Rebecca welcomes Vaneetha Risner for a candid conversation about suffering, unanswered prayer, and the presence of Christ in our deepest pain. Vaneetha recounts her story (childhood polio, the death of her infant son, an unwanted divorce), how John 9 reframed her “why,” and why Christian hope rests in the character of God—not in guaranteed outcomes. They also explore lament, community, and practical ways to walk with those who hurt. Resources mentioned: Watching for the Morning (90-day devotional): vaneetha.com/watching-for-the-morning Desperate for Hope (7-session Bible study): vaneetha.com/desperate-for-hope Vaneetha’s website: vaneetha.com Joni Eareckson Tada & Steven Estes, When God Weeps: Amazon John 9 (Jesus and the man born blind): Read John 11 (Jesus with Mary & Martha): Read 0:00 Exploring Faith and Suffering Through Personal Trials 3:12 Finding Faith Amidst Life's Trials and Unanswered Prayers 14:05 Finding Faith and Comfort Amidst Suffering and Loss 19:53 Unexpected Suffering and the Journey of Writing Through Pain 23:11 Finding Hope and Purpose in Suffering Through Faith 32:19 Exploring Faith, Suffering, and Devotionals with Vaneetha Risner Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe Follow Us on Instagram and X Produced by The Good Podcast Co.
