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Alexandria Harter has been addicted to drugs and alcohol, she has been homeless, she has experienced sexual trauma... Jesus rescued her from all of those things. This episode is the story of how Jesus rescued her and completely transformed her. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4wji22L

From her own near fatal mystery illness, to her husband's near fatal brain injury, Jen Tekiele has had stubborn faith and prayed stubborn prayers. And she has seen God do miracles. Her story will show that no matter what you are going through, there is hope in the Lord. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3RDreQn

Camden McKuras is in a season of darkness where God seems absent. Right now. This is not a story of past struggle. It's happening now. Camden shares the reason for the hope he has, and you have. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4uoWbpR

This is a continuation of the discussion in Episode 47 about When God Seems Distant. Kyle talks about how suffering can help you grow spiritually. He also draws a distinction between passion and affection. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/415jRCY

In this conversation, Kyle Strobel discusses his book 'When God Seems Distant' and explores the themes of spiritual dryness, the desert experience, and the importance of navigating these challenges with grace and understanding. He emphasizes the role of suffering in spiritual growth and the necessity of guidance during difficult times. The discussion also touches on generational shifts in spirituality, the impact of COVID on church dynamics, and the importance of honesty and lament in faith. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4lydW2M

Rolf Jacobson had cancer as a teenager and survived, but it led to the amputation of both his legs. Years later, his brother Karl and their friend Mike were also diagnosed with cancer, and the three began writing a book about their experiences. While Karl passed away before it was finished, Rolf and Mike completed it—an honest, heartfelt, and humor‑filled look at the pain of cancer. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Zgm4dS

Sometimes life takes a turn we never expected, and it can feel overwhelming. I never imagined Parkinson’s would become part of my story, but here I am—learning to walk this road with faith instead of fear. The diagnosis shook me, but Psalm 23 has been my anchor, reminding me that God is with me in every valley. Even when my strength fails, His grace carries me, and I’ve found hope not just for myself, but to share with others who are struggling too. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47ZCpJ8

Lara Silverman has a rare neurological disorder. She lives in a state of constant and severe vertigo. It has cost her her career, and left her mostly homebound. Tragically, the disorder is not the only source of grief in her life. She also lost her husband of one year to cancer. Yet, it would be hard not to describe Lara as a joyful person.  She shares about her journey in her new books Singing Through Fire: Finding Surprising Joy in Life’s Darkest Trials. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/46N65sq

Matt McCullough is pastor at Edgefield Church in Nashville, and author of Remember Heaven; Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime. He talks about how remembering the promises of Heaven can put a different perspective on hard times we go through now. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47zdqMY

Nathan Sutherland realized his compulsive video gaming had gotten to the point where he didn’t just enjoy playing, he needed to play to be okay. So he stopped. And hasn’t gone back. He’s turned it into a ministry which includes the Gospel Tech podcast, which helps guide families to healthy use of all tech. You can hear Gospel Tech right here on Purposely.

Cindy Brinker Simmons is back! Don't miss our first conversation in episode 32. This time we focused in on moving from grief to action. God wants to do something good with the thing that is causing you pain. And it's possible that the person He wants to work through is you! Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47rPJpy

Please note that this episode includes references to the horrors of war. Listener discretion is advised. Christians in Ukraine have come under attack by the Russian military. Karl Ahlgren has been there serving as a chaplain and has seen it first hand. He talks about the Christians in Ukraine, many of whom are courageously holding on to their faith in Jesus. You'll also hear about the new documentary film, A Faith Under Siege. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3IMBaD3  Karl Ahlgren brings over 40 years of experience in government, politics, and advocacy. A seasoned advisor to members of Congress and a licensed Chaplain in Ukraine, Karl’s commitment to Ukraine is unwavering. Since his first visit in 2023, he has actively worked to highlight the war’s impact, provide humanitarian support, and amplify the voices of Ukrainians on the world stage. Karl Ahlgren first traveled to Ukraine in October 2023. During his nine-day visit, he toured various regions of the country to gain firsthand insight into the impacts of the war. Since then, he has returned to Ukraine multiple times participating in local prayer gatherings and national breakfasts in Odesa, Ismail, and Kyiv; and in September 2024, he collaborated with a documentary filmmaking team to shed light on Russia’s targeted attacks against evangelical believers and churches. https://www.faithundersiege.com/home In April 2025 he spent 3 weeks in Ukraine visiting military hospitals and front line soldiers to pray with them. He visited Sumy eight days prior to the Palm Sunday attack and returned the day after to offer support and encouragement. https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/05/ukrainians-mourn-evangelical-family-killed-while-going-to-church/?utm_medium=widgetsocial Ahlgren is a licensed Chaplain in Ukraine with the Christian Rescue Service of the Military Chaplain Corps. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Ukrainian Week, held the first week in February in Washington, D.C., and also serves on the policy committee of the American Coalition for Ukraine, an alliance of over 100 U.S.-based organizations. In the fall of 2024 Ahlgren established the Ukraine Action Plan, a 501(c)(3).

When Ashley lost her daughter Bridget to a miscarriage, it was devestating for her and her husband Matt. Since then, she has been committed to helping other moms who are grieving miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Her story, may help you work through yours. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Gy04W2

Note: Please be aware that this podcast includes descriptions of the horrors of war. Be careful of young ears around you when listening, or put your earbuds in. Mikhail Pavenko has been serving the Ukranian military as a chaplain. Mikhail has been on the front lines of that devastating war, and has seen the horrors and the miracles up close, as he works to point those in the line of fire to Jesus.  Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4kLE0WJ

Making decisions can cause a lot of stress. Little ones like where are we going to eat tonight, or what movie do you want to watch, can be frustrating and irritating. But when there is more at stake, making a decision can cause anxiety. You so badly want to get it right. You don’t want to disappoint those around you, or worse, God. Rather than overthinking things to the point of analysis paralysis, Katie Reid has a new Bible Study called “God, What Do I do?” It’s based on the first five chapters of Judges and it’s written to help you through dilemmas, and hard decisions. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/45Ml5X4