Podcasts about when bad things happen

當壞事發生的時候（第15-18節） When Bad Things Happen (vv. 15-18)雖然不是親眼目睹, 但仍然相信（第19-21節) Not Seeing, But Believing (vv. 19-21)常與主同行（第22-26節）Pressing On With the Lord (vv. 22-26)

When Bad Things Happen (vv. 15-18)Not Seeing, But Believing (vv. 19-21)Pressing On With the Lord (vv. 22-26)

Wellness + Wisdom | Episode 742 Is your fear of suffering keeping you from discovering the deepest treasures of your soul? Author and extreme adventurer, Akshay Nanavati, joins Josh Trent on the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast, episode 742, to share how embracing suffering during his 60-day solo crossing of Antarctica became the key to transcending limitations and unlocking pure potential, what his journey taught him about the paradox of oneness, and why the only way out of suffering is through it. "When you stop resisting suffering, it frees you from the grasp of suffering. It's not the suffering in and of itself that I seek. Suffering is the means, not the purpose. The purpose is what it gives you access to. It's the transcendence, the awakening, the breaking down of the illusions, the surrender." - Akshay Nanavati In This Episode, Akshay Nanavati Uncovers: [01:10] 60 Days Alone in Antarctica Akshay Nanavati 606 Akshay Nanavati | How To Love Your Fear: The (REAL) Secret To Unlocking Your Pure Potential How the world shows you more about the human soul than any textbook. Why it's a privilege when we can choose our suffering. How he confronted his inner demons while crossing Antarctica. Why Akshay's biggest mental challenge during the expedition was frustration. How the last 10 days felt like he was drunk. Why he ended the expedition after 60 days due to a life-threatening medical issue. [08:45] How to Stay In The Present Moment What brought Akshay into moments of oneness and bliss during the expedition. The three elements of a raw experience. Why he was pushing himself back into the present moment in order to keep going. How the only thing he could control was his next step. [12:40] The Paradox of Oneness How we all seek different forms of peak experiences. Why the illusion in which we experience life changed for Akshay. Fearvana by Akshay Nanavati How the opposites encompass the human experience. Why the mind creates an illusion of good and bad. How Antarctica made Akshay feel very small but also extremely powerful. Why love is an experience of both separation and connection. How resisting or clinging to duality creates suffering. [19:40] The Gift of Suffering The bigger the dragon we battle, the better the treasure on the other side of the battle. Why the human experience is a paradox. How suffering is the means to transcendence. Why pain connects us to God. How Akshay accepts what is instead of resisting suffering. Why comfort is not the enemy. [26:45] Pure Experience Why reality is not "either, or." How labels create divisions and limitations. Why words can open the door for us, but can't provide the same value as experience. How mastery is about bringing ourselves back to the center. [31:40] Stop Attaching to The Outcome How Akshay's Antarctica crossing helped him shed the resistance to the outcome. Why he's been embracing the process more than the outcome. How he plays on the edge in the middle. What led Akshay to find more peace within. [36:40] Don't Be Afraid to Get Off Balance 734 Kirk Parsley MD | Sleep As Medicine: How To Sleep Like Royalty + Stop Being Sick Why Akshay doesn't feel like the polar expedition was dangerous. The importance of allowing ourselves to feel grief. 612 Dr. Michael Gervais | Living An Authentic Life: How to STOP Worrying About What People Think of You Why stillness isn't the same as doing nothing. How getting off balance helps us awaken. [43:10] The End of The Polar Expedition Henry Worsley Why Akshay's diverticulitis was caused by extreme stress. How his body started falling apart in the last 10 days of the polar crossing. Why Antarctica is a mirror to the human soul. How Akshay doesn't struggle with solitude anymore, even though it used to be a trigger for drinking. [47:25] Does Distance Improve Relationships? How Akshay channeled the spirit of Viktor Frankl. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Why having a conversation with Viktor Frankl helped Akshay understand suffering. 538 John Wineland | A New Masculine Paradigm: Leading With Love, Living Your Truth + Healing The World How distance showed Akshay how supportive his wife is. Why separation makes us feel more connected. [54:15] Accept The Isness Why we're stabbed with two darts of suffering, according to Buddha. How bringing conscious awareness to our self-dialogue can help us change it. Why all unnecessary suffering is the resistance to accepting the isness. How embracing the edge of you makes life more joyful. [59:00] Feel It All Why we need to respect the mystery of God. How Akshay saw value in the delusion he was experiencing during the expedition. Why we shouldn't rob our children of their lessons. How Indian parents tend to over-spoil their kids. Why having our kids experience the full range of emotions builds their resilience. The only way out of the suffering is through it. [01:06:30] The Power of Language How soft talk disempowers us. What led Akshay to become more conscious of his language. How our words shape our reality. When we give our pain voice, we give it more power. How all words are conceptual thoughts. [01:11:20] The Reality of Polar Crossing Why Akshay's now on a mission to share his storm with others. What makes him want to go back to Antarctica. Why his goal was to spend 115 days on the polar mission. What he was eating while he was crossing Antarctica. [01:16:10] Turn Your Pain to Your Purpose Why we often want to skip and bypass grief. How anxiety is demonized. Why Akshay doesn't like to sound like a war hero. The importance of turning our pain to purpose. [01:19:45] Suffer Well How we project our unprocessed emotions. Why even therapists project their wounds onto their patients. How happiness is a side effect of pursuing a meaning. Why the people that are constantly struggling are living in the past. How we can learn to suffer well. Uncommon by Mark Divine How silence opens up a space for our inner dialogue. [01:27:00] Stop The Noise Why many bootcamps miss the element of stillness and silence. How stillness is very uncomfortable at first. Why pausing is the key to training our awareness. [01:31:25] Is Parenting A Spiritual Task? Why Akshay's now focusing on his financial wellness. What makes him feel that raising children is terrifying. Why being a parent is a spiritual experience. How Josh knows children choose us as parents. Why children bring us wisdom. How being a father makes men into leaders. [01:38:10] Find Beauty in Suffering How judgment comes from resentment or jealousy. Fearvana Instagram Why fear and nirvana are not opposite but complementary. Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi How finding beauty in suffering makes life more joyful. [01:43:15] Fear of Other People's Opinion Why Akshay doesn't feel directly affected by Indian culture. How he feared what people would think if he didn't make it through the expedition. Why other people's lens of reality doesn't change who we are. How Akshay only took a day off from walking Antarctica on day 50. [01:47:30] Your Beliefs Hold You Hostage Why Josh wasn't able to start the podcast for 4 years because of his childhood conditioning. Inside Out (2015) Why all paths are a crossroad. We don't rise to the level of the desires that we want, we fall to the level of the struggle that we're willing to endure. How all the suffering Akshay went through was worth it. Why belief is built on the battlefield. We are not defined by our thoughts. How confidence is a result of an action, it's not the fuel for action. [01:56:25] Connection with God Why Akshay didn't have a relationship with God when he was struggling with suicidal thoughts. When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner How he taps into gratitude and the essence of the human spirit. Hacksaw Ridge (2016) Why Akshay wants to help other people cross their own version of Antarctica. The One You Feed Podcast Leave Wellness + Wisdom a Review on Apple Podcasts  

In part two of The Journey Beyond Death begins a powerful three-part arc on Mental Health Resiliency. In this deeply honest and emotionally raw episode, we explore how the grieving mind struggles to stay grounded after the loss of someone irreplaceable — and what survivors can do to regain emotional equilibrium. Certified grief educator and thanatologist Elreacy Dock joins us to offer expert insight on the early stages of grief and the emotional turbulence that can last for years. Elreacy shares why year two is often more emotionally taxing than year one, and how avoiding emotions too long can trigger delayed grief and breakdowns. We also discuss the dangers of using substances to suppress grief, and instead offer healthier rituals that restore stability and self-expression. Joining Elreacy are Carole Brody Fleet, Joyce Hocker, and Mark Henick — all of whom bring unique expertise and lived experience. From suicide prevention and emotional sobriety to reclaiming identity after widowhood, this episode offers guidance that is fiercely compassionate and unapologetically real. Mental health isn't about “getting over” death. It's about learning how to live beside the wound. --------------------------------------- Featuring in order of appearance: 01:00 – Certified Grief Educator Elreacy Dock 09:54 – Carole Brody Fleet 27:18 – Psychologist Dr. Joyce Hocker 38.52 - Mark Henick --------------------------------------- Elreacy Dock Elreacy Dock is a certified grief educator, thanatologist, behavioral health consultant, and death educator. She serves as Chair of the Thanatology Department at Capstone University, where she designed a graduate-level program in grief studies. Trained by renowned grief expert David Kessler, Elreacy combines academic depth with compassionate support for those experiencing loss. She is also a published co-author of Integrated Healthcare: Applications for Social Work, and her work has been featured in major outlets such as Vogue, Newsweek, and Harper's Bazaar Arabia. website: www.elreacydock.com. --------------------------------------- Carole Brody Fleet Carole Brody Fleet is the multi-award winning author of the forthcoming book, “Loss is a Four-Letter Word…” (HCI Books, September, 2018); as well as the #1 release in its genre, “When Bad Things Happen to Good Women…” (Viva Editions). She is also the author of “Happily EVEN After… “(Viva Editions); winner of the prestigious Books for a Better Life Award, one of the top national awards in publishing; as well as the critically praised, national bestseller, “Widows Wear Stilettos…” (New Horizon Press). Carole is additionally the author and executive producer of the best selling spoken-word CD, entitled, “Widows Wear Stilettos: What Now?”. Website: http://www.widowswearstilettos.com/ --------------------------------------- Joyce Hocker Joyce Hocker, Ph.D., a former professor at the University of Montana, is the author of Interpersonal Conflict, used in more than 250 colleges and universities and now in its 10th edition. Now semi-retired, Hocker teaches in the Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Montana, and at Red Willow Learning Center, a nonprofit in Missoula, which supports resilience in people who suffer difficult life experiences. Her latest book is The Trail to Tincup. Website: http://www.redwillowlearning.org/ --------------------------------------- Mark Henick With over three and a half million views, Mark Henick's TEDx talk, “Why We Choose Suicide,” is among the most watched in the world. His story of searching for “the man in the light brown jacket” who saved his life from a teenage suicide attempt captured global attention, and when he learned of products being sold on Amazon that promoted suicide, his successful online petition to have them removed garnered tens of thousands of signatures. As the National Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), his talks are informed by his direct experience with stigma and the mental health care system, and he has dedicated his life from an early age to opening minds and creating change. Henick brings his diverse and unique perspective to every audience, as someone who has been a patient, a professional, and a policy influencer in the mental health system. Website: https://markhenick.com/ ---------------------------------------

FAITH ADVENTURE  "When Bad Things Happen to Those You Love" audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series."Reasons Bad Things Happen" blog post article found here:  https://blybooks.com/2025/04/bad-things-happen/   and   "What to do When Those You Love Face Bad Times" here: https://blybooks.com/2025/04/bad-times/ Sign Up on BlyBooks.com on blog page to receive RSS feed by email for podcast blog notices. Related blog article with podcast embed will arrive about twice a month. Look to the right of the LINK PAGE for “Subscribe to the Blog via Email” and “Enter your email address”.Would greatly appreciate if you a) SUBSCRIBE, b) RATE, c) REVIEW the podcast. FULL PODCAST INFO: https://bit.ly/3xCxckSRelated blog article email link with podcast embed most every month. This podcast always free but donations welcome to cover costs. Send to PayPal at janet@blybooks.comBly Books Website: https://www.blybooks.com

FAITH ADVENTURE  "When Bad Things Happen to Those You Love" audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series."Reasons Bad Things Happen" blog post article found here:  https://blybooks.com/2025/04/bad-things-happen/   and   "What to do When Those You Love Face Bad Times" here: https://blybooks.com/2025/04/bad-times/ Sign Up on BlyBooks.com on blog page to receive RSS feed by email for podcast blog notices. Related blog article with podcast embed will arrive about twice a month. Look to the right of the LINK PAGE for “Subscribe to the Blog via Email” and “Enter your email address”.Would greatly appreciate if you a) SUBSCRIBE, b) RATE, c) REVIEW the podcast. FULL PODCAST INFO: https://bit.ly/3xCxckSRelated blog article email link with podcast embed most every month. This podcast always free but donations welcome to cover costs. Send to PayPal at janet@blybooks.comBly Books Website: https://www.blybooks.com

Last Sunday we concluded a series of messages, all on the subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Today we are going to follow up, in a sense, of what we have been thinking about during these past few weeks. So, as an introduction to today's message, how do you answer this question: “Do you believe in miracles?” If you say “Yes,” then what about those times when you do NOT receive a miracle in answer to your prayers. This is what we're thinking about this morning. 

We conclude this morning a series of messages, all on the general subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” All around us today we can hear stories in the news about terrible happenings around the globe - wars, hunger, poverty, destructive acts in nature (such as fires, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes), events wherein people carelessly take the lives of other - and on and on it goes. Have you ever stopped to ask the question, “Why does God allow all this to happen?” This is our subject for today. Thank you for worshiping with us today from Ocean Lakes Campground.

Theologians and regular folks as well have oft times struggled with the problem of evil. We wonder why a good and benevolent God would allow bad things to happen. The Catholic understanding of the Permissive Will of God versus his Divine or Intended Will helps us cope with and even embrace this seeming conundrum.

We continue this morning a series of messages, all on the general subject, "When Bad Things Happen to Good People." Last Sunday we made a beginning at trying to look at some answers which God has for us when life seems to tumble in on top of us. That we only a beginning, so today we will pick up where we left off a week ago. Our question for today is "How Does God Help Us?" Yes, God not only HAS the answer; He IS the answer. So let's spend a few minutes now looking at some additional ways in which God helps us. Thank you for being a part of our congregation today from Ocean LakesCampground.

ShownotesMost people think of grief in terms of a single event, usually resulting from the loss of a loved one. But as we've learned here on the Mourning Glory Podcast, grief can result/stem from more than just the death of a loved one. Today, we are going to explore some of these other ways grief can affect us like the divorce of parents, infertility, chronic illness, developmental illness, mental illness - even aging. How can we come to a place of acceptance and allow God to pour in His supernatural grace and healing? Join Andrea and Jennifer as they discuss this and more with the host ofMama's in Spirit Catholic Podcast and Ministry for Women, Lindy WynneAbout Our GuestLindy Wynne is the founder of Mamas in Spirit Catholic Ministry for Women and host of Mamas in Spirit Podcast. Lindy holds a Master's degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling and has worked in professional ministry for over sixteen years.Lindy speaks and leads retreats nationally at Catholic conferences, churches and retreat centers. The heart of Lindy's life is her marriage to her husband of twenty-four years, Brian, and caring for their three children, all of whom are adopted (ages 10, 23 and 26). The Wynne's home chapel is featured in the National Catholic Register, as well as some of their reflections on foster care and adoption.Links from the showHandy Little Prayer Books from Our Sunday Visitor Mama's in Spirit Catholic Podcast and Ministry for WomenArticle about the Wynne's home chapelYeruma (musician Lindy mentioned)When Bad Things Happen to Good PeopleSurrender novenaScriptureThe Woman at the Well/the Samaritan WomanJohn 1:5 Lamentations 3:22-23 Jeremiah 29:13Prayer for:Carolyn Henry DruffelJournaling QuestionsWhat struck you from our episodeHow can you “flip the script” to find joy again?How can you stay more attentive to receive love and goodness (59 minute)Where are some places you can see God has poured into youWhat is your mourning Glory?Be sure to check out our website,www.mourningglorypodcast.com. There you will find links to all of our episodes as well as resources to help you on your journey.

We continue this morning a series of messages, all on the general subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Can you imagine a scene where two little children are playing – a brother and a sister - when something bad happens and immediately Momma comes in. The guilty child may acknowledge the wrong-doing, but tries to shift the blame by saying, “Johnny (or Susie) made me do it.” Who makes us do wrong? Let's look at some possibilities as we join now the congregation at worship from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

We continue this morning a series of messages, all on the general subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Today the sermon title asks a question, “Who's to Blame?” This may not seem to be a very important question on the surface, but it is a question which is asked so often when bad things happen to us. “Lord, what have I done to deserve this?” “Why did this happen to me?” “What is the origin of my trouble?” Jesus had to face this very question one day, and we might well learn a lot to help us at this point, if we will let Jesus be our teacher. Let's hear together what God is trying to say to us through His Word, the Bible. John's gospel, chapter 9, is where we will be looking.

Last Sunday we began a series of messages, all on the general subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Today our scriptural basis for the sermon is three-fold: first, from Isaiah's prophecy, chapter 21, verse 3. Then we move over to the New Testament to the book of Romans, chapter 8, verse 22. Finally, a verse from the last book in the Bible, Revelation, chapter 21, verse 4. If you are where your Bible is handy, you may wish to find these passages and uncover what God is saying to us through them, as we consider today the subject, “The Gift Nobody Wants.” What is that gift? Let's find out together 

One phrase which we have all heard during the past days is the greeting, “Happy New Year.” For many, this is more than just a greeting; it is a real expression of our wishes that someone else may have joy and happiness in the new year. But reality is that some will have a very difficult year in many ways. This morning we are beginning a series of messages on the subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Our prayer is that we may have the spiritual strength to face even bad times in the year ahead. This may apply to any one of us.

Happy Fourth Birthday to the Mindful Healers Podcast!  Noticing how far you have come rather than how far you have to go is not our natural tendency. It's uncomfortable. Connecting with our success and being proud of what we have done well is also.   This episode is a deliberate attempt to model these practices.  Listen to hear what have we learned from the first four years of our podcasting journey. Podcasting has helped us grow confidence, creativity, and comfort with vulnerability. It has helped us let go of compare and despair and led to increased flexibility and trust.   What we have done well Kept it fun Made it a collaboration Been authentic and not followed a typical podcast "recipe" Trusted our gut Solicited and received feedback  Made changes Invested in good audio set-ups Embedded mindful moments  Ended with reflection questions    Our Mindful Healers Podcast Birthday Wish List Share the podcast with at least 5 people Intentionally share the podcast in your communities with a post in your facebook groups, residents, fellows, colleagues, family, and friends Send us an email and share with us how the podcast has impacted you.  Leave us a review on apple podcasts Reach out to be a guest and share what you love, have learned, or something else fabulous. Send us topic requests and guest ideas, especially if you have a personal connection with your recommendation Join us for the Mindful Healers Retreat, Labor Day weekend 2025 (or any other retreat or offering)   Our gift to you, the six most downloaded episodes of 2024.  If you haven't listened to these episodes, ENJOY! 190. Wisdom Learned from A Malpractice Lawsuit: You Don't Know What You Don't Know with Dr. Rachel Bickling 195. How to Make a Big Decision with Liam Mahoney 193. Their Urgency Is Not Your Urgency 189. How to Embody An Abundance Mindset with Dr. Miriam Rhew 176. When Bad Things Happen 226. Focus on What's in Your Control Move beyond simply consuming this amazing podcast. True change happens when you work with us www.jessiemahoneymd.com www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast www.awakenbreath.org  www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking *Nothing shared in the Mindful Healers Podcast is medical advice.   #physicianwellness #mindfulnesscoach #physiciancoach #careercoach #transitionwell #ongoingpresence

Is everything going to be okay? We live with that question every day. Is everything going to be okay with Israel? December 7, marks 14 months of war, and the situation is still murky, unresolved and painful for all. This week when he was in dialogue with Michelle, Donniel Hartman was real, and real was not upbeat. Is everything going to be okay with our country? We are a 50-50 nation. Both halves have deep convictions and deep anxieties. The side that is not in power is worried. Is everything going to be okay with ourselves and our loved ones? When we face serious challenges—relational, emotional, physical, financial, professional—will we emerge okay on the other end? What kind of prayer is helpful when we worry whether everything is going to be okay? The Torah offers us a primer of two different models of prayer, same person, same anxiety, same dread fear, twenty years apart. Young Jacob running away from home worries that Esau will kill him. Older Jacob coming back home to Canaan worries that Esau will kill him and his family. In both cases, he prays. Tomorrow we will consider each prayer in its own context and ask whether we pray a prayer like that, and if so, whether doing so helps. We will also study the interpretation of these two prayers by the late Rabbi Harold Kushner found in his classic When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Rabbi Kushner uses these two prayers of Jacob as illuminating prayers that do and do not work. How is it with your prayer life? Can our prayer life grow so that our prayers help strengthen us when we could use the strength?

An episode about what to do in challenging and disappointing moments.     You may have noticed that we did not record a new episode last week. We opted to model self compassion and kindness in the face of laryngitis, back to back retreats, and a volleyball championship. After 225 weekly episodes we decided to give ourselves grace.    The election was a pivotal moment of seeing what is. It was a clarifying moment.    Mindfulness is a key component to moving forward with grace and ease. It is essential in difficult circumstances such as this.   Listen to hear tips for choosing your language thoughtfully, asking helpful questions, and how to tell generous and helpful stories.   This moment is an abundant opportunity to practice noticing your thoughts and feeling your feelings.  Feel to heal and name to tame.    It is also a great moment to accept and be disappointed, accept and be angry, accept and not like, and to accept and allow. Resisting reality is very costly.   Optimizing your neurochemical soup is in your control at this moment and it can help. Practicing mindful self-care is also in your control and also helps.  You might find being alone helpful or community may be what you need.  Support yourself with healthy food, nature, and sleep to give yourself the most capacity to respond intentionally rather than create.  Consider practicing tons of hand to heart and self compassion. Oxytocin increases creativity, curiosity, and problem solving    Disappointment and challenges often lead to our biggest growth — personally and collectively. Let this moment in time be the nudge you need to engage in mindfulness and mindset coaching. Working with us is much more powerful than simply listening to a podcast.    Set yourself up for a smoother ride through the next four years by reaching out for 1:1 or small group coaching or signing up for a 2025 retreat.     https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/ongoing-presence https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreat-nicasio-creek-farm   Start practicing yoga with me on YouTube.  Listen to other episodes of the Mindful Healers Podcast. It's Ok to Not Be Ok and When Bad Things Happen are a great place to start. Move beyond consuming this amazing podcast. True change happens when you work with us - virtually and/or in-person. Coach with Jessie - 1:1, in topic-focused small groups, or at a retreat. www.jessiemahoneymd.com Work with both of us in person at The Mindful Healers Annual Retreat www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats Hire one or both of us to speak or lead a workshop on any topic covered in the Mindful Healers Podcast. We also create team retreats, teach yoga, and offer experiential mindfulness for teams, groups, grand rounds, institutions, and conferences. www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast www.awakenbreath.org  www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking *Nothing shared in the Mindful Healers Podcast is medical advice.   #physicianwellness #mindfulnesscoach #pauseandpresence #physiciancoach  

The post Daniel 1: When Bad Things Happen appeared first on Marion Oaks Assembly of God.

When Bad Things Happen to God's PeopleYour support sends the gospel to every corner of Australia through broadcast, online and print media: https://www.vision.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Bad Things Happen to God's PeopleYour support sends the gospel to every corner of Australia through broadcast, online and print media: https://www.vision.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Bad Things Happen to God's PeopleYour support sends the gospel to every corner of Australia through broadcast, online and print media: https://www.vision.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabbi Mychal B. Springer is the manager of Clinical Pastoral Education at NY-Presbyterian Hospital. She founded the Center for Pastoral Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in Manhattan in 2009. Over a ten-year period she oversaw an intensive hospice chaplaincy training program in collaboration with Metropolitan Jewish Health System's Hospice. She began her career as a hospital chaplain in New York City, and in the 1990s became the director of the Department of Pastoral Care and Education at Beth Israel Medical Center. Mychal was the first Conservative rabbi to be certified as an Educator by ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care & Education. Mychal served as The Rabbinical School at JTS's associate dean and director of Field Education. Her publications include Sisters in Mourning: Daughters Reflecting on Care, Loss, and Meaning (Cascade Press, 2021) with Dr. Su Yon Pak and “Presence in a Time of Distancing: Spiritual Care in an Acute Care Setting” in Jewish End-of-Life Care in a Virtual Age: Our Traditions Reimagined, Friedman D, Levin D, Raphael SP ed. (Albion Andalus, 2021).Mychal received her BA in Judaic Studies and Religious Studies from Yale College magna cum laude. She was ordained a Conservative rabbi and received her Master's in Judaic Studies and Doctor of Divinity at JTS. Mychal is a certified Jewish chaplain in Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains.In the interview, Rabbi Springer recalls her friend from childhood, Aaron Kushner, and how his tragic illness and death inspired his father, Rabbi Harold Kushner (who died in 2023) to write his best-selling book When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Here is Rabbi Ed Bernstein interviewing Rabbi Harold Kushner in 2013.Rabbi Springer makes cameo appearances in two memoirs:”Choosing My Religion: A Memoir of a Family Beyond Belief,” by Stephen Dubner”The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions,” by Jonathan Rosen (Rabbi Springer's husband). Here are links to other resources mentioned by Rabbi Springer: Palestine 1936 by Oren Kessler. Dr. David Senesh interviewed on the Invisible Wound podcast.Haverut: The Healing Arts  led by Rachel Ettun.The solemn prayer Un'tane Tokef that is recited on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur  was the inspiration for Leonard Cohen's “Who By Fire.”    About our host:Rabbi Edward Bernstein, BCC, is the producer and host of NeshamaCast. He serves as Chaplain at Boca Raton Regional Hospital of Baptist Health South Florida. He is a member of the Board of Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains. Prior to his chaplain career, he served as a pulpit rabbi in congregations in New Rochelle, NY; Beachwood, OH; and Boynton Beach, FL. He is also the host and producer of My Teacher Podcast: A Celebration of the People Who Shape Our Lives. NeshamaCast contributor Rabbi Katja Vehlow was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and is Director of Jewish Life at Fordham University. She trained as a chaplain at Moses Maimonides Medical Center in New York. Previously, she served as Associate Professor of Religious Studies at University of South Carolina. A native German speaker, she is planning a forthcoming German-language podcast on the weekly Torah portion with a focus on pastoral care. Support NeshamaCast and NAJC with a tax deductible donation to NAJC. Transcripts for this episode and other episodes of NeshamaCast are available at NeshamaCast.simplecast.com and are typically posted one week after an episode first airs. Theme Music is “A Niggun For Ki Anu Amecha,” written and performed by Reb-Cantor Lisa Levine. Please help others find the show by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts or other podcast providers. We welcome comments and suggestions for future programming at NeshamaCast@gmail.com. And be sure to follow NAJC on Facebook to learn more about Jewish spiritual care happening in our communities.

You know the age-old question: "Why do bad things happen to good people?" If you've gone through suffering, heartache, or hurt and you question God's goodness, Patrick Madrid wants to help you make sense of it.  He addresses a thought-provoking question from Jennifer in Auburn, Indiana. She wonders why, if God is omnipotent and perfect, does evil exist. The crux of the answer lies in the concept of free will. Patrick explains that evil stems from the choices of angels and humans to act against God's design for happiness. God never wanted it this way, but He allowed it. These bad choices that we make ripple through the world, causing unintended harm to innocent people, much like a drunk driver causing an accident. Horrible things happen that don't add up. But why?        The essence of Patrick's argument revolves around the purpose of free will: it enables genuine love and moral responsibility. Without it, we'd be like robots, not capable of true love or moral fault. Patrick goes on to explain that the existence of hell and the capacity for guilt affirm the reality of free will. God loves us and doesn't want to control us.  Also, Patrick touches on the mystery of iniquity, suggesting that, despite the presence of evil, God's providence works towards the ultimate happiness and fulfillment of those who love Him. He recommends Dr. Peter Kreeft's book, "Making Sense Out of Suffering," for a deeper exploration of the topic. Addressing Jennifer's confusion about God's perfection, sparked by troubling views from Harold Kushner's "When Bad Things Happen to Good People," Patrick reassures her of God's flawless nature and is quick to critique Kushner's limited, flawed portrayal of God.  God can bring good into your situation, no matter how hard it may seem in the moment. Trust and be assured that He is with you and will bring you to ultimate joy that you can't even begin to imagine. 

Does your work fulfill your spiritual purpose? On this episode of Love Period, Majora Carter joins Jacqui to help us understand what it means to be inspired to create a professional life that is fueled by spiritual principles.   As a real-estate developer, urban revitalization strategy consultant and MacArthur Fellow, Majora Carter's thriving professional life is built on the moment she “found real meaning in the scriptures when Jesus says, ‘there are only two important laws: Love God and Love thy neighbor.' And I realized—that is what I do! I love God and I love my neighbor. My work is a manifestation of that.”  We hope this engaging conversation inspires you to shift your way of living—and giving—to the world. Resources: Majora Carter's book Reclaiming Your Community can be found here. To learn more about her work, visit her website here. Rabbi Harold Kushner's book When Bad Things Happen to Good People can be found here.  

Jan shares an interaction with bestselling author Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People , who recently died. Kushner shows a new way to understand the Book of Job and how to more clearly see that unfairness doesn't have to destroy you but can deepen you and lead to good, if you allow it.

This podcast is being published on April 30, 2023, and is dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Harold Kushner, of blessed memory, who died on April 28, 2023 at the age of 88. Rabbi Kushner is best known for his best selling book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. He wrote a total of 14 books, many of which were also best sellers. While known world-wide for his writing and lecturing, Rabbi Kushner was a beloved pulpit rabbi and served 25 years as the spiritual leader of Temple Israel, a Conservative synagogue in  Natick, MA and many more years as their Rabbi Laureate. For more information about Rabbi Kushner's illustrious career, see his New York Times obituary. In January 2014, Rabbi Kushner gave a lecture at Temple Torah (now Temple Torat Emet) in Boynton Beach, FL, where Rabbi Ed Bernstein was then serving as spiritual leader. A few months earlier, Rabbi Bernstein and Rabbi Kushner both attended the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Biennial Convention in Baltimore, MD.  During the convention, they recorded a brief interview that served as a teaser for Rabbi Kushner's upcoming visit to Boynton Beach. The conversation touched on When Bad Things Happen to Good People as well as two other books by Rabbi Kushner, When Children Ask About God and Living a Life That Matters. Rabbi Kushner had a gift for speaking and writing about sophisticated subjects in an accessible way. In this 10-minute interview a decade later, he distills complex issues in  clear and vivid terms and in such little time.  Here is Rabbi Ed Bernstein's conversation with Rabbi Harold Kushner on October 13, 2013, which you may also find on YouTube. May the  memory of Rabbi Harold Kushner be for a blessing.Rabbi Bernstein is grateful to Barbara and Jay Wiston for introducing him to Rabbi Kushner and for envisioning Rabbi Kushner's public lecture in Boynton Beach in 2014.           

When Bad Things Happen to Good People - Pastor John Wilkerson - Wednesday Evening, April 12, 2023 by First Baptist Church of Hammond

The heaviness of the Covenant School Shooting in Nashville is weighing heavy on our hearts, so we felt like God wanted us to process this out loud today, on our podcast, with you. We don't profess to be the experts, but we'll share our experiences and some of the writings and teachings from leaders both in our faith and other faiths that have helped us navigate hard times like these. If you've been feeling helpless and frustrated about what happened in Nashville last week, I hope this episode can provide a safe space to process those feelings and help guide you to the places where we've found peace and understanding. Time Stamps: [00:50] - Corrine and Neil switched today's topic to have a real, raw conversation about the recent school shooting. [03:37] - Neil shares his first reaction to the news, especially as a parent himself and as someone who lost loved ones to traumatic situations. [07:55] - How do Corrine and Neil feel about mentioning the school shooting to their children? [10:23] - “Why would God not prevent this?” [14:10] - What about the small moments that change the outcome, like divine intervention? [16:22] - Is there any purpose of an imperfect world? [20:13] - Tragedy and beauty both exist in the world. [22:42] - Facing situations with thoughts, prayer, and action. [25:56] - Corrine talks about experiencing the power of collective prayer. [28:46] - Do these situations drive you away from God or closer to God? [34:40] - Remember to be kind and empathetic. [40:12] - Open yourself up to move with peace in your heart. [41:54] - Continue to pray, take action, and stay connected to God. Supporting Resources: "Tragedy or Destiny" From the life of Spencer W. Kimball. "When Bad Things Happen to Good People" Book by Harold S. Kushner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don Carson, Editor, The New Bible Commentary ESV Greek Tools ESV Study Bible IVP Bible Background Commentary Timothy Keller, Logos Sermon Archive Harold Kushner, When Bad Things Happen to Good People C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed Sandra McCracken, ‘Fools Gold' Eugene Peterson, The Message William Shakespeare, Macbeth Elie Wiesel, Night Nicholas Wolterstorff, Lament for a Son N.T. Wright, For Everyone Commentaries

Why does God allow suffering? This age-old question is considered by Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of “When Bad Things Happen to Good People,” who arrived at some soothing answers after facing his young son's death.

Fran and Kylie discuss 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and John 9:1-41 for Lent 4 We mention the World Council of Churches document The Gift of Being: Called to be a Church of All for All; Harold Kushner's When Bad Things Happen to Good People; The Bible and Disability:a Commentary, ed Melcher, Parsons and Young

When Bad Things Happen to Good PeopleSupport the show: https://christianityworks.com/channels/adp/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Schadenfreude, the German idea for taking pleasure in others' misfortune, seems like an ugly human emotion. But psychologists and philosophers argue that schadenfreude is baked into the human condition and actually is kind of good for us. This hour, we explore why it's okay to laugh when someone slips on a banana peel. GUESTS: Scott Dikkers: Founding editor of The Onion and the author of How to Write Funny Lauren Ober: Hosted the Spectacular Failures podcast John Portmann: Professor of religious studies at the University of Virginia and the author of When Bad Things Happen to Other People The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. Colin McEnroe, Eugene Amatruda, Jonathan McNicol, Cat Pastor, and Lily Tyson contributed to this show, which originally aired March 7, 2022.Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psalms 71 Sermon Sources: James Boice, Commentary on The Psalms ESV Study Bible Expositor's Bible Commentary, 1 Kings New Bible Commentary NIV Cultural Backgrounds Bible Commentary Dan Allender, Leading with a Limp Chip Dodd, The Voice of the Heart Timothy Keller, Interview with Tish Warren in The New York Times Timothy Keller, Logos Sermon Archive Harold Kushner, When Bad Things Happen to Good People Eugene Peterson, The Message Patti Sauls, August, 2022 essay at She Reads Truth J.R.R. Tolkein, Lord of the Rings N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope

When Bad Things Happen to God's People: Part 2

When Bad Things Happen to God's People: Part 1

How do we respond when bad things happen? Host Lois Matson explores the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and how we respond to catastrophe. Even in suffering, God is for us.Please send your comments, suggestions, and ideas for future shows to diceystuffpodcast@gmail.com. Do you have an idea for a Dicey Bible Story? Send it on in!  Intro and outro vocals created with the voices from LOVO @ www.lovo.ai.

When Bad Things Happen to Good Kings: Part 2

In EPISODE 37 I share my initial thoughts following the loss of lives yesterday in Texas.  The episode was going to be a follow-up from last week where Kelly and I talked openly and vulnerable about the loss of his unborn child.  This is a raw episode where I share my current thoughts and feelings about all that has happened.“In the final analysis, the question of why bad things happen to good people translates itself into some very different questions, no longer asking why something happened, but asking how we will respond, what we intend to do now that it has happened."― Harold S. Kushner, When Bad Things Happen to Good PeopleJoin Mailing List & Get Involved!CLICK HERE: MAILING LISTConnect and Support Travis:YouTube: Travis GoodmanCheck out the Website: Therapy4Dads.comInstagram: @Therapy4Dads

When Bad Things Happen to Good Kings: Part 1

"When Bad Things Happen" is a sermon in a series walking through the book of PhilippiansFor more information check us out at the following:Website: https://ournewbethel.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewBethelSouthernBC

“Schadenfreude,” the German word for taking pleasure in others' misfortune, seems like an ugly human emotion. But psychologists and philosophers argue that schadenfreude is baked into the human condition and actually is kind of good for us. This hour, we explore why it's okay to laugh when someone slips on a banana peel. GUESTS: Scott Dikkers: Founding editor of The Onion and the author of How to Write Funny Lauren Ober: Hosted the Spectacular Failures podcast John Portmann: Professor of religious studies at the University of Virginia and the author of When Bad Things Happen to Other People Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Colin McEnroe, Eugene Amatruda, Jonathan McNicol, Cat Pastor, and Lily Tyson contributed to this show.Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

59, They Called Her Winnie Mershon Niesner lost her mother when she was 8 years old. Her mom, Winnifred, was 34. Mershon and her father made a go of it living on their own. It was 1954 and you didn't hardly see a single father raising a daughter. But Mershon's dad made it work for the both of them. Coming to us at a young 76 years old, Mershon has the honor of being the person with the most grief experience in the history of Parentless Podcast. Mershon explains that she has dealt with many types of loss, one of those being divorce, which was the toughest type of loss for her to navigate. On Mershon's 75th birthday, she published a book to help other grievers figure out what is next after mother loss. The following is found in the description of the book found on Amazon: "Mershon interviewed over fifty daughters giving readers a broad perspective on mother loss. Stories and advice comes from daughters of teen and young adult loss, loss through homicide, abandonment, and Alzheimer's. Mershon writes from her heart as she shares over seventy years of mother loss experience. Readers come away with a sense of camaraderie, insight into how to move forward, and compassion for the experiences of others. Niesner also supports readers as a Certified Life Coach by posing valuable coaching questions at the end of each step." Follow this link to get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Moms-Gone-Now-What-Daughters/dp/0974307610/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=mom%27s+gone%2C+now+what&qid=1645094034&sr=8-1 Mershon's father, Leon, passed away when he was 92. Merson shares what it was like to be raised by a single father, and the sacrifices that he made for her over the years. They had more of a partnership and worked together to make their home run. Mershon is now working on her second book, which is based in Nebraska and focuses on the time period when her father's grandparent's were alive. Mershon writes in her blog at least weekly, and it covers all aspects of life, not just mother loss. Visit her Mershon to at her blog listed below. Mershon's Advice: "Move forward doesn't mean forget." Book recommendations: When Bad Things Happen to Good People: https://www.amazon.com/When-Things-Happen-Good-People/dp/1400034728 How To Be Your Own Best Friend https://www.amazon.com/s?k=how+to+be+your+own+best+friend&i=stripbooks&crid=1EI7VL3465SWS&sprefix=how+to+be+your+own+best%2Cstripbooks%2C118&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_23 Instagram: @mershonniesner Website: https://www.mershonniesner.com/ Email: mershonniesner@gmail.com Blog: www.motherloss.blog If you'd like to donate to Tim Harris' project of providing free therapy to at least one person for one year, please visit www.grievingisbreath.com/donate This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ. Additional production and music by Ian Releford. Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds. Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share? https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast Email: parentlesspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @parentlesspodcast Voicemail: 623.396.6069 You are not alone.

59, They Called Her Winnie Mershon Niesner lost her mother when she was 8 years old. Her mom, Winnifred, was 34. Mershon and her father made a go of it living on their own. It was 1954 and you didn't hardly see a single father raising a daughter. But Mershon's dad made it work for the both of them. Coming to us at a young 76 years old, Mershon has the honor of being the person with the most grief experience in the history of Parentless Podcast. Mershon explains that she has dealt with many types of loss, one of those being divorce, which was the toughest type of loss for her to navigate. On Mershon's 75th birthday, she published a book to help other grievers figure out what is next after mother loss. The following is found in the description of the book found on Amazon: "Mershon interviewed over fifty daughters giving readers a broad perspective on mother loss. Stories and advice comes from daughters of teen and young adult loss, loss through homicide, abandonment, and Alzheimer's. Mershon writes from her heart as she shares over seventy years of mother loss experience. Readers come away with a sense of camaraderie, insight into how to move forward, and compassion for the experiences of others. Niesner also supports readers as a Certified Life Coach by posing valuable coaching questions at the end of each step." Follow this link to get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Moms-Gone-Now-What-Daughters/dp/0974307610/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=mom%27s+gone%2C+now+what&qid=1645094034&sr=8-1 Mershon's father, Leon, passed away when he was 92. Merson shares what it was like to be raised by a single father, and the sacrifices that he made for her over the years. They had more of a partnership and worked together to make their home run. Mershon is now working on her second book, which is based in Nebraska and focuses on the time period when her father's grandparent's were alive. Mershon writes in her blog at least weekly, and it covers all aspects of life, not just mother loss. Visit her Mershon to at her blog listed below. Mershon's Advice: "Move forward doesn't mean forget." Book recommendations: When Bad Things Happen to Good People: https://www.amazon.com/When-Things-Happen-Good-People/dp/1400034728 How To Be Your Own Best Friend https://www.amazon.com/s?k=how+to+be+your+own+best+friend&i=stripbooks&crid=1EI7VL3465SWS&sprefix=how+to+be+your+own+best%2Cstripbooks%2C118&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_23 Instagram: @mershonniesner Website: https://www.mershonniesner.com/ Email: mershonniesner@gmail.com Blog: www.motherloss.blog If you'd like to donate to Tim Harris' project of providing free therapy to at least one person for one year, please visit www.grievingisbreathing.com/donate This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ. Additional production and music by Ian Releford. Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds. Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share? https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast Email: parentlesspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @parentlesspodcast Voicemail: 623.396.6069 You are not alone.

As Nikki researches to write her book, she stumbled across an article that resonated so much. In Nikki's Exclusive interview she shares the stories of her personal journey of widow shaming. It is evident when others think they may be “helping”, their “good”  intentions may be deleterious to the health of the young widows in their life. This interview is meant to help others realize the societal stigma and expectations that others inflict upon young widows. About Carole: Widely recognized as America's go-to expert in grief and life-adversity recovery, Carole Brody Fleet is the multi-award winning author of, "Loss is a Four-Letter Word..." (HCI Books); as well as the #1 release in its genre, “When Bad Things Happen to Good Women...”  (Viva Editions); Happily EVEN After...” (Viva Editions); winner of the prestigious Books for a Better Life Award, one of the top national awards in publishing; as well as the critically acclaimed, international bestseller, "Widows Wear Stilettos..." (New Horizon Press). Ms. Fleet is additionally the author and executive producer of the bestselling spoken-word CD, entitled, "Widows Wear Stilettos: What Now?".  Most recently, several of her inspirational pieces have been optioned by a major greeting card company. Ms. Fleet is a six-time contributor to the iconic Chicken Soup for the Soul book series; as well as a previous top contributor to The Huffington Post and ThirdAge.com.  A veteran of over 1,200 radio show appearances, Ms. Fleet makes guest appearances on television; frequently appears as a regular guest contributor and expert on numerous radio programs in the United States and Canada and is a featured expert in national and international print media. She is a popular motivational speaker to a wide variety of audiences; including students (ranging from middle school to college); business and networking organizations, corporate employees, social and charitable / non-profit organizations, military organizations, women's conferences and organizations and the healthcare, hospice and bereavement industries.   Website: https://www.carolefleetspeaker.com                  www.WidowsWearStilettos.com Instagram: @carolebrodyfleet Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CaroleBFleet/

As Nikki researches to write her book, she stumbled across an article that resonated so much. In Nikki's Exclusive interview she shares the stories of her personal journey of widow shaming. It is evident when others think they may be “helping”, their “good”  intentions may be deleterious to the health of the young widows in their life. This interview is meant to help others realize the societal stigma and expectations that others inflict upon young widows. About Carole: Widely recognized as America's go-to expert in grief and life-adversity recovery, Carole Brody Fleet is the multi-award winning author of, "Loss is a Four-Letter Word..." (HCI Books); as well as the #1 release in its genre, “When Bad Things Happen to Good Women...”  (Viva Editions); Happily EVEN After...” (Viva Editions); winner of the prestigious Books for a Better Life Award, one of the top national awards in publishing; as well as the critically acclaimed, international bestseller, "Widows Wear Stilettos..." (New Horizon Press). Ms. Fleet is additionally the author and executive producer of the bestselling spoken-word CD, entitled, "Widows Wear Stilettos: What Now?".  Most recently, several of her inspirational pieces have been optioned by a major greeting card company. Ms. Fleet is a six-time contributor to the iconic Chicken Soup for the Soul book series; as well as a previous top contributor to The Huffington Post and ThirdAge.com.  A veteran of over 1,200 radio show appearances, Ms. Fleet makes guest appearances on television; frequently appears as a regular guest contributor and expert on numerous radio programs in the United States and Canada and is a featured expert in national and international print media. She is a popular motivational speaker to a wide variety of audiences; including students (ranging from middle school to college); business and networking organizations, corporate employees, social and charitable / non-profit organizations, military organizations, women's conferences and organizations and the healthcare, hospice and bereavement industries.   Website: https://www.carolefleetspeaker.com                  www.WidowsWearStilettos.com Instagram: @carolebrodyfleet Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CaroleBFleet/

Today we're talking about what to do in our faith lives when our real lives get hard. No answers or solutions here, but a few truths I've learned in my own deep water experiences. If you're in one right now, please know YOU ARE LOVED. I hope these are helpful, friend. 1. The Problem of Pain, by C.S. Lewis 2. Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I've Loved), by Kate Bowler 3. Podcast: Everything Happens, by Kate Bowler 4. Podcast: Terrible, Thanks for Asking, by Nora McInerny 5. A Grief Observed, by C.S. Lewis 6. When Bad Things Happen to Good People, by Harold Kushner 7. Almost Everything (Notes on Hope), by Anne Lamott 8. Lyric video: Rescue, by Lauren Daigle 9. Lyric video: Sigh No More, by Mumford and Sons 10. Trusting Life, with Benedictine Brother David Stendl-Rast (& Oprah) 11. Song: Red Sea Road, by Ellie Holcomb

Sermon ManuscriptWhen Bad Things Happen to Good People That is the title of Rabbi Harold Kushner's 1981 book. For multiple weeks it stood on top of the New York Times best seller list and is still popular today. In it, Kusher attempts to ask and answers the question, how should we respond when bad things happen?But Kushner doesn't acknowledge that God is sovereign. Rather, he says this, “I believe in God. But… I recognize his limitations. He is limited in what He can do… by the evolution of human nature and human moral freedom.” It's from that worldview, that Kushner comes to this conclusion: “…the bad things that happen to us in our lives do not have a meaning when they happen to us. . . . But we can redeem these tragedies from senselessness by imposing meaning on them.” In other words, he wants us to assign some sort of meaning. According to him, bad things are meaningless and God can't do anything about them. Because of these views, Kusher doesn't believe that prayer is effective when we pray for help. To him, God is unable to intervene.Well, asking “how should we respond when bad things happen?” is an important question. In fact, these verses, Acts 4:23-31, address that question. However, the Scripture here gives a very different answer than Kushner's. A vastly different view of God's sovereignty, a different understanding of meaning and purpose, and a different approach to prayer. Maybe I should have titled my sermon “When Bad Things Happen to God's People.”The specific focus of these verses is how the apostles and believers responded to opposition… to threats, to rejection, and to being imprisoned. These verses obviously have direct application for us… when our faith is attacked. But as I was studying this week, I realized that the example and the principles here apply to more than just opposition… they also apply to other bad things. So as we go through this text… yes, we can, as a church, be prepared for persecution, but we can also be prepared for other evil and sufferingAs a background and reminder… these verses conclude what had happened over the last 2 days in the life of the early church. • Remember, God through the disciples healed a disabled man at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. • Then the apostle Peter responded to this amazing miracle. He preached that the resurrected Jesus healed him. He also declared very clearly the power and person of Christ. • Well, no surprise, some of the very people who arrested Jesus didn't like what Peter was saying. So they also arrested Peter and the apostle John. • After a night in jail, they were questioned. Peter gave another powerful defense of Jesus – that he is the only savior. • Next, the religious leaders had no choice but to release them. But when they did, they threatened Peter and John, commanding them not to speak about Jesus again. • And finally, Peter and John wouldn't have it. They responded with a bold convicting response “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”Now, while the imprisonment and trial were going on…. The other disciples and followers didn't know what was happening. So it makes sense… as soon as Peter and John were released, they went right to them. And they shared everything that happened, everything that was said.Now, think for a minute… how could they all have responded? Or how would you have responded?I've been thinking about that question. These verses are convicting. I think my initial reactions would have been very far from how they responded. First, I think I would have been afraid. Fearful of the threats. Afraid at what could happen. Further persecution. But nowhere in these verses do we sense any fear. In fact, the opposite. The Holy Spirit stirred up in them boldness. A firm resolve for the word and prayer. My second response probably would have been anger. Maybe I'd call it “righteous anger” so I could somehow justify it in my mind. We do that, don't we. But notice what's absent. They don't express resentment… and nowhere in here do they even ask God to punish the chief priests or elders.So, then, how do they respond? Well, several ways… and we'll get to those in a moment.But underlying all of it… is a recognition of God's sovereignty. I would say, each part of their response directly or indirectly points to God's sovereignty. We see that right there as they pray: “Sovereign Lord, who made the heavens and the earth.” That Greek word for “sovereign” in verse 24 is not often used in the New Testament. It means absolute authority. And besides their initial recognition of God's authority, they quote Psalm 2 as part of their prayer. Well, Psalm 2 focuses on God's sovereignty. Then in verse 28, they acknowledge that God ordained in his plan, all that he predestined. Verse 30, it's the Lord's hand who healed and performed signs. Even our last verse… as the earth shook, it testified to God's control over the whole created order.Do you see that underlying theme? God's dominion, His authority, His power and will overseeing and planning everything that happens. This is not Rabbi Kushner's God, limited and impotent, unable to enter in to his very creation.No, the God of the Bible, your God, is the creator and sustainer of all things. He's not bound by time or space… nor is he figuring out what's happening in order to respond to it. No, He is…• Eternal, always existing… from everlasting to everlasting, he is God Psalm 90. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end Revelation 1.• He is infinite beyond all measure… The heaven of heavens cannot contain him… 1 Kings 8 How unsearchable are his judgments and ways… from him and through him and to him are all things. Romans 11.• He's the I AM. Exodus 3 The only being whose existence is in himself. He is and was. Revelation 11 He's the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only wise God. 1 Timothy 1. He knows all things and nothing is hidden from his sight Hebrews 4• He laid the foundations of the earth, the springs of the deep, and caused the dawn to know it's place Job 38. • By the very word of his power, he created all things, Genesis 1. All the starry and heavenly host, he created and calls them each by name Isaiah 40 The worlds were framed by his word Hebrews 11• And all of his plans have happened, do happen, and will happen – Nothing happens by chance… Our God does all that he pleases, Psalm 115. He can do all things, no purpose of his can be thwarted Job 42 All his plans and purposes come to pass Isaiah 14. He's determined all, provides for all, the one who gives all human life, makes poor and rich, brings low and exalts 1 Samuel 2. He foreordains everything that comes to pass, Ephesians 1 and Isaiah 14• In his sovereign authority he is king of kings and lord of lords… the great and awesome God, Deuteronomy 10. All things are possible with God Matthew 19. None of the inhabitants of the earth can stay his hand Daniel 4. His work and judgments are perfect Deuteronomy 32• As we read earlier in the service, He is robed in majesty, puts on strength as his belt, mightier than the thunders of many waters, trustworthy and holy, Psalm 93.• His truth endures forever Psalm 117 He is abundant in goodness and truth Exodus 34.• He is perfectly holy 1 Peter 1. He is perfectly pure and in him is no sin. 1 John 3.• He knows you, discerns your thoughts, formed your inward parts in your mother's womb Psalm 139. He searches all hearts, and understands every plan and thought. 1 Chronicles 28.Beloved, this is your infinite, eternal and unchangeable God in all of his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.And whatever comes to pass in your life, no matter how hard or painful, your God is sovereign over it, he is working in it; and he has a purpose for it… God's Sovereignty is a great comfort to believers in Christ. Nonetheless, as you know, there are aspects of it that are hard for us to understand. Like how it fits with human responsibility, and the presence of evil. Both also taught in Scripture. While these aren't the focus of Acts 4, what we can be sure… is that God is over all and in all. We can believe that and we can go to him in prayer because of that.That's where the apostles and other followers of Jesus began… believing in and acknowledging God's sovereignty over all things. So, with God's sovereignty in mind, let's now consider their response… so that we may respond with the same trust and confidence as they did.The first thing they do is they pray! Now, they were probably praying the whole time that Peter and John were on trial. But now with everyone together…. they all prayed, and it says they prayed together. Their hearts and minds were aligned with the same understanding of God's sovereign role in all this.In whatever situation, but especially opposition to your faith in Christ… pray. Pray to your Sovereign Lord over all of life and creation. Look again at this prayer. 75% of this prayer is acknowledging who God is and his Word. Their focus on God starts in verse 24… but it continues on in verse 25 and 26 and 27 and 28… and then finally in verses 29 and 30, they pray for their need.Here's the first principle in these verse: See God as sovereign over all things and pray to the sovereign God over all things.When you are faced with opposition to your faith… or really, faced with any bad things… see God as sovereign. Acknowledge him as sovereign… praying to him, the sovereign God.It so easy in prayer to jump right to our requests, our needs. We do that all the time. And God wants to hear them, but the overwhelming pattern of prayer in the Bible is to begin by exalting God, acknowledging His character and Salvation and Authority. Just like this prayer. Just like the Lord's prayer. That prayer begins with a recognition of who God is. Our father in heaven…. And then a declaration of his glory… hallowed be thy name. Another great example of prayer in the Bible is 1 Chronicles 29, a prayer of Kind David… He begins in a similar way “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours.”See God as sovereign over all things and pray to the sovereign God over all things.Imagine if you were really concerned about some families in your hometown. And you wanted to help them. So you came up with this ministry idea. Well, the mayor of the town loved you idea. He told the county officials… they thought it was great and could help so many families. The governor of the state, thought so, too… and what if the idea went all the way to the President of the United States? And he wanted to meet with you in person.So you go to the white house and you enter the oval office where the president works. And there he is. Would you begin by saying “here's my idea, and I need this and this and this to make it work.” No, you'd probably begin by saying, “Mr. President, what an honor to meet you and to be here. Thank you for leading our country and all you do. Thank you for inviting me here and being willing to listen.”He'd probably say, “you're a great American. Really, you are… there's no one greater.”It's not a perfect analogy, but when we come into the presence of our sovereign God in prayer, we should acknowledge his sovereignty and glory and majesty, knowing and believing that he is over all things.Ok, A second thing to notice here… is they also prayed the Scriptures back to God. Verses 25 and 26 quote Psalm 2. Psalm 2 directly related to what they had experienced. It asks what they were asking. Why do the gentiles and kings and rulers rage? Why are they against the Lord and his anointed? Only the first couple verses are quoted here… but Psalm 2 continues with a clear response from God. In fact, God in his sovereignty laughs at them! The kings and the rulers. That's what it says. This is one of three Psalms where God is described as laughing in a mocking sort of way. God is saying that their arrogance in opposing him is laughable… because he is in control of all things. But then Psalm 2 gets serious. God warns the kings and rulers of their futility. He declares that his people will break them in pieces like a potters' vessel. With their outward threats and in their opposition to Jesus and the resurrection, they will ultimately be defeated… no matter what they try to do to Jesus followers.A clear pattern is emerging in Acts. You've probably noticed it. Going back to the Scriptures. Every chapter so far, every sermon, and prayer emphasized the Word of God.The principle is this: Seek the Scriptures, and pray to our sovereign God through them.When you are overwhelmed and don't know how to pray. Pray God's word back to him. Take, for example, the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6. And one phrase at a time, speak it to God… and then speak your words and situation to him. Or take a Psalm that relates to what you are going through… and one couplet at a time pray it and ask God for his grace and help. When the Psalmist recognizes God and his mercy and sovereignty, pray in your situation recognizing God and his mercy and sovereignty. Notice in Acts 4 verse 27… they applied Psalm 2 to their situation. The gentiles and kings and rulers against them. And immediately after, verse 28… they acknowledged God in his Sovereignty just as the Psalmist had done. Acknowledging God's plan in it all.Seek the Scriptures and pray to our sovereign God through them.It's then that they finally come to the Lord asking for help. That's after they had acknowledged God's sovereignty, and after they had prayed the Scriptures. They next prayed for boldness. Despite the threats, they prayed for strength to not back down. And if you look at the second half of verse 31, God answered their prayer. Through the Holy Spirit, they continued to speak the Word of God with all boldness.The principle is this. See and share the certainty of God's sovereign willWhen we more fully realize the eternal extent of God's sovereignty …God will give us confidence in the situations we face. Here's another quote from Rabbi Kushner. This one I actually agree with. He said, “We could bear nearly any pain or disappointment if we thought there was a reason behind it, a purpose, to it.” Now, he wants to manufacture a reason. But having a sovereign God with a sovereign plan. We have a certainty that whatever comes to pass, God has sovereignly predestined it. We have a reason for our hope and therefore confidence in God's will.The disciples prayed for bold confidence… knowing God's sovereignty. Because it's God work. His Holy Spirit doing the work, His will, and His Word. What they were really praying for was for God to deepen their confidence in his sovereignty. As they did, may we See and share the certainty of God's sovereign willAnd this whole prayer, this emphasis on God's sovereignty… it all centers on one thing. One fundamental focus from which everything radiates, one defining emphasis of Psalm 2, One pivotal thing in God's sovereignty from which the rest of God's sovereign plan works out.What is that one thing? Jesus. The person and work of Christ.The disciples and believers saw the opposition against them as opposition against Jesus. That's what their prayer focused on. Verse 26… quoting Psalm 2. The rulers of the earth set themselves again the Lord, and against his Anointed. The translators capitalized Anointed because it's referring to the messiah, to the Christ. That's what the word Christ means in the Greek. Anointed one. Verse 27 confirms that. And their prayer makes clear that the rulers were against Jesus. Herod and Pontius Pilate and the Gentiles… the Romans. God used them all to accomplish his plan and purpose. And the very center of that plan is the ministry of Christ on the cross and his subsequent resurrection.The principle is this: See the center of God's sovereign plan as salvation in Christ.God plan, everything about it, begins with, works toward, comes from, His plan of salvation in Christ. Redemption in Him. Before the foundation of the world, God set into motion this overarching plan. And everything that happens, including opposition and suffering, connects to this grand purpose which God predestined. Any faithful church will have opposition. But the underlying opposition is against Christ. 1 Corinthians 1 says “the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” Those opposed to God and his church will in the end, as Psalm 2 says, meet their end. But at that time, His church will be victorious. And the victory will be in and through Christ. That's where our confidence and boldness come from. The promise of eternal victory in him.In any difficult situation… if you are a believer in Christ, God is working in and through your suffering and pain. Not that we always clearly see or understand what God is doing. But in Christ, as the center of everything that is happening… we can look to for our ultimate hope. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. That eternal hope gives us the courage and confidence in any situation.See the center of God's sovereign plan as salvation in Christ.In closing, when the apostles and believer finished praying, it says the place where they were gathered was shaken, and then, they were filled, it says, with the Spirit and the spoke with boldness. These signs confirming for them God's will and purpose.ConclusionWhen bad things happen to God's people… we should come to him, the sovereign God, on our knees. Praying his Word, acknowledging his purposes and authority, knowing the certainty of his will, that we may with boldness, declare the promises of Christ. Who is the center of God's sovereign and predestined plan.