her free. Because I think we all know that if we build our lives on things that will fade, change, transition, not to mention the fact that we have no guarantees on anything we risk losing ourselves into despair and ruin. Then came an unlikely gift. As Lara lay in bed, a church acquaintance—Matt Silverman, a brilliant, joy-filled believer battling terminal cancer—began calling to pray and wrestle through theology with her. Friendship became love. They married, held jazz benefit concerts for Haiti, launched a small YouTube channel, and practiced “joy in grief” as a spiritual discipline. Exactly one year later, Matt went home to Jesus. Lara's testimony is not tidy. She speaks frankly about anger, bitterness, jealousy, and the ache of unanswered prayers. Yet she clings to promises many avoid: that suffering refines faith (1 Peter 1), forges intimacy with Christ, prepares us for eternity (2 Corinthians 4), and—even here—can be met with streams in the desert (Isaiah 43). She believes God will redeem every loss, whether in the here and now or in eternity—and that the doctrine of reward, often neglected, gives sturdy hope when the nights are long. Her invitation is simple but not without surrender and therefor difficult: Look for “sprinkles of joy” each day. Refuse to waste your pain—serve others through it. Live now with eternity in view. If you're not afraid to die, you can truly live. Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. That's Lara's way through the wilderness—and a lifeline for anyone walking it today. In her memoir, Singing Through the Fire, she chronicles all of that's happened, how God shows up, the challenges she's put before Him and vice versa. What does it look like to struggle with God ? Lara provides examples, proof that He doesn't leave even when our faith is weak and ungodly. He holds us up when our faith falters and He sustains us through the most devastating emotional, mental, physical, battles. Let's listen in and find a reason to hope again, to find joy and to be comforted in what can feel like the wilderness. Live Loved and Thrive! Sherrie Pilk   CONNECT WITH LARA: Main Hub: https://linktr.ee/Larap3 Amazon link for her book: https://a.co/d/ayQyB52 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lara.palanjian.silverman Instagram handle: @larapalanjian Youtube: https://youtu.be/TDcUeQrbVZk Watch the deeply moving BOOK trailer here:  https://youtu.be/TDcUeQrbVZk Watch the second BOOK trailer here: https://youtube.com/shorts/bO34s0tLYyY?si=uTMALdhOPB6TOCnt RESOURCES PER LARA: Helen Roseveare's testimony: https://youtu.be/VJCCx-qiZ24?si=ANuKzA-A-F6kwEkt Podcast: Keep an eye/ear out for her new podcast: Singing Through Fire w/Lara Silverman BIO: Lara Silverman is a Christian author, lawyer, jazz singer, comedic actress, violinist, and songwriter. She holds a J.D. from Stanford Law School and a B.A. in both Economics and Political Science from UC Berkeley. Before falling seriously ill in 2018, Lara worked for two federal judges and practiced high stakes litigation for three years at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP, where she specialized in intellectual property, antitrust, and contract cases of all kinds.   In 2023, Lara co-founded The Silverman Show—a multifaceted comedy, music, and theology show—and released her debut jazz/pop album as her own music producer in February 2024. In September 2024, she debuted as Mrs. Serious in her solo Armenian comedy show online, amassing upwards of 300,000 views on individual videos on Instagram. Lara's writing has been featured in various respected Christian blogs, where her reflections on faith, suffering, and grace have encouraged readers across diverse audiences. Even as she remains mostly bedridden today, she anchors her unwavering hope in God.    

Matt Kiser December 14th, 2025

Bonnie's ex is a drug addict who spends little time with their kids, and her new husband isn't able to fill the hole in their hearts. Call 1-800-DR-LAURA / 1-800-375-2872 or make an appointment at DrLaura.comFollow me on social media:Facebook.com/DrLauraInstagram.com/DrLauraProgramYouTube.com/DrLauraJoin My Family!!Receive my Weekly Newsletter + 20% off my Marriage 101 course & 25% off Merch! Sign up now, it's FREE!Each week you'll get new articles, featured emails from listeners, special event invitations, early access to my Dr. Laura Designs Store benefiting Children of Fallen Patriots, and MORE! Sign up at DrLaura.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joy sounds simple at Christmastime … until life brings loss, disappointment, or unanswered prayers. In this Advent episode, Wendy Blight joins Kaley Olson and Ellen Adkins to share how Jesus brings joy — not to replace suffering but right in the middle of it. Through Wendy's honest personal story and a biblical look at joy throughout Scripture, you'll discover how true joy isn't rooted in circumstances — it's rooted in the presence of Jesus who meets us, sustains us, and carries us through things we never asked for.A powerful message for anyone who's wondering how joy is possible in a season that feels anything but joyful.You'll learn:Why biblical joy is more than a feeling — it's something God gifts us through His Spirit.How joy grows in seasons of pain, unanswered prayer, or physical and emotional suffering.Why lament isn't the opposite of joy — it's often the doorway to it.Practical ways to shift your gaze from your circumstances to Christ.What Scripture teaches about a future joy that no loss or sorrow can take away.Resources From This Episode:Join us for Advent in the First 5 app!Download the free app, and spend five minutes each day studying God's Word with women around the world.Go deeper with our brand-new Advent study guide, More Than a Manger.Experience the Christmas story with fresh eyes through rich biblical teaching and meaningful daily reflections.Help more women access biblical Truth this season.Your generosity fuels everything we do — from free podcasts to devotions to study resources.[Give to Proverbs 31 Ministries today.]Click here to download a transcript of this episodeWant More on This Topic? Listen to this Therapy & Theology episode titled “How Can I Trust God When I Don't Understand What He Allows?”

After feeling disappointed by someone or something we trusted in, how can we know where to place our hope? In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses hope, the topic of the first week of Advent, and how we can be certain that God is trustworthy. He teaches about the importance of guarding our hearts and practicing patience through the discomfort of hardship. Suffering will come to all of us because expressions of evil in our world are real, but the Bible teaches that even through difficult seasons, we can rejoice. We find everlasting joy and peace when we place our hope in the Lord!

Michael Wardian breaks down what discipline really looks like. He talks through the daily work that carried him 3332 miles across the country, the failed record attempts he turned into wins, and the mindset that comes from long hours of suffering.   He shows why simple reps like 100 burpees build accountability and why purpose matters more than motivation. This episode is a reminder that when you choose hard over comfort and keep moving forward, you build real mental toughness.   THREE KEY LEARNINGS Daily discipline builds mental toughness faster than motivation. Purpose keeps you locked in when everything hurts. Do hard things every day. That's how endurance and identity grow. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Meet Michael Wardian 00:50 Senior Olympics and competing at 51 03:43 How Michael met Joe at a Spartan Race 04:30 The first treadmill 50K world record attempt 07:21 The second attempt and breaking the record 09:07 Running 3332 miles across the United States 12:01 What long endurance does to your body 14:07 The 100 burpees for 100 days challenge 18:10 The mental trick that gets you started 20:02 How to choose a meaningful goal 22:09 Why purpose drives discipline 23:12 Helping athletes with disabilities 23:56 Toughest race Wardian has ever done 25:50 Keeping energy levels high 27:11 Nutrition and eating enough 27:50 Where to follow Wardian   TOOLS / FRAMEWORKS MENTIONED • 100 Burpees for 100 Days protocol • The "do 5 first" resistance-breaker • Goal-setting through meaningful purpose • Accountability model: daily video, send to friends • Service-based motivation through pacing athletes • Long-duration endurance adaptation model (first 2–3 weeks body rejection, then lock-in)   CLOSING INSIGHT + CTA Discipline comes from choosing the hard way every day. Set a purpose, stay accountable, and build the reps that move you forward.   What's your hard? If this story moved you, sign up, show up, and do something about it. Spartan.com. No more excuses.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Three: Listening Through Trials, Weakness, and Silence DAY 17 – Suffering “For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1.5 ... Read more The post Day 17 – Suffering – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Do All Humans Experience Suffering Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Carroll is a legendary Australian transformation coach, educator, and entrepreneur. Known publicly for elite-level results and business success, Mark joins me for one of his most open and vulnerable conversations to date.In a world driven by artificial polish, highlight reels, and performance, Mark peels back the curtain on what was really happening behind the scenes while his career and finances were thriving.Mark and Andrew explore:• Mark's experience with injury, depression, and body image struggles during periods of professional success• The pressure and unrealistic expectations created by social media• Whether Mark feels compelled to live up to public expectations• Feeling proud to appear in photos with his family after years of hiding during inactivity• Why “a goal is not a strategy”• What Mark means by strategic investment in both life and business• The steps of strategic investment required for winning outcomes• Personal financial lessons from Mark's experience as a successful investor• The difference between suffering aimlessly vs. suffering with purpose• Why long-term thinking beats short-term validation• And much moreIt's easy to look at someone's life and assume they have it easy. This conversation dismantles that illusion and offers a grounded look at the cost, complexity, and intention behind building a meaningful life.IG: @coachmarkcarrollCHAPTERS00:49 Authenticity in Social Media04:13 Challenges of Social Media for Fitness Professionals07:18 The Business of Fitness Coaching15:25 Personal Struggles and Transformation23:03 Balancing Business and Personal Life33:01 Finding Motivation and Setting Goals35:15 Weather and Closing Remarks35:49 The Reality of Strategic Investment36:08 Defining Strategic Investment37:15 Setting Goals with Strategy37:40 The Importance of Specificity in Goals44:26 Pain and Progress - The Duality of Effort45:57 Suffering with Purpose51:16 Financial Investment Principles54:57 The Power of Compound Interest57:36 Avoiding Lifestyle Inflation01:08:17 Launching the New AppSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me - I'll respond)• Sending it to a friend who needs thisFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst - FREE PREMIUM TRIALDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you'll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC - FREE 90-DAY TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know I sent you

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 For the first hour, in addition to the latest on the issues that affect you, our host Kerby Anderson will speak with Dr. Craig Keener. They'll talk about suffering and God's will. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or comments. Looking for just […]

Listen to this week's sermon with guest speaker Chad Wenger as he engages the third theme of Advent: Joy.

The post Suffering …! appeared first on The Anglican Connection.

SummaryIn this recording of the final parish mission talk, Nathan Crankfield explores the concept of hope as a theological virtue, emphasizing the importance of trust in God and reliance on the Holy Spirit. He shares personal anecdotes about overcoming fear, the significance of failure, and the role of suffering in deepening faith. Crankfield highlights the necessity of participating in the life of the Church, including the sacraments and prayer, as essential components of spiritual growth. He concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace hope and actively engage in their faith community.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hope and Its Importance04:59 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Faith08:32 The Role of Suffering in Building True Hope11:43 Relying on the Holy Spirit for Strength18:39 The Journey of Faith: Trusting God's Plan22:20 The Four Pillars of the Catechism and Their Relevance28:19 The Importance of Prayer in Spiritual Growth33:43 Conclusion: Embracing Hope and Making a DifferenceJoin Pray25 on Hallow ⁠⁠here!⁠⁠If you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter:https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

Tyler challenges us to reconsider where true joy is found. Scripture teaches that true joy is not discovered by chasing comfort, but by living for God's purpose. When joy is rooted in pleasure, it eventually disappoints and enslaves; when it is rooted in God's mission, it sustains and fulfills, even through hardship. Living for Jesus is not a trade where obedience eliminates pain; it is a path where pain and purpose coexist, and where the sacrifices you never planned for become the doorway to the joy you were created for. Great joy is the reward of living for God's purposes, but suffering is often the cost. As Tyler reminds us, “Don't live for the trivial. Live for the eternal.” When our lives are anchored in the eternal, joy no longer depends on circumstances, and even suffering becomes purposeful rather than wasted.

Finding Joy in the Midst of Struggles: A Journey Through Advent Join us as we discuss the importance of joy during the Advent season, even amidst struggles and uncertainties. This episode includes important announcements for our Journey Christmas party and upcoming services. Explore the biblical context of joy, how it transcends circumstances, and how we can experience it despite challenges. Learn about the significance of hope, the role of joy in overcoming fears, and practical steps to recognize and ask for joy in our lives. Don't miss this uplifting and insightful message, culminating in a celebration of God's presence and love. 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 00:14 Journey Christmas Party Details 01:40 Upcoming Services and Events 02:20 Introduction to Advent Series 02:40 The Human Experience of Hope and Disappointment 03:42 Historical Context of the Christmas Story 06:24 The Shepherds and the Roman Empire 10:10 Understanding Joy in the Midst of Fear 19:50 Joy Rooted in Hope 23:30 Introduction to Paul's Importance 24:26 Paul's Message to the Thessalonians 26:31 Joy in the Midst of Suffering 28:15 The Gift of Joy 30:23 Finding Joy in Everyday Life 34:49 Celebrating Life's Joys 38:15 The Strength of Joy 41:30 Concluding Thoughts on Joy

Send us a text "Choosing Joy When Life Hurts: Deb Takes on Suffering, Happiness, and What Really Matters." Support the showBe sure to subscribe and rate us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other forums you use. Check out Transformed on FB.

In seasons of disruption, loss or uncertainty, how do Christians hold onto beauty, hope and faith? Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter and worship leader Laura Story joins NAE President Walter Kim for a heartfelt conversation on learning to trust God when life doesn't go according to plan. Drawing from her family's journey with disability, her ministry at Perimeter Church in Atlanta and her years of writing songs that have walked millions through sorrow and joy, Laura reflects on what it means to follow Jesus when the path feels unpredictable. She shares how worship can serve as a soundtrack for real life — not only celebrating God in seasons of victory, but sustaining believers through grief, confusion and change. In this episode, you'll discover: Why stepping out in faith can feel like a “free fall” — and why it isn't; Practical ways worship leaders and churches can walk alongside people in seasons of grief;How God is both our Savior and our Sustainer; and The surprising ways God's goodness can shine even in the most painful and confusing chapters of life.Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts.Do you like the podcast?Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don't forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family.ResourcesFull conversation with Laura Story on YouTubeFor further study, please see 2 Corinthians 4, Psalm 13, Ruth 1–4, John 9 Laura Story Music “So Long, Normal: Living and Loving the Free Fall of Faith” by Laura Story “When God Doesn't Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can't Live Without” by Laura StoryAt the Heart of Justice, NAE podcast with Gary Haugen A Global Vision for Human Flourishing, NAE podcast with Byron Johnson Behind Christian Music, NAE podcast with David Crowder and Eddie CarswellToday's Conversation is brought to you by NAE Chaplaincy.

Oglethorpe University and The King Center are partnering to teach Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s way of leadership – centering nonviolence, civic responsibility, courage and compassion. Under their new partnership agreement, four selected Oglethorpe students will participate in The King Center Scholars Program and receive The King Center's Nonviolence365 training. We hear from Oglethorpe University’s Dr. Kendra King Momon, a politics professor and the associate provost of academic affairs, and Dr. Gabriel Barreneche, a provost and vice president for academic affairs. They discuss details about the partnership that allows students to learn more about Dr. King’s principles. Plus, data from the National Alliance for Caregiving reveals 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. are caregivers. Along with caring for a loved one, many caregivers are juggling careers and other responsibilities. It’s something Chanel T. Rowe, an Atlanta-based attorney and caregiving advocate, understands. Since 2019, she’s been navigating the many experiences that come with being a caregiver. Rowe talks with program host Rose Scott about her journey and the hope and inspiration she wants readers to gain from her new book, “Finding Balance: A Devotional to Help Caregivers Move from Suffering to Strength.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Restless to Rooted: Joshua Williams on Calling, Repentance, and a Faith That Endures.What happens when the map you drew for your life no longer fits the road God is actually giving you? In this continuation of our conversation with Joshua Williams, we trace a candid journey through disappointment, redirection, and the quiet practices that turn belief into a way of life. This isn't highlight-reel faith; it's the daily, hidden work of following Jesus when the feelings fade and the next step isn't obvious.In this episode you'll hear about:Calling vs. career: how God reshapes ambition into service and steadies the heart when doors close.Repentance as renewal: not shame, but the rhythm that keeps love honest and hope alive.Prayer that holds in storms: learning to pray Scripture when words run out.Community and accountability: why “just me and Jesus” isn't enough when you're tired, tempted, or unsure.Sacrament and Scripture together: how worship and the Word form a faith that lasts beyond trends.Suffering without cynicism: carrying grief to Christ and finding courage to begin again.Why listen: If you're in a season of waiting, change, or quiet rebuilding, Joshua's story offers both clarity and comfort—practical ways to keep moving with Jesus when you're short on answers but rich in questions.If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs steadying grace, and leave a quick review with the one practice—prayer, repentance, or community—you're committing to this week.**********What if the road to Jesus runs through a guru? We sit down with Joshua to trace his unlikely path from a Romanian “enlightenment” school to Orthodox Christianity, and we ask the questions seekers rarely say aloud: Do mystical experiences prove truth, or do they force us to ask which spirit we're listening to?Joshua describes leaving the U.S. to “throw himself into the arms of the universe,” clinging to ideas like reincarnation and religious unity while resisting the moral claims of Christ. Inside a syncretic school that blended Hindu and Buddhist concepts, he encountered a compelling teacher, apparent clairvoyance, and a vision of reality where Brahman reigns as impersonal essence. That promise of unity felt expansive—until it demanded he treat personhood, love, and moral responsibility as illusions. We contrast that with the Orthodox claim that God is personal and tri-personal: the Trinity as eternal communion, love that exists before creation, and a God who is everywhere present yet distinct from creation. Rather than absorbing us into a faceless One, God calls us by name and invites real relationship.Across the conversation, we map the turning points: irritation at the name of Jesus giving way to self-awareness, recognition of authentic Christian witness, and a rethinking of “science versus faith” that leaves shallow slogans behind. We explore discernment of spirits, why power isn't proof, and how an impersonal metaphysics drifts toward quiet nihilism. Then we look at the Orthodox vision of personhood that grounds meaning: if we're made in God's image, our capacity for love is not a cosmic trick—it's the point.If you've chased enlightenment and still long for a face behind the light, this story will meet you where you are. Listen, share with a friend who's wrestling with pantheism or syncretism, and leave a review to help others find the show. Subscribe for more conversations that take faith, reason, and experience seriously.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, XPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Deacon Tony Mercado, a permanent deacon with the Diocese of Orange in California, offers a reflection on suffering with Jesus.  In today's episode, Deacon Mercado talks about what we might do when we see our children suffer. Support the show

Atheist Knows How God Would Act If He Did Exist Throughout this second part of Stein’s opening, he shows himself to be an atheist who doesn’t believe in God but definitively knows how that god would act if he did exist. Stein attempts to conflate logical contradiction with a psychological ickiness he perceives in the argument for God. Suffering, evil, justice, and how to act are things Stein knows how his made up god would act – a weird thing for someone who claims that he just lacks a belief. TIMELINE: 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – All God Has To Do Is Appear To A Group Of People For Stein To Believe 06:14 – Stein Is Just Using His Unargued Presuppositions 10:00 – Stein Thinks He His god Wouldn’t Allow Suffering 12:48 – Stein Doesn’t Provide His Basis For Evil Or Good Or Logic 17:04 – Stein Doesn’t Think Sin Or Justice Is Fair 20:55 – Stein Doesn’t Believe In God Because Of Religious Pluralism 21:44 – Stein Sees Christianity As A Failure Because Christians Can Be Bad 24:06 – Stein Should Ask These Questions To A Christian 27:52 – What Does Stein Think He’s Left With? 29:33 – Conclusion BOOK LINKS: The Great Debate – Does God Exist? – Edited and Commentary by Joshua Pillows Debate Transcript Video The Bahnsen Institute All episodes, short clips, & blog – https://www.cavetothecross.com

Have we grown too familiar with the wonder of Christmas?   In this Advent conversation, Jason Watson is joined by theologian, author, and apologist Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing to explore why the incarnation is not only wondrous but reasonable—and why Christmas remains one of the church's greatest evangelistic opportunities. From Mary's courageous “yes” to the credibility of miracles and the cultural openness of Advent, this episode invites leaders and believers to rediscover the depth, wonder, and missional power of Christmas. Key Takeaways The Christmas story invites honest questions and skepticism rather than suppressing them The incarnation is presented in Scripture as extraordinary—but grounded in evidence and eyewitness testimony Mary's voice in Luke's Gospel reveals agency, consent, and profound theological insight Early Christians reframed—not compromised—culture to proclaim Christ as the Light of the World Advent creates unique spiritual openness marked by longing, memory, and reflection Christmas is not just a celebration—it's a strategic moment for gospel proclamation Preachers and leaders are called to recover awe, not sentimentality, in telling the Christmas story If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a review, and share it with a pastor, leader, or friend preparing for Advent. Consider how you might intentionally use the Christmas season this year to invite others to encounter Jesus. Links & Resources Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing – Website: https://www.amyorr-ewing.com/ Advocate Collective: https://www.advocate-collective.org/ Book: Mary's Voice: Advent Reflections to Rediscover the Wonder of Christmas - https://a.co/d/detPL9U  YouTube: Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing (apologetics resources, including an 8-part series on God and suffering) - https://www.youtube.com/@amyorr-ewing  Upcoming Book (Pre-order): Forgiveness: Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear (releasing 2026) - https://a.co/d/g0Y4maN    Guest Bio: Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing is an international author, speaker, and theologian who addresses the deep questions of our day with meaningful answers found in the Christian Faith. Travelling internationally, Amy is a regular speaker across university campuses, businesses, parliaments, churches, and conferences as well as on TV, radio, and podcasts. She is the author of multiple books, including ‘Where is God in All the Suffering?' (runner-up Michael Ramsay Prize, 2023), bestselling ‘Why Trust the Bible?' and ‘Mary's Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ.'

Send us a textFrancesca Lillo is an 18-year-old student whose strength and determination has shaped her into a resilient young woman. A graduate of Saint Dominic Academy, Francesca is currently enrolled at Brookdale Community College, where she continues to excel academically while preparing to transfer to Rutgers University as an undergraduate student. Her journey has been far from easy, but her courage and drive have guided her through each challenge. Growing up in a toxic household and facing the effects of alcoholism, Francesca has learned the importance of perseverance and emotional strength, emerging as someone who refuses to let her circumstances define her future.Despite the difficulties she has faced, Francesca has remained outgoing, brave, and compassionate, using her experiences to build empathy for others. She endured years without her father present in her life but has continued to move forward with optimism and maturity. Inspired by her own life experiences, Francesca plans to study forensic psychology, a field that combines her passion for understanding the human mind with her desire to help others heal and seek justice. Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and hope; a reminder that even through hardship, strength and ambition can lead to a powerful future.Find Francesca LilloInstagramFind The Suffering PodcastThe Suffering Podcast InstagramKevin Donaldson InstagramTom Flynn InstagramApple PodcastSpotifyYouTubeSupport the showThe Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube

Poet and essayist Carol Ann Davis (Fairfield University) joins Evan Rosa for a searching conversation on violence, childhood, and the moral discipline of attention in the aftermath of Sandy Hook. Reflecting on trauma, parenting, childhood, poetry, and faith, Davis resists tidy narratives and invites listeners to dwell with grief, healing, beauty, and pain without resolution.“I don't believe life feels like beginnings, middles, and ends.”In this episode, Davis reflects on how lived trauma narrows attention, reshapes language, and unsettles conventional storytelling. Together they discuss poetry as dwelling rather than explanation, childhood and formation amid violence, image versus narrative, moral imagination, and the challenge of staying present to suffering.Episode Highlights“Nothing has happened at Hawley School. Please hear me. I have opened every door and seen your children.”“And that was what it is not to suffer. This is the not-suffering, happy-ending story.”“I'm always narrowing focus.”“I think stories lie to us sometimes.”“I think of the shooting as a nail driven into the tree.”“I'm capable of anything. I'm afraid I'm capable of anything.”“I tried to love and out of me came poison.”About Carol Ann DavisCarol Ann Davis is a poet, essayist, and professor of English at Fairfield University. She is the author of the poetry collections Psalm and Atlas Hour, and the essay collection The Nail in the Tree: Essays on Art, Violence, and Childhood. A former longtime editor of the literary journal Crazyhorse, she directs Fairfield University's Low-Residency MFA and founded Poetry in Communities, an initiative bringing poetry to communities affected by violence. An NEA Fellow in Poetry, Davis's work has appeared in The Atlantic, The American Poetry Review, Image, Agni, The Georgia Review, and elsewhere. Learn more and follow at https://www.carolanndavis.orgHelpful Links and ResourcesThe Nail in the Tree: Essays on Art, Violence, and Childhood https://www.tupelopress.org/bookstore/p/the-nail-in-the-tree-essays-on-art-violence-and-childhoodSongbird https://www.weslpress.org/9780819502223/songbird/Psalm https://www.tupelopress.org/bookstore/p/psalmAtlas Hour https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Hour-Carol-Ann-Davis/dp/1936797003Carol Ann Davis official website https://www.carolanndavis.orgShow NotesCarol Ann Davis recounts moving to Newtown, Connecticut just months before Sandy Hook, teaching a course at Fairfield University when news of the shooting first breaksHer young children attended a local elementary schoolConfusion, delay, and the unbearable seconds of not knowing which school was attackedA colleague's embrace as the reality of the shooting becomes clearParenting under threat and the visceral fear of losing one's children“Nothing has happened at Hawley School. Please hear me. I have opened every door and seen your children.” (Hawley School's Principal sends this message to parents, including Carol Ann)Living inside the tension where nothing happened and everything changedWriters allowing mystery, unknowing, and time to remain unresolvedNaming “directly affected families” and later “families of loss”Ethical care for proximity without flattening grief into universalityThe moral value of being useful within an affected communityNarrowing attention as survival, parenting, and poetic disciplineChoosing writing, presence, and community over national policy debatesChildhood formation under the long shadow of gun violence“I think of the shooting as a nail driven into the tree. And I'm the tree.” (Carol Ann quotes her older son, then in 4th grade)Growth as accommodation rather than healing or resolutionIntegration without erasure as a model for living with traumaRefusing happy-ending narratives after mass violence“I don't believe life feels like beginnings, middles, and ends.”Poetry as dwelling inside experience rather than extracting meaningResisting stories that turn suffering into takeawaysCrucifixion imagery, nails, trees, and the violence of embodiment“I'm capable of anything. I'm afraid I'm capable of anything.”Violence as elemental, human, animal, and morally unsettlingDistinguishing intellectual mastery from dwelling in lived experienceA poem's turn toward fear: loving children and fearing harm“I tried to love and out of me came poison.”Childhood memory, danger, sweetness, and oceanic smallnessBeing comforted by smallness inside something vast and terrifyingEnding without closure, choosing remembrance over resolution#CarolAnnDavis#PoetryAndViolence#TraumaAndAttention#SandyHook#SandyHookPromise#FaithAndWriting#Poetry#ChildhoodAndMemoryProduction NotesThis podcast featured Carol Ann DavisEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Macie Bridge, Alexa Rollow, Zoë Halaban, Kacie Barrett & Emily BrookfieldA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

Scripture Reading from Isaiah 4:31-7Sermon by Charles Anderson

In today's Gospel, the disciples of John the Baptist, who is in prison, deliver a surprising message to Jesus: "Are you the one who is to come or should we look for another?" All of the saints carried the Cross of Jesus, as he promised they would. St. John the Baptist's was not only suffering imprisonment and martyrdom but also the painful experience of the darkness of doubt. John shows us what we must do when our soul is suffering: Bring it to Jesus. He will illuminate the darkness, as he does today for John.

In this clip, you’ll hear about: The Grace of God. God’s Vision for our church and His plan for your life are incredible. Our biblically sound teaching will inspire and challenge you to discover it all. You need sincere worship and a church community that loves God and that loves you. At Passion, you will find opportunities for growth through discipleship and personal development. Your children will also have fun and learn about God. At Passion Church, we believe in creating an environment where God's presence is felt, His Word is preached, and lives are transformed. We are a happy and fun church, but are also very committed to being biblically sound. We are led by the Holy Spirit and dedicated to sincere worship. Our mission is to build authentic relationships, disciple individuals, and passionately pursue God’s purpose for our lives. We also have a powerful Missions Program and a commitment to soul-winning. We invite you to join us at 983 Goodman Rd W, Horn Lake, MS 38637. Our Sunday services begin at 10:30 a.m.! You’ll love our Pastor Guy Sheffield, and you’ll find us all happy to see you! All we’re missing is YOU! Let’s grow together in God’s purpose and love. Don’t forget to subscribe and stay connected with Passion Church Desoto. Like us on Facebook & Subscribe to our YouTube page @ ‘Passion Church Desoto’. #Jesus #PassionChurch #GodsPresence #Worship #Discipleship #ChurchFamily #HornLakeMS #GuySheffield #SundayService #Preaching #Bible #encouragmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this clip, you’ll hear: About the gifts of Tongues and their role in the Church and in the life of a believer. God’s Vision for our church and His plan for your life are incredible. Our biblically sound teaching will inspire and challenge you to discover it all. You need sincere worship and a church community that loves God and that loves you. At Passion, you will find opportunities for growth through discipleship and personal development. Your children will also have fun and learn about God. At Passion Church, we believe in creating an environment where God's presence is felt, His Word is preached, and lives are transformed. We are a happy and fun church, but are also very committed to being biblically sound. We are led by the Holy Spirit and dedicated to sincere worship. Our mission is to build authentic relationships, disciple individuals, and passionately pursue God’s purpose for our lives. We also have a powerful Missions Program and a commitment to soul-winning. We invite you to join us at 983 Goodman Rd W, Horn Lake, MS 38637. Our Sunday services begin at 10:30 a.m.! You’ll love our Pastor Guy Sheffield, and you’ll find us all happy to see you! All we’re missing is YOU! Let’s grow together in God’s purpose and love. Don’t forget to subscribe and stay connected with Passion Church Desoto. Like us on Facebook & Subscribe to our YouTube page @ ‘Passion Church Desoto’. #Jesus #PassionChurch #GodsPresence #Worship #Discipleship #ChurchFamily #HornLakeMS #GuySheffield #SundayService #Preaching #Bible #encouragmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Christmas sermon explores the profound theological truth of Christ's incarnation through Philippians 2:1-11, emphasizing that Jesus descended from divine glory to become a servant and die on the cross. Pastor Tom Messer challenges the modern self-help mentality that seeks fulfillment through relationships, possessions, and achievements, arguing instead that true joy and meaning come only through surrendering to God's will and embracing Christ's mindset of humility. The sermon traces three movements: incarnation (humility requires surrender), crucifixion (humility prepares us for suffering), and exaltation (humility results in glory), demonstrating that the pathway to true fulfillment is downward surrender rather than upward striving.

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Future hope infuses the believer with joy in the present, thus enabling them to persevere in the race of life. Hebrews 12:1-2 Pastor Dave Pack,  Pastor=Elect Visit our website at www.fremontpres.org Email us at podcast@fremontpres.org

The Suffering of Daniel      Daniel's story begins in the shadow of national tragedy. As a young man, likely in his mid-to-late teens, he was taken captive when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and carried many of Judah's nobility to Babylon (Dan 1:1–4). Torn from his homeland, stripped of freedom, and thrust into the heart of a pagan empire, Daniel entered a culture saturated with idolatry, sorcery, and political scheming. Babylon sought not only to enslave his body but to reprogram his mind, to erase his identity as a servant of the Lord and remake him into a loyal functionary of the empire. The king ordered that his name be changed, his education redirected, and his diet replaced with food from the royal table (Dan 1:5–7). Yet from the very beginning, “Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself” (Dan 1:8). Daniel was resolved to stand firm in his faith. He understood that his real allegiance was not to Babylon's king but to the God of heaven. In a foreign land, he refused to lose his spiritual identity.      Daniel's discipline, humility, and doctrinal integrity made him a standout in Babylon. He did not protest his captivity, rebel against authority, or seek escape through human means. Instead, he accepted his circumstances as part of God's sovereign plan and chose to function as an ambassador for the Lord in enemy territory. God rewarded his faithfulness by granting him “knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom,” and Daniel himself was given “understanding of all kinds of visions and dreams” (Dan 1:17). Through divine promotion, Daniel rose to positions of high influence under successive kings and empires, yet he never compromised his loyalty to God. Living in the center of a hostile, idolatrous culture, Daniel demonstrated that it is possible to maintain spiritual stability and grace orientation even when surrounded by corruption and pressure. Daniel understood that divine viewpoint, not environment, determines stability.      Suffering intensified with the passing years. Daniel's three companions—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—faced the fiery furnace when they refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar's golden image (Dan 3:12–18). They told Nebuchadnezzar, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… but even if He does not, let it be known… that we are not going to serve your gods” (Dan 3:17–18). They were willing to die rather than dishonor God. Their deliverance from the furnace demonstrated divine power, but more importantly, it vindicated their faith and revealed God's glory before a watching pagan world. Thieme notes, “This historical event illustrates a tremendous principle in the doctrine of suffering. God has designed human suffering for the blessing of the believer. Blessing is only possible when there is a consistent daily intake of Bible doctrine, which leads to spiritual maturity and occupation with Christ.”[1] Likewise, Daniel himself faced the lions' den when he refused to alter his prayer life under Darius' decree (Dan 6:10). He understood that prayer was a lifeline to the God who sustained him.      Daniel's long exile, spanning roughly seventy years, was marked by pressure, promotion, and persecution. He served under multiple kings, from Nebuchadnezzar to Cyrus, and in each administration he maintained the same spiritual consistency. Though elevated to positions of immense political power, he remained humble before God, recognizing that all authority is delegated by the Sovereign of heaven (Dan 2:21). His prophetic visions and intercessory prayers reveal a man whose heart was never seduced by Babylon's wealth or wisdom but fixed on God's promises to Israel. Through testing, isolation, and exposure to pagan corruption, Daniel became the living embodiment of grace under pressure, a believer functioning in the devil's world without being conformed to it (Rom 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-16).      Daniel's captivity demonstrates the divine principle that adversity is God's classroom for spiritual advance. Like Joseph in Egypt and David in the wilderness, Daniel learned that promotion comes not from human favor but from the Lord (Psa 75:6–7). His entire life illustrates that faith is most often tested in crisis, and that true stability is the result of divine viewpoint thinking applied under pressure. Through exile and affliction, God transformed a Hebrew captive into a statesman-prophet, refining his faith through suffering and using his life as a witness to Gentile rulers. Daniel's story proves that spiritual victory does not require favorable circumstances, only a heart anchored in divine truth. In every generation, his life stands as a model of how to live faithfully in a pagan world without losing one's spiritual integrity: “The people who know their God will display strength and take action” (Dan 11:32). Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] R. B. Thieme, Jr., Daniel: Chapters One Through Six (Houston: R. B. Thieme, Jr. Bible Ministries, 2003), 83.

When your life has been saved by God and transformed by Christ, He puts a new song on your lips and a joyful noise within your heart. But you don't have to wait until Sunday to praise God. You can make a joyful noise at any time on any day anywhere under any circumstances.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3839: Cylon George unpacks the uncomfortable truth that suffering isn't just unavoidable, it's vital for building resilience, clarity, and inner strength. With insights from his own journey and reflections on how we often avoid necessary discomfort, he reveals how embracing pain can actually reduce our overall suffering and lead to deep personal growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.spirituallivingforbusypeople.com/why-we-need-suffering Quotes to ponder: "We flee from necessary suffering only to increase our unnecessary suffering." "Once you can get beyond blaming your suffering on others, God, or the universe, you'll begin to gain the resources to deal with what's in front of you." "Embrace your pain. Lean into discomfort. And you'll discover a spiritual strength you never thought possible." Episode references: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Text us your questions!What kind of God is worth trusting when life falls apart? We pull up a chair with Thomas Jay Oord and guest Chris Lilley for a spirited, vulnerable conversation about omnipotence, evil, and why love may be the only measure of divine power that doesn't betray our moral core. The stakes are high: beliefs about God's power shape how we face suffering, talk to our kids about hope, and decide whether prayer is protest, surrender, or both. If you haven't heard our first conversation with Tom about God's power, we recommend checking that out first here.Tom lays out open and relational theism: God moves through time with us, gives and receives, and has a nature of uncontrolling love. From there he challenges three classic readings of omnipotence—doing anything, exerting all power, and unilaterally determining outcomes—arguing they either collapse logically or become morally intolerable in the face of real-world evil. Chris, a former Thomist and Reformed teacher now in the Episcopal ordination process, offers a thoughtful pushback: if omnipotence can be carefully qualified, should we abandon it, or teach it better? His turning point is painfully human: holding his newborn while teaching election and realizing he couldn't preach a God who ordains every outcome and still call that good.We wrestle with creation, “almighty” in the liturgy, liberation theology's demand for a God who not only intends justice but accomplishes it, and a hard question about the afterlife: could you rest eternally with a God who could have stopped your suffering? Tom reframes power as maximal influence—everlasting, universal, persuasive—rather than control. Kyle names the unresolved middle: if God could fix it later, why not now? The conversation doesn't hand out easy answers; it invites you to weigh goodness against power and decide which vision of God you can actually pray to.If this episode challenges or helps you, share it with a friend, hit follow, and leave a review so others can find the show.=====Want to support us?The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal. Other important info: Rate & review us on Apple & Spotify Follow us on social media at @PPWBPodcast Watch & comment on YouTube Email us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.com Cheers!

Jesse Romero and I discuss healing Masses, the charismatic movement, the unitive stage of prayer in fasting and most importantly: Redemptive Suffering. You can subscribe to Jesse's new channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@JesseRomeroShow

Suffering is unavoidable. How we view it changes us. Chip shows how to turn suffering into a tool God uses to make us the people we long to be.Life's race: The problem isn't running the race, but passing on the baton. -1 Cor. 9, 2 Cor. 4Five core values we must pass on to the next generation1. Suffer well2. Work unto the Lord3. Manage their wealth wisely4. Make wise decisions5. Live grace-filled livesTransferable Concept #1: Teach them to SUFFER well.A theology of sufferingLife is hard, but God is GOOD! -Jn. 16:33, Ps. 84:11Life is unjust, but God is SOVEREIGN! -Lk. 13, Ro. 8:28Old Testament roots -Ge. 37-50Biblical profiles: Joseph, JesusNew Testament command -1 Pt. 2:21-23How to grow through suffering1. Teach them to face it; to identify what they are CONCERNED about2. PRAY honestly about it3. Help them to share WHERE they are suffering with someone they trust4. Help them align specific SCRIPTURE with their specific situationLife message: SUFFERING is normal!Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesYear End MatchDouble Your Gift TodayMinistry ReportAdditional ResourcesChristmas GiftsConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

There are moments in life when the world around us seems bright and festive, yet our own hearts feel dimly lit. That contrast can sting—especially during the holiday season, when expectations of joy are high and reality often feels far from picture-perfect. Rachel Wojo, host of Untangling Prayer, shares a powerful story of encountering Emmanuel in one of the loneliest places imaginable: a hospital waiting room at 3 AM. Instead of twinkling lights, she faced fluorescent glare. Instead of joyful noise, she faced the anxious hum of machines and rushed footsteps. And yet—it was there she felt the weight of Jesus’ name in a new way. God with us didn’t begin—and doesn’t end—in a Bethlehem stable. Emmanuel is God with us in the places we never wanted to be. God with us when fear tightens our chest. God with us when plans unravel. God with us when holiday expectations crash into painful realities. The incarnation isn’t just a Christmas story; it is the eternal declaration that God stepped into our humanity so we would never face anything alone. In every waiting room, every heartbreak, every sleepless night, every holiday that feels heavy—He is still Emmanuel. God with us. God with you. Right now. Bible Reading:“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). — Matthew 1:23 Main Takeaways Emmanuel means God with us in every circumstance—not just the joyful ones. Jesus came to enter real human pain, fear, and loneliness. God’s presence fills the moments that feel the most empty. The name “Emmanuel” is God’s unbreakable promise: You are not alone. We can praise God for being present even when our circumstances remain difficult. Today’s Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for Emmanuel, for choosing to come close instead of loving us from a distance. Thank You that when You saw our sorrow, You didn’t just send comfort—you came Yourself. I praise You for being God with us in every moment: the joyful, the ordinary, and the deeply painful. Thank You that Your presence does not depend on my circumstances. You are Emmanuel in the waiting rooms, in the fear, in the grief, and in the seasons that don’t look anything like I hoped. When loneliness whispers that I am alone, remind me that Your very name declares otherwise. Thank You that I never face a single moment without You. Be Emmanuel to my heart today—God with me, right here, right now. In Jesus’ name,Amen. Reflection Scriptures: Isaiah 7:14 John 1:14 Psalm 139:7–10 Hebrews 13:5 Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer wherever you get your podcasts Listen to Rachel's podcast: Untangling Prayer Share this devotion with a friend who is hurting this holiday season Explore related content on Crosswalk.com & Christianity.com: “What Does Emmanuel Really Mean?” “Finding God’s Presence in Suffering” “5 Places God Meets You in Seasons of Loneliness" Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.