Suffering often feels confusing, heavy, and without purpose—but Scripture tells a different story. In this episode, we explore what God is actually producing in us through seasons of pain, even when we can't see it clearly. If you've ever wondered whether your suffering has meaning, this conversation will gently point you back to the faithfulness of God.

Pain often leaves us asking "Why?" Davey Blackburn has wrestled with that question firsthand. In this moving episode, Davey shares how God met him in grief, strengthened his faith through suffering, and revealed that even the darkest chapters of our stories can serve a greater purpose. If you are struggling to see God's hand in your circumstances, this conversation will encourage you to trust the One who never wastes a single tear.

How do we help our kids bring their sadness, confusion, and questions to God without fear? Together, we explore how Scripture models honest grief, how lament builds resilient faith, and how even young hearts can learn to cry out to a God who truly listens.

When childhood trauma gets suppressed, it can have dire consequences. Julie watched her mom battle cancer throughout her childhood, culminating in her death when Julie was in her early 20's. She then navigated the grief of losing her dad to suicide. The weight of her sorrows became too much when she was serving as a missionary in Turkey. It was a weight that nearly cost her her own life. This story depicts hope at levels you won't see coming and reminds us that even at a young age, we should place all our heavy burdens into the hands of a God who cares.

In this episode, Julia shares her story as a mother who deeply delights in her children and cherishes each moment she is given with Hazel and Russell. As she raises two children with special needs and fatal diagnoses, Julia's life is marked not only by profound challenges, but by a visible, contagious joy rooted in love, gratitude, and faith. During her second pregnancy with Russell, Julia also received a diagnosis of cervical cancer, a season that further revealed the nearness and kindness of God.

This is a testimony of abounding grace and resilient joy — a reminder that the joy of the Lord is not fragile or fleeting, but a deep and enduring source of strength in weakness. Julia's story points us to a faithful God whose grace sustains, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Walking kids through trials can be a daunting task. Pastor Rick Holland, one of our Shepherds in the Valleys, helps us prepare to guide children through heartache. We discuss ways to instill Biblical truth and hope in situations like divorce, illness and the death of loved ones.

The Persecution Project Foundation is dedicated to providing relief and support to victims of civil war, genocide, and religious persecution, particularly in regions like Sudan. We discuss what this mission looks like up close; the dangers, the challenges and the hope.